Behind every great recording is a great record producer. These professionals oversee the recording process, helping to get the best out of musicians while also making sure that the sound quality is just right. Record producers may also take on other roles such as helping to write and compose material, promote artists and even discover new talent. Below are a few examples of famous record producers through the ages.
Berry Gordy
Berry Gordy is the founder of the Motown record label. He helped shape the distinctive soul sound of the 60s – assisting with songwriting, musical production and promotion of artists. Some of the artists he helped bring to the mainstream include The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5.
Clive Davis
Clive Davis has helped head multiple record labels – including Columbia and Arista records (which he founded). He famously helped launch the career of Whitney Houston, as well helping Barry Manilow and Patti Smith start their career. Other artists he has managed include Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen and Alicia Keys.
Dr Dre
Producer and rapper Dr Dre is the founder of Death Row Records. He has played a pivotal role in shaping hip hop, helping to produce groundbreaking albums by Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent, while also influencing the production style of many artists since.
Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin is known for his minimalist production style that emphasizes rawness. As co-founder of Def Jam Records, he has helped produce albums for a diverse array of artists in genres such as rock, hip hop and country. This includes artists like Slayer, The Beastie Boys, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Johnny Cash.
Sylvia Robinson
Sometimes referred to as the ‘mother of hip hop’, Sylvia Robinson was co-founder of Sugar Hill Records. She helped produce ‘Rapper’s Delight’ – the first commercially successful hip hop single, which helped introduce the genre to the mainstream.
Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones was the producer behind the world’s highest-selling album, Thriller. Originally a jazz arranger and conductor in the 1950s, Quincy Jones began to branch out into pop in the 1960s, creating hits for the likes of Lesley Gore and eventually working with Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson. He also helped to score numerous movies from the Italian Job to The Color Purple.
George Martin
Sometimes referred to as the ‘fifth Beatle’, George Martin was the record producer behind the Beatles’ sound. His innovative arrangements and production techniques – including multi-tracking and tape manipulation – have helped shape the sound of many recordings in the years since the 60s.
Timbaland
Timbaland helped produce singles for many famous acts of the 00s including Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliot, Jay-Z and Nelly Furtado. His forward-thinking production style blends hip hop, r&b and EDM influences.
Pharrell Williams
On top of being a solo musician and a member of N.E.R.D and The Neptunes, Pharrell Williams has also helped to produce many famous hits for artists ranging from Gwen Stefani to Snoop Dogg. Alongside Timbaland, he was one of the most sought after producers of the 2000s – and continues to produce many singles to this day.
Phil Spector
‘Infamous’ would probably be a better term to describe Phil Spector. In the 00s, he was found guilty of the murder of Lana Clarkson. That said, Phil Spector is arguably one of the most influential record producers of all time – his innovative ‘wall of sound’ production style in the early 60s would inspire many artists including Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, The Beatles and ABBA.
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