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Phil Spector

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For the 2013 film, seePhil Spector(film).

Phil Spector
Spector in 1965
Spector in 1965
Background information
Birth nameHarvey Philip Spector[1]
Also known asHarvey Phillip Spector
Born(1939-12-26)December 26, 1939
New York City, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedJanuary 16, 2021(2021-01-16)(aged 81)
French Camp, California,U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Record producer
  • songwriter
Years active1958–2009
Labels
Formerly of
Spouse(s)
Annette Merar
​
​
(m.1963;div.1966)​
​
​
(m.1968;div.1974)​
Rachelle Short
​
​
(m.2006;div.2018)​
Children5
Websitephilspector

Harvey Phillip Spector(December 26, 1939 – January 16, 2021) was a record producer, songwriter, and convicted murderer best known for his innovative recording practices and entrepreneurship in the 1960s along with histwo trials and conviction for murderin the 2000s. Spector developed theWall of Sound,a production style that is characterized for its diffusion oftone colorsand dense orchestral sound, which he described as a "Wagnerian"approach torock and roll.He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures inpop musichistory[2][3]and one of the most successful producers of the 1960s.[4]

Born inthe Bronx,Spector moved to Los Angeles as a teenager and began his career in 1958, as a founding member ofThe Teddy Bears,for whom he penned, "To Know Him Is to Love Him",a U.S. number-one hit. In 1960, after working as an apprentice toJerry Leiber and Mike Stoller,Spector co-foundedPhilles Records,and at the age of 21, he became the youngest-ever U.S. label owner at the time.[5]Dubbed the "First Tycoon of Teen",[6][7]Spector came to be considered the firstauteurof the music industry, for the unprecedented control he had over every phase of the recording process.[8]He produced acts such asThe Ronettes,The Crystals,andIke & Tina Turner,and typically collaborated with arrangerJack Nitzscheand engineerLarry Levine.The musicians from hisde factohouse band,later known as "The Wrecking Crew",rose to industry fame through his hit records.

In the early 1970s, Spector producedthe Beatles'Let It Beand several solo records byJohn LennonandGeorge Harrison.By the mid-1970s, Spector had produced eighteen U.S. Top 10 singles, for various artists. His chart-toppers includedthe Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'",the Beatles'"The Long and Winding Road",and Harrison's"My Sweet Lord".Spector helped establish the role of thestudio as an instrument,[9]the integration ofpop artaesthetics into music (art pop),[10]and the genres ofart rock[11]anddream pop.[12]His honors include the 1973Grammy Award for Album of the Year,for co-producing Harrison'sConcert for Bangladesh,a 1989 induction into theRock and Roll Hall of Fame,and a 1997 induction into theSongwriters Hall of Fame.[13]In 2004, Spector was ranked number 63 onRolling Stone's list of thegreatest artists in history.[14]

Following one-off productions forLeonard Cohen(Death of a Ladies' Man),Dion DiMucci(Born to Be with You), and theRamones(End of the Century), from the 1980s on, Spector remained largely inactive, amid a lifestyle of seclusion, drug use, and increasingly erratic behavior.[15]In 2009, after two decades in semi-retirement,[16]he was convicted ofthe 2003 murderof actressLana Clarksonand sentenced to 19 years to life in prison, where he died, in 2021.

Biography

[edit]

1939–1959: Background and the Teddy Bears

[edit]

Harvey Philip Spector was born on December 26, 1939.[17][nb 1]He later added a second "l" to his middle name, which he preferred over "Harvey".[19]His parents were Benjamin (1903–1949)[20]and Bertha (1911–1995)[21]Spector, a first-generation immigrantRussian-Jewishfamily inthe Bronx,New York City.[22][23]Bertha had been born in France to Russian migrants George and Clara Spektor, who brought her to America in 1911 aged 9 months,[18]while Benjamin was born as Baruch (later changed to Benjamin) in theRussian Empireto George and Bessie Spektus or Spektres, and brought to America by his parents in 1913 aged 10.[24]Both familiesanglicizedtheir last names to "Spector" on theirnaturalization papers,both of which were witnessed by the same man, Isidore Spector.[18]The similarities in name and background of the grandfathers led Spector to believe that his parents were first cousins. He had a sister named Shirley, who was six years his senior; she died in 2004 inHemet, California,at the age of 70.[25]

Spector'sFairfax High Schoolyearbook photo 1957

In April 1949, Spector's father, who was deeply in debt, died by suicide; on his gravestone were inscribed the words "Ben Spector. Father. Husband. To Know Him Was To Love Him".[26][27]In 1953, Spector's mother moved the family to Los Angeles where she found work as a seamstress.[28]Spector attended John Burroughs Junior High School (now John Burroughs Middle School) on Wilshire Boulevard, then in 1955 attendedFairfax High School.[29]Having learned to play guitar, Spector performed "Rock Island Line"in a talent show at Fairfax High.[30]He joined a loose-knit community of aspiring musicians, includingLou Adler,Bruce Johnston,Steve Douglas,andSandy Nelson.[31]Spector formed a group,the Teddy Bears,with Nelson and three other friends,Marshall Leib,Harvey Goldstein andAnnette Kleinbard.[32][33]

