Phil Spector, the music producer responsible for some of the biggest hits in music, and the architect of The Wall of Sound has passed away … sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.
We are told that he died of COVID-related complications after being transferred from his prison to a hospital. We are told that he was diagnosed 4 weeks ago and that he is in the hospital, but that he is well enough to return to prison, where he is serving a life sentence of 19 years for the murder of Lana Clarkson.
According to our sources, he relapsed, struggled to breathe and was rushed to hospital, where he died Saturday.
Spector started his career early … when he was still in high school, he produced his first big hit, “To Know Him is To Love Him”, from the Teddy Bears.
And then the lock opened. He produced a spate of hits … from The Royalty Brothers ‘You Lost that Lovin’ Feeling ‘,’ Unchained Melody ‘,’ You’re My Soul and Inspiration ‘,’ The Ronettes ” Be My Baby, ‘The Crystals’ “He’s a rebel,” and on and on.
Spector had a deep association with The Beatles and produced their latest album ‘Let It Be’. Among the songs, ‘The Long and Winding Road’, ‘Get Back’, and the title track. He also produced John Lennon‘s solo work, including “Instant Karma” and “Imagine.”
Phil’s range was wide. He also produced Ike & Tina Turnersee “River Deep, Mountain High.”
Phil produced The Ronettes and then married the lead singer, Ronnie.
Spector’s Wall of Sound was a technique he discovered in a tunnel near Hollywood Blvd. The sound that creates a roaring effect, which Spector calls the “Wagnerian approach to rock ‘n’ roll”.
He is attributed to the development of the “Wall of Sound” technique. The “Wall” approach to production involves a process of doubling the number of musicians to make a complete sound. The effect caused a “roar”, which Spector described as the “Wagnerian approach to rock ‘n’ roll.”
The sound was later mimicked by Bruce Springsteen and the Beach Boys.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
Spector ends up in jail in 2009 for the murder of Lana Clarkson. He is serving 19 years in prison.
In March 2013, Al Pacino has Spector in the movie “Phil Spector.“
Spector was 81.
TEAR