Pharrell's earliest memories of playing with toys were with Lego sets, which he found magical for their ability to spark imagination. He wanted his children to understand his story through a medium they could relate to, making Lego the perfect choice.
Pharrell had high standards for storytelling and didn't think his story would be compelling enough. As a performer, he also felt self-conscious about being the subject of a film.
Pharrell explains that synesthesia occurs when nerve endings that should have pruned stay connected, sending ghost images and information to different parts of the brain, resulting in hearing colors or seeing sounds.
Pharrell was overwhelmed by the personal stories people shared about how 'Happy' helped them through difficult times, revealing the widespread pain that many people experience.
Snoop Dogg credited Pharrell with allowing the public to see the smile in him, suggesting that the song helped shift his image from a hard West Coast rapper to a more approachable figure.
Pharrell learned studio etiquette and the importance of respecting the creative process of others. He also received hard lessons about not interfering with established artists' work.
Pharrell felt a profound connection to his ancestors and a newfound sense of grounding and confidence. He realized the importance of knowing one's lineage for a solid sense of identity.
The animated film Piece By Piece traces Pharrell Williams' early life as a boy growing up in Virginia Beach and follows his trajectory to a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer and producer. He spoke with Tonya Mosley about his synesthesia, the song Prince rejected, and disliking his own voice. Subscribe) to Fresh Air's weekly newsletter and get highlights from the show, gems from the archive, and staff recommendations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)