During this period, record producer Stan Ross—co-owner ofGold Star StudiosinHollywood—began to tutor Spector in record production and exerted a major influence on Spector's production style. In 1958, the Teddy Bears recorded the Spector-penned "Don't You Worry My Little Pet",and then signed a two to three singles recording deal withEra Records,with the promise of more if the singles did well.[32][33]

At their next session, they recorded another song Spector had written—this one inspired by theepitaphon Spector's father's tombstone. Released onEra'ssubsidiary label, Dore Records, "To Know Him Is to Love Him"reached number one onBillboardHot 100singles chart on December 1, 1958, selling over a million copies by year's end.[34]Following the success of their debut, the group signed withImperial Records.[35]Their next single, "I Don't Need You Anymore", reached number 91. They released several more recordings, including an album,The Teddy Bears Sing!,but failed to reach the top 100 in US sales. The group disbanded in 1959.[34]

1959–1962: Early production work, Philles Records, and the Crystals

[edit]

While recording the Teddy Bears' album, Spector metLester Sill,a former promotion man who was a mentor toJerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.[36]Sill and his partner,Lee Hazlewoodsupported Spector's next project, the Spectors Three.[citation needed]In 1960, Sill arranged for Spector to work as an apprentice to Leiber and Stoller in New York.[36]Spector co-wrote theBen E. KingTop 10 hit "Spanish Harlem"with Leiber and also worked as a session musician, playing the guitar solo onthe Drifters' song "On Broadway".[37]

Spector's first true recording artist and project as producer was Ronnie Crawford.[38]Spector's production work during this time included releases byLaVern Baker,Ruth Brown,and Billy Storm, as well as the Top Notes' original recording of "Twist and Shout".[39]Leiber and Stoller recommended Spector to produceRay Peterson's "Corrine, Corrina",which reached number 9 in January 1961. Later, he produced another major hit forCurtis Lee,"Pretty Little Angel Eyes", which made it to number 7. Returning to Hollywood, Spector agreed to produce one of Sill's acts. After bothLiberty RecordsandCapitol Recordsturned down the master of "Be My Boy" bythe Paris Sisters,Sill formed a new label,Gregmark Records,withLee Hazlewood,and released it. It reached only number 56, but the follow-up, "I Love How You Love Me",was a hit, reaching number 5.[40]

In late 1961, Spector formed a record company with Sill, who by this time had ended his business partnership with Hazlewood.Philles Recordscombined the first names of its two founders.[41]Through Hill and Range Publishers, Spector found three groups he wanted to produce: the Ducanes, the Creations, andthe Crystals.The first two signed with other companies, but Spector managed to secure the Crystals for his new label. Their first single, "There's No Other (Like My Baby)"was a success, hitting number 20. Their next release," Uptown ", made it to number 13.[42]

Spector continued to work freelance with other artists. In 1962, he produced "Second Hand Love" byConnie Francis,which reached No. 7.[43]Ahmet Ertegunof Atlantic paired Spector with futureBroadwaystarJean DuShonfor "Talk to Me", theB-sideof which was "Tired of Trying", written by DuShon.[citation needed]

1962–1965: Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, the Ronettes, and the Righteous Brothers

[edit]

In 1962, Spector briefly took a job as anA&Rproducer for Liberty Records.[44]It was while working at Liberty that he heard a song written byGene Pitney,for whom he had produced a number 41 hit, "Every Breath I Take", a year earlier. "He's a Rebel"was due to be released on Liberty byVikki Carr,but Spector rushed into Gold Star Studios and recorded a cover version usingDarlene Loveand the Blossoms on lead vocals. The record was released on Philles, attributed to the Crystals, and quickly rose to the top of the charts.

The Ronettes,1966. Spector married frontwomanVeronica Bennett(known as Ronnie, center) in 1968.

By the time "He's a Rebel" went to number 1, Lester Sill was out of the company, and Spector had Philles all to himself. He created a new act,Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans,featuring Darlene Love, Fanita James (a member of the Blossoms), and Bobby Sheen, a singer he had worked with at Liberty. The group had hits with "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah"(number 8),"Why Do Lovers Break Each Other's Heart"(number 38), and"Not Too Young to Get Married"(number 63). Spector also released solo material by Darlene Love in 1963. In the same year, he released"Be My Baby"bythe Ronettes,which went to number 2.

