Phil Spector was 81.
Music producer Phil Spector has died, reportedly from coronavirus related problems, whilst serving a prison sentence at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
One of the leading figures in the sixties pop revolution, Spector’s Wall Of Sound production put his signature stamp on several of that decade’s best hits, leading to later collaborations with The Beatles and the Ramones among others.
But it’s his life outside the recording studio for which Spector will be remembered, a long list of abusive behavior which eventually culminated in his 2009 conviction for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson.
Ronnie Spector, whom he married in 1968, has left this message on social media:
“It’s a sad day for music and a sad day for me. As I said many times while he was alive, he was a brilliant producer, but a lousy husband.
“Unfortunately Phil was not able to live and function outside of the recording studio. Darkness set in, many lives were damaged. I still smile whenever I hear the music we made together, and always will. The music will be forever.”
View this post on Instagram