(Newswire.net — January 2, 2021) —
Today’s most prominent music producers create timeless tracks that never seem to get old. You may not recognize them by name, but one glance at their discography will tell all – these are prolific creators with a wide range of abilities and plenty of staying power.
Here are some of the best-known music producers of all time.
Linda Perry
As the songwriter and leader of the rock band 4 Non Blondes, Perry made a name for herself as a musician in the 90s. She then founded two recording companies, producing dozens of hit songs with some of the world’s top artists. Perry has assisted Adele, Alicia Keys, and James Blunt in the studio, among many others.
Prince
This late pop music icon is still a household name (or symbol, depending on who you ask). He could play nearly any instrument with ease, create spectacles on stage, and work his magic in the studio as well. Prince will always be remembered as one of a kind.
Berry Gordy
Synonymous with the Motown genre, Gordy wrote many hits from this classic era of R&B. He was also an excellent producer and responsible for the rapid rise of music in the Motor City as early as the 1950s. He is one of the few non-performers to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Phil Spector
Spector was well-known for inventing the Wall of Sound, which revolutionized recording techniques in the 20th century. His technical prowess was matched by his eye for talent and keen musical sensibilities. Spector produced numerous popular songs and albums, bringing many young artists into the spotlight.
George Martin
Lovingly known as the “Fifth Beatle,” Martin facilitated the timeless albums of the Fab Four we enjoy to this day. He helped those young talented artists to express themselves by offering top-notch production and creative license. He also played various instruments in a pinch, specializing in oboe and keys.
Nile Rodgers
A true legend of funk and disco, Rodgers has produced and written hugely successful records spanning many genres. He formed multiple bands in the 70s before hopping around as a touring musician and finding his unique in-studio sound. His energetic persona and love of dance got an entire generation on the dancefloor. Rodgers collaborated with heavy hitters like Diana Ross, Madonna, and David Bowie.
Sam Phillips
Phillips founded the legendary Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, where he brought to life the songs of Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and others. He played an extremely crucial role in advocating racial equality in the world of popular music.
Joe Meek
Beginning his career by producing pop music singles for The Tornados, Meek then moved into the unexplored territory of space-age sound. His music was met with mixed reviews at the time, but we now credit Meek with pioneering a brand new approach to studio sound with elements like overdubbing and sampling.
Jerry Wexler
Wexler produced songs for Ray Charles, Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, Bob Dylan, Dusty Springfield, including many others. Some say he single handedly brought R&B to the mainstream and changed the trajectory for 20th-century pop music.
Baby Face
Born Kenneth Edmonds, this songwriter, music producer, and singer was given his youthful name by Bootsy Collins while on tour in the 70s. He is well-known for producing and writing more than 26 top R&B hits, earning 11 Grammy Awards in the process. He has worked with artists like Beyoncé, Whitney, Pink, Michael Jackson, and Mariah Carey.
Robert John “Mutt” Lange
Hailing from South Africa, Lange engineered the “multitrack recording” technique ubiquitous in modern studio production. He has produced albums for Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, and many others. He has several Grammys under his belt and remains active today.
Conclusion
The records we love would never see daylight without legendary producers behind the panels. Today, creative production and music management go hand in hand, with innovators like Mark Gillespie and Three Six Zero representing the pinnacle of crossover success across many disciplines.