The first time Spector put the same amount of effort into an LP as he did into45swas when he utilized the full Philles roster and the Wrecking Crew to make what he felt would become a hit for the 1963 Christmas season.A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Recordswas released a few days after theassassination of President Kennedyin November 1963.[45]

On September 28, 1963, the Ronettes appeared at theCow Palace,near San Francisco. Also on the bill were theRighteous Brothers.Spector, who was conducting the band for all the acts, was so impressed withBill MedleyandBobby Hatfieldthat he bought their contract fromMoonglow Recordsand signed them to Philles. In early 1965, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'"became the label's second number 1 single. Three more major hits with the duo followed:"Just Once in My Life"(number 9),"Unchained Melody"(number 4, originally the B-side of" Hung on You "), and"Ebb Tide"(number 5). Despite having hits, he lost interest in producing the Righteous Brothers and sold their contract and all their master recordings toVerve Records.However, the sound of the Righteous Brothers' singles was so distinctive that the act chose to replicate it after leaving Spector, notching a second number 1 hit in 1966 with theBill Medley–produced "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration".[46]

Spector, 1965

During this period, Spector formed another subsidiary label,Phi-Dan Records,partly created to keeppromoterDanny Davis occupied. The label released singles by artists includingBetty Willis,the Lovelites,andthe Ikettes.None of the recordings on Phi-Dan were produced by Spector.[47]

The recording of "Unchained Melody",credited on some releases as a Spector production although Medley has consistently said he produced it originally as an album track,[48]had a second wave of popularity 25 years after its initial release, when it was featured prominently in the 1990 hit movieGhost.A re-release of the single re-charted on theBillboardHot 100,and went to number one on theAdult Contemporary charts.This also put Spector back on the U.S. Top 40 charts for the first time since his last appearance in 1971 withJohn Lennon's "Imagine",though he did have UK top 40 hits in the interim with theRamones.[49]

1966–1969: Ike & Tina Turner and hiatus

[edit]
Spector withModern Folk Quartet,for whom he produced "This Could Be the Night"in 1966

Spector's final signing to Philles was the husband-and-wife team ofIke & Tina Turnerin April 1966.[50][51]Spector considered their single "River Deep – Mountain High"his best work,[52]but it failed to reach any higher than number 88 in the United States. The record, which actually featuredTina TurnerwithoutIke Turner,was successful in Britain, reaching number 3.

Spector released another single by Ike & Tina Turner, "I'll Never Need More Than This",while negotiating a deal to move Philles toA&M Recordsin 1967.[53]The deal did not materialize,[54]and Spector subsequently lost enthusiasm for his label and the recording industry. Already something of arecluse,he withdrew temporarily from the public eye, marryingVeronica "Ronnie" Bennett,lead singer of the Ronettes, in 1968. Spector emerged briefly for a cameo as himself in an episode ofI Dream of Jeannie(1967) and as a drug dealer in the filmEasy Rider(1969).[55]

In 1969, Spector made a brief return to the music business by signing a production deal withA&M Records.A Ronettes single, "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered" flopped, but Spector returned to the Hot 100 with "Black Pearl",bySonny Charlesand theCheckmates, Ltd.,which reached number 13.[56]

1970–1973: Comeback and Beatles collaborations

[edit]

In early 1970,Allen Klein,the new manager ofthe Beatles,brought Spector to England.[57]After impressing with his production ofJohn Lennon's solo single "Instant Karma!",which went to number 3,[58]Spector was invited by Lennon andGeorge Harrisonto take on the task of turning the Beatles' abandonedLet It Berecording sessions into a usable album.[59]He went to work using many of his production techniques, making significant changes to the arrangements and sound of some songs.[60]Released a month after the Beatles' break-up, the album topped the U.S. and UK charts. It also yielded the number 1 U.S. single "The Long and Winding Road".[61]Spector's overdubbing of "The Long and Winding Road" infuriated its composer,Paul McCartney.[60]In addition to McCartney, several music critics also criticized Spector's work onLet It Be.Spector claimed this was partly due to resentment that an American producer appeared to be "taking over" such a popular English band.[61]Lennon defended Spector, tellingJann WennerofRolling Stone:"he was given the shittiest load of badly recorded shit, with a lousy feeling toward it, ever. And he made something out of it. He did a great job."[62]

Trade ad forGeorge Harrison's "What Is Life"single

For Harrison's multiplatinum albumAll Things Must Pass(number 1, 1970), Spector helped provide a symphonic ambience,[63]although his health issues meant that after recording the basic tracks, he was absent from the project until the mi xing stage.[64]Rolling Stone's reviewer lauded the album's sound, calling it "Wagnerian,Brucknerian,the music of mountain tops and vast horizons ".[65]The triple LP yielded two major hits:[66]"My Sweet Lord"(number 1) and"What Is Life"(number 10). That same year, Spector co-produced Lennon'sPlastic Ono Band(number 6), a stark-sounding album devoid of any Wall of Sound extravagance.[67]Through Harrison, he also produced the debut single byDerek and the Dominos,"Tell the Truth",but the band disliked the sound and had the record withdrawn.[68]

Spector was made head of A&R forApple Records.[67]He held the post for only a year, during which he co-produced Lennon's 1971 single "Power to the People"(number 11) and his chart-topping albumImagine.The album'stitle trackhit number 3. With Harrison, Spector co-produced Harrison's "Bangla Desh"(number 23)—rock's firstcharity single[69]—and wife Ronnie Spector's "Try Some, Buy Some"(number 77).[70]The latter was recorded for Ronnie's intended solo album on Apple Records, a project that stalled due to the same erratic, alcohol-fueled behavior from Spector that had hindered work onAll Things Must Pass.[70][71]Spector was convinced that the Harrison-written single would be a major hit,[72]and its poor commercial performance was one of the biggest disappointments of his career.[73][nb 2]

1971Billboardad forJohn Lennon's albumImagine

That same year Spector oversaw the live recording of the Harrison-organizedConcert for Bangladeshshows in New York City, which resulted in the number 1 triple albumThe Concert for Bangladesh.[76]The album won the "Album of the Year" award at the 1973Grammys.Despite being recorded live, Spector used up to 44 microphones simultaneously to create his trademark Wall of Sound.[77][78]Following Harrison's death in 2001, Spector said that the most creative period of his career was when he worked with Lennon and Harrison in the early 1970s, and he believed that this was true of Lennon and Harrison also, despite their achievements with the Beatles.[79]

Lennon retained Spector for the 1971 Christmas single "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"and the poorly reviewed 1972 albumSome Time in New York City(number 48), both collaborations withYoko Ono.In late 1972, Apple reissued Spector'sA Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records(asPhil Spector's Christmas Album),[70]bringing the recordings the commercial success and critical recognition that had originally eluded the 1963 release.[80]Lennon and Ono's "Happy Xmas" single similarly stalled in sales upon its initial release, but later became a fixture on radio station playlists around Christmas.[81]

Harrison and Spector started work on Harrison'sLiving in the Material Worldalbum in October 1972, but Spector's unreliability soon led to Harrison dismissing him from the project.[82]Harrison recalled having to climb down into Spector's central London hotel room from the roof to get him to attend the sessions, and that his co-producer would then need "eighteen cherry brandies before he could get himself down to the studio".[83][nb 3]

In late 1973, Spector produced the initial recording sessions for what became Lennon's 1975 covers albumRock 'n' Roll(number 6).[84]The sessions were held in Los Angeles, with Lennon allowing Spector free rein as producer for the first time,[85]but were characterized by substance abuse and chaotic arrangements.[86]Amid the party atmosphere, Spector brandished his handguns and at one point fired a shot while Lennon was recording.[87][nb 4]In December, Lennon and Spector abandoned the collaboration.[89]Since the studio time had been booked by his production company, Spector withheld the tapes until June the following year, when Lennon reimbursed him throughCapitol Records.[88]

1974–1980: Near-fatal accident, Warner-Spector Records, Leonard Cohen, and the Ramones

[edit]

As the 1970s progressed, Spector became increasingly reclusive. The most probable and significant reason for his withdrawal, according to biographerDave Thompson,was that in 1974 he was seriously injured when he was thrown through the windshield of his car in a crash inHollywood.[90]Spector was almost killed, and it was only because the attending police officer detected a faint pulse that Spector was not declared dead at the scene. He was admitted to theUCLA Medical Centeron the night of March 31, suffering serious head injuries that required several hours of surgery, with over 300 stitches to his face and more than 400 to the back of his head.[91]His head injuries, Thompson suggests, were the reason that Spector began his habit of wearing outlandishwigsin later years.[92]

He established theWarner-Spectorlabel withWarner Bros. Records,which undertook new Spector-produced recordings withCher,Darlene Love, Danny Potter, and Jerri Bo Keno, in addition to several reissues. A similar relationship with Britain'sPolydor Recordsled to the formation of the Phil Spector International label in 1975. When the Cher and Keno singles (the latter's recordings were only issued in Germany) foundered on the charts, Spector releasedDion DiMucci'sBorn to Be with Youto little commercial fanfare in 1975; largely produced and recorded by Spector in 1974, it was subsequently disowned by the singer. In the 1990s and 2000s, the album enjoyed a resurgence among theindie rockcognoscenti.[93]The majority of Spector's classic Philles recordings had been out of print in the U.S. since the original label's demise, although Spector had released several Philles Records compilations in Britain. Finally, he released an American compilation of his Philles recordings in 1977, which put most of the better-known Spector hits back into circulation after many years.[citation needed]

Spector began to reemerge later in the decade, producing and co-writing a controversial 1977 album byLeonard Cohen,titledDeath of a Ladies' Man.This angered many devout Cohen fans who preferred his stark acoustic sound to the orchestral and choral wall of sound that the album contains. The recording was fraught with difficulty. After Cohen had laid down practice vocal tracks, Spector mixed the album in studio sessions, rather than allowing Cohen to take a role in the mi xing, as Cohen had previously done.[91]Cohen remarked that the result is "grotesque", but also "semi-virtuous" —for many years, he included a reworked version of the track "Memories" in live concerts.Bob DylanandAllen Ginsbergalso participated in the background vocals on "Don't Go Home with Your Hard-On".[94]

Ramonesin 1977

Spector also produced the much-publicizedRamonesalbumEnd of the Centuryin 1979. As with his work with Leonard Cohen,End of the Centuryreceived criticism from Ramones fans who were angered over its radio-friendly sound. However, it contains some of the best known and most successful Ramones singles, such as "Rock 'n' Roll High School","Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?",and their cover of a previously released Spector song for the Ronettes,"Baby, I Love You".[citation needed][nb 5]GuitaristJohnny Ramonelater commented on working with Spector on the recording of the album, "It really worked when he got to a slower song like"Danny Says"—the production really worked tremendously. For the harder stuff, it didn't work as well."[95]

Rumors circulated for years that Spector had threatened members of the Ramones with a gun during the sessions.Dee Dee Ramoneclaimed that Spector once pulled a gun on him when he tried to leave a session.[96]DrummerMarky Ramonerecalled in 2008, "They [guns] were there but he had a license to carry. He never held us hostage. We could have left at any time."[97][98]

1981–2003: Inactivity

[edit]
Spector in 2000

Spector remained inactive throughout most of the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. In early 1981, shortly after the death of John Lennon, he temporarily re-emerged to co-produceYoko Ono'sSeason of Glass.[99]

In 1989, Tina Turner inducted Spector into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer.[100]Rolling Stonereported, "Spector hit the stage bopping madly to the strains of the Ronettes'" Be My Baby ", flanked by three beefy bodyguards who practically elbowed Tina out of the way. He mumbled a few incoherent words aboutGeorge H. W. Bushand thepresidential inauguration,and then his bodyguards carried him away again. "[101]He was inducted into theSongwriters Hall of Famein 1997 and he received theGrammy Trustees Awardin 2000.[13][102]

In 1994, Spector wrote a letter to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's nominating committee to opposethe Ronettesbeing considered for induction. He argued that the group was not a proper recording act and did not contribute enough to music to merit an induction.[103]The Ronettes were eventually inducted into the Hall, but not until 2007.[103]

He attempted to work withCéline Dionon her albumFalling into Youbut fell out with her production team.[104]His last released project wasSilence Is EasybyStarsailor,in 2003. He was originally supposed to produce the entire album, but was fired owing to personal and creative differences. One of the two Spector-produced songs on the album,the title track,was a UK top 10 single (the other single being "White Dove" ).[105]

2003–2021: Clarkson murder and imprisonment

[edit]
Main article:Murder of Lana Clarkson

On February 3, 2003, Spector shot actressLana Clarksonin the mouth while in his mansion (the Pyrenees Castle) inAlhambra, California.Her body was found slumped in a chair with a single gunshot wound to her mouth.[106]Spector toldEsquirein July 2003 that Clarkson's death was an "accidental suicide" and that she "kissed the gun".[107]The emergency call from Spector's home, made by Spector's driver, Adriano de Souza, quotes Spector as saying, "I think I killed somebody."[107]De Souza added that he saw Spector come out of the back door of the house with a gun in his hand.[107]

Spector remained free on $1 million bail while awaiting trial.[108]In the meantime, Spector produced singer-songwriter Hargo Khalsa's track (known professionally as Hargo) "Crying for John Lennon", which originally appears on Hargo's 2006 albumIn Your Eyes.[109]On a visit to Spector's mansion for an interview for the Lennon tribute filmStrawberry Fields,Hargo played Spector the song and asked him to produce it.[110]

On March 19, 2007, Spector's murder trial began. Presiding Judge Larry Paul Fidler allowed the proceedings in Los AngelesSuperior Courtto be televised.[108]On September 26, Fidler declared amistrialbecause of ahung jury(ten to two for conviction).[111][112]

Released in December 2007, the song "B Boy Baby"byMutya BuenaandAmy Winehousefeatured melodic and lyrical passages heavily influenced by "Be My Baby". As a result, Spector was given a songwriting credit on the single. The sections from "Be My Baby" were sung by Winehouse, not sampled from the mono single.[113]Winehouse referenced her admiration of Spector's work and often performed Spector's first hit song, "To Know Him Is to Love Him".[114]That same month, Spector attended the funeral ofIke Turner.In his eulogy, Spector criticized Tina Turner's autobiography—and its subsequent promotion byOprah Winfrey—as a "badly written" book that "demonized and vilified Ike". Spector commented that "Ike made Tina the jewel she was. When I went to see Ike play at the Cinegrill in the '90s... there were at least five Tina Turners on the stage performing that night, and any one of them could have been the real Tina Turner."[115]

In mid-April 2008,BBC Twobroadcast a special titledPhil Spector: The Agony and the Ecstasy,byVikram Jayanti.It consists of Spector's first screen interview—breaking a long period of media silence. During the conversation, images from the murder court case are juxtaposed with live appearances of his tracks on television programs from the 1960s and 1970s, along with subtitles giving critical interpretations of some of his song production values. While he does not directly try to clear his name, the court case proceedings shown try to give further explanation of the facts surrounding the murder charges leveled against him. He also speaks about the musical instincts that led him to create some of his most enduring hit records, from "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" to "River Deep, Mountain High", as well asLet It Be,along with criticisms he feels he has had to deal with throughout his life.[116]

2009mug shot
Wikinews has related news:

The retrial of Spector formurder in the second degreebegan on October 20, 2008,[117]with Judge Fidler again presiding; the retrial was not televised. Spector was once again represented by attorney Jennifer Lee Barringer.[118]The case went to the jury on March 26, 2009, and 18 days later, on April 13, the jury returned a guilty verdict.[119][120]Additionally, Spector was found guilty of using a firearm in the commission of a crime, which added four years to the sentence.[121]He was immediately taken into custody and, on May 29, 2009, was sentenced to 19 years to life in theCalifornia state prison system.[122][123][124][125]Various attempted appeals were unsuccessful, in 2011, 2012, and 2016.[126][127][128]

Musicianship

[edit]
See also:Wall of Sound

Spector's early musical influences includedLatin musicin general, andLatin percussionin particular.[129]This is perceptible in many if not all of Spector's recordings, from the percussion in many of his hit songs: shakers, güiros (gourds), andmaracasin "Be My Baby" and theson montunoin "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (heard clearly in the song's bridge, played by session bassistCarol Kaye,while the same repeating refrain is played on harpsichord byLarry Knechtel).

Spector's trademark during his recording career was the so-calledWall of Sound,a production technique yielding a dense, layered effect that reproduced well onAM radioandjukeboxes.To attain this signature sound, Spector gathered large groups of musicians (playing some instruments not generally used for ensemble playing, such aselectricandacoustic guitars) playing orchestrated parts—often doubling and tripling many instruments playing inunison—for a fuller sound. Spector himself called his technique "aWagnerianapproach to rock & roll: little symphonies for the kids ".[130]

Spector directed the overall sound of his recordings, using a core group that became known asthe Wrecking Crew,including session players such asHal Blaine,Larry Knechtel,Steve Douglas,Carol Kaye,Roy Caton,Glen Campbell,andLeon Russell.He delegated arrangements toJack Nitzscheand hadSonny Bonooversee the performances, viewing these two as his "lieutenants".[131]Spector frequently used songs from songwriters employed at theBrill Building(Trio Music) and at 1650 Broadway (Aldon Music), such as the teams ofEllie GreenwichandJeff Barry,Barry MannandCynthia Weil,andGerry GoffinandCarole King.He often worked with the songwriters, receiving co-credit and publishing royalties for compositions.[132]

Despite the trend towards multichannel recording, Spector was vehemently opposed tostereoreleases, saying that it took control of the record's sound away from the producer in favor of the listener.[133]Sometimes a pair of strings or horns would be double-tracked multiple times to sound like an entire string or horn section. But in the final product the background sometimes could not be distinguished as either horns or strings. Spector also greatly preferred singles to albums, describingLPsas "two hits and ten pieces of junk", reflecting both his commercial methods and those of many other producers at the time.[134][better source needed]

Legacy and influence

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According to guitaristStevie Van Zandtof theE Street Band,Spector was a "genius irredeemably conflicted". On Twitter, he wrote: "[Spector] was the ultimate example of the art always being better than the artist... [He] made some of the greatest records in history based on the salvation of love while remaining incapable of giving or receiving love his whole life."[135]

Spector is often called the firstauteuramong musical artists[9][136]for acting not only as a producer, but also the creative director, writing or choosing the material, supervising the arrangements, conducting the vocalists andsession musicians,and masterminding all phases of the recording process.[8]He helped pave the way forart rock,[11]and helped inspire the emergence of aesthetically oriented genres such asshoegaze[9]andnoise music.[137]PopMatterseditor John Bergstrom credits the start ofdream popto Spector's collaboration with George Harrison onAll Things Must Pass.[138]

His influence has been claimed by performers such asthe Beatles,the Beach Boys,[139]andthe Velvet Underground[140]alongside latter-day record producers such asBrian EnoandTony Visconti.[141][142]Alternative rockperformersCocteau Twins,[143]My Bloody Valentine,[139]andthe Jesus and Mary Chain[139]have all cited Spector as an influence.Shoegaze,a British musical movement in the late 1980s to mid-1990s, was heavily influenced by the Wall of Sound.Jason PierceofSpiritualizedhas cited Spector as a major influence on hisLet It Come Downalbum.[citation needed]Bobby GillespieofPrimal Screamandthe Jesus and Mary Chainhas enthused about Spector, with the song "Just Like Honey"opening with an homage of the famous" Be My Baby "drum intro.[144]

Many have tried to emulate Spector's methods, andBrian Wilsonof the Beach Boys—a fellow adherent of mono recording—considered Spector his main competition as a studio artist. In the 1960s, Wilson thought of Spector as "the single most influential producer. He's timeless. He makes a milestone whenever he goes into the studio."[145]Wilson's fascination with Spector's work has persisted for decades, with many different references to Spector and his work scattered around Wilson's songs with the Beach Boys and even his solo career. Of Spector-related productions, Wilson has been involved with covers of "Be My Baby","Chapel of Love","Just Once in My Life","There's No Other (Like My Baby)","Then He Kissed Me","Talk to Me","Why Don't They Let Us Fall in Love","You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'","Da Doo Ron Ron","I Can Hear Music",and" This Could Be the Night ".[146]

Johnny Franz's mid-1960s productions forDusty Springfieldandthe Walker Brothersalso employed a layered, symphonic "Wall of Sound" arrangement-and-recording style, heavily influenced by the Spector sound.[147]Another example is the Forum, a studio project ofLes Baxter,which produced a minor hit in 1967 with "The River Is Wide".Sonny Bono,a former associate of Spector's, developed a jangly, guitar-laden variation on the Spector sound, which is heard mainly in mid-1960s productions for his then-wifeCher,notably "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)".

Bruce Springsteenemulated the Wall of Sound technique in his recording of "Born to Run".[11]In 1973, the British bandWizzard,led byRoy Wood,had three Spector-influenced hits with "See My Baby Jive","Angel Fingers (A Teen Ballad)",and"I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday",the latter becoming a perennial Christmas hit.[11]Other contemporaries influenced by Spector includeGeorge Morton,Sonny & Cher,the Rolling Stones,the Four Tops,Mark Wirtz,the Lovin' Spoonful,andthe Beatles.[148]Swedish pop groupABBAcited Spector as an influence, and used similar Wall of Sound techniques in their early songs, including "Ring Ring","Waterloo",and"Dancing Queen".[149]The Los Angeles-basednew wavebandWall of Voodootakes their name from Spector's Wall of Sound.[150]Spector's influence is also felt in other areas of the world, especially Japan.City popmusicianEiichi Ohtakihas been influenced by Spector and the Wall of Sound.[151][152]

Personal life

[edit]

Relationships and children

[edit]

Spector's first marriage was in 1963 to Annette Merar, lead vocalist of the Spectors Three, a 1960s pop trio formed and produced by Spector. He named a record company after Merar, Annette Records.[153]Spector and Merar divorced in 1966.[154]While still married to Merar, he began having an affair with Ronnie Bennett, later known asRonnie Spector.[155]Bennett was the lead singer of the girl groupthe Ronettes(another group Spector managed and produced). They married in 1968 and adopted a son, Donté Phillip Spector.[156]As a Christmas present, Spector surprised her by adopting twins Louis Phillip Spector and Gary Phillip Spector.[156][157]

In her 1990 memoir,Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts And Madness,Bennett alleged that Spector had imprisoned her in his California mansion and subjected her to years of psychological torment. According to Bennett, Spector sabotaged her career by forbidding her to perform. She escaped from the mansion barefoot with the help of her mother in 1972.[157][158]In their 1974 divorce settlement, she forfeited all future record earnings and surrendered custody of their children. She alleged that this was because Spector threatened to hire ahitmanto kill her.[159]

Spector's sons Gary and Donté both stated that their father "kept them captive" as children, and that they were "forced to perform simulated intercourse" with his girlfriend. According to Gary, "I was blindfolded and sexually molested. Dad would say, 'You're going to meet someone,' and it would be a 'learning experience'."[160][161]Donté described himself as coming "from a very sick, twisted, dysfunctional family".[160]

In 1982, Spector had twin children with his girlfriend Janis Zavala: Nicole Audrey Spector and Phillip Spector Jr. Phillip Jr. died ofleukemiain 1991.[156][162]On September 1, 2006, while on bail and awaiting trial, Spector married his third wife Rachelle Short, who was 26 at the time (Spector was 67). Spector filed for divorce in April 2016, claimingirreconcilable differences.[163]They divorced in 2018.[164]

Health, illness, and death

[edit]
2014 mug shot

Spector testified in a 2005 court deposition that he had been treated forbipolar disorder( "manic depression" ) for eight years, saying, "No sleep, depression, mood changes, mood swings, hard to live with, hard to concentrate, just hard—a hard time getting through life, I've been called a genius and I think a genius is not there all the time and has borderline insanity."[165]

In the first criminal trial for the Clarkson murder, defense expert andforensic pathologistVincent Di Maiosaid that Spector might be suffering fromParkinson's diseasestating, "Look at Mr. Spector. He has Parkinson's features. He trembles."[166]

California Department of Corrections photos from 2013 (released in September 2014) show evidence of a progressive deterioration in Spector's health, according to observers.[167][168]He had been an inmate at theCalifornia Health Care Facility(a prison hospital) inStocktonsince October 2013.[169]In September 2014, it was reported that Spector had lost his ability to speak, owing tolaryngeal papillomatosis.[169][170]

He was taken toSan Joaquin General HospitalinFrench Camp, California,on December 31, 2020, andintubatedin January 2021.[171]Spector died in an outside hospital on January 16 at the age of 81, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.[172][173][174][175]Spector's daughter Nicole attributed her father's death to complications ofCOVID-19,with which he was diagnosed in December 2020.[171]He would have been eligible for parole in 2024.[123]

Some media outlets that reported on Spector's death were subject to controversy for reportedly downplaying his murder conviction. Examples given were the obituaries inThe New York TimesandRolling Stone,which originally stated, respectively, that Spector's legacy "was marred by a murder conviction" and that his "life was upended" after being sentenced. These obituaries were revised following a social media backlash.[2]

[edit]
  • I Dream of Jeannie(1967, "Jeannie, the Hip Hippie" – season 3, episode 6): Phil Spector made a cameo as himself. Jeannie decides she wants to be a pop star and enlists Spector for help. Though referred to by the characters throughout the episode as "Phil Spector", the credit roll lists "Phil Spector as 'Steve Davis'".[176]
  • Beyond the Valley of the Dolls(1970): The character of Ronnie "Z-Man" Barzell is based upon Spector, though neitherRuss Meyernor screenwriterRoger Eberthad met him.[177]
  • Phantom of the Paradise(1974): The villainous character Swan (played byPaul Williams) was supposedly inspired by Spector. A music producer and head of a record label, Swan was named "Spectre" in original drafts of the film's screenplay.[178]
  • What's Love Got to Do with It(1993): Spector is portrayed by Rob LaBelle.[179]
  • Grace of My Heart(1996): The film contains many characters based upon 1960s musicians, writers and producers including the character Joel Milner played byJohn Turturro(based on Spector).[180]
  • In thedocudramaAnd the Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story,Phil Spector is portrayed by Christian Leffler.
  • Metalocalypse(2006–2013): The character Dick Knubbler is a parody of Spector, based on profession, appearance and record of assault.[181]
  • A Reasonable Man(2009): Harv Stevens is reportedly based on Spector. The film examines his relationship with John Lennon.[182]
  • Phil Spector(2013): Spector is portrayed byAl Pacino.[183]
  • Love & Mercy(2014): Spector is portrayed byJonathan Slavin.However, his scene was cut from the theatrical release.[184]
  • The song "Christmas Kids" byROARreferences Spector's relationship with Ronnie Spector, the two also appear on the cover of the EP.

Discography

[edit]
Main article:Phil Spector discography
See also:Philles Records

Awards

[edit]

Spector is one of a handful of producers to have number one records in three consecutive decades (1950s, 1960s and 1970s). Others in this group includeQuincy Jones(1960s, 1970s, and 1980s),George Martin(1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s),Michael Omartian(1970s, 1980s and 1990s),Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis(1980s, 1990s, and 2000s), andMax Martin(1990s, 2000, 2010s, and 2020s).[185][186]

Awards and nominations

Year Nominee / work Award Result
1972 George Harrison"My Sweet Lord" Grammy Award for Record of the Year[102] Nominated
1972 George HarrisonAll Things Must Pass Grammy Award for Album of the Year[102] Nominated
1973 George Harrison & FriendsThe Concert for Bangladesh Grammy Award for Album of the Year[187] Won
1989 Phil Spector Rock and Roll Hall of Fame[100] Inducted
1997 Phil Spector Songwriter's Hall of Fame[13] Inducted
2000 Phil Spector Grammy Trustees Award[102] Won

Rankings

Publication Country Accolade Year Rank Ref
Rolling Stone US Greatest Artists of All Time 2004, updated 2011 64 [188]
The Washington Times US Greatest Record Producers of All Time 2008 2 [189]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^Some sources erroneously cite 1940 as his year of birth.[18]
  2. ^Spector also co-produced, with Lennon andYoko Ono,the Elastic Oz Band's "God Save Us",[74]a single protesting the jailing ofOzmagazine's editors on obscenity charges.[75]
  3. ^In the same 1987 interview, Harrison said Spector's problems with alcohol and his frequent hospitalisation typified their collaborations from 1970 onward. He nevertheless described the producer as "brilliant... one of thegreatest",adding," he should be out there doing stuff right now—but not with me! "[83]
  4. ^When asked about reports that Spector had fired his gun into the ceiling, Lennon said: "I don't like to tell tales out of school... But I do know there was an awful loud noise in the toilet of the Record Plant West."[88]
  5. ^The band still name-checked Spector in the song "It's Not My Place (in the 9 to 5 World)" on their next album,Pleasant Dreams.[citation needed]

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[edit]
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Bibliography

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