Phil Spector, the music producer responsible for some of the biggest hits in music and the architect of The Wall of Sound died … sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.
We learn that he died of COVID-related complications after being transferred from his prison cell to a hospital. We were told that he was diagnosed 4 weeks ago and went to the hospital, but has recovered well enough to return to prison, where he is serving a 19-year life sentence for the murder of Lana Clarkson.
Our sources say he had a relapse, had trouble breathing and was taken back to the hospital, where he died on 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”, by Teddy Bears.
And then, the floodgates opened. He produced a flurry of hits … from The Righteous Brothers “You Lost That Lovin ‘Feeling”, “Unchained Melody”, “You are my soul and inspiration”, “Be My Baby” by Ronettes, “The Crystals” He is a rebel, “and so on.
Spector had a deep association with the Beatles and produced his final album, “Let It Be”. Among the songs, “The Long and Winding Road”, “Get Back” and the title track. He also produced John Lennonsolo work of “Instant Karma” and “Imagine”.
Phil’s reach was far and wide. He also produced Ike AND Tina Turner“River Deep, Mountain High”.
Phil produced The Ronettes and married the lead singer, Ronnie.
Spector’s Sound Wall was a technique he discovered in a tunnel near Hollywood Blvd. The sound creates a thunderous effect, which Spector called “the Wagnerian approach to rock ‘n’ roll”.
He is credited for developing the “Wall of Sound” technique. The “Wall” approach to production involved overdubbing music scores to make a full sound. The effect created a “roar”, which Spector described as the “Wagnerian approach to rock ‘n’ roll”.
The sound was later imitated by Bruce Springsteen and the Beach Boys.
It was introduced to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
Spector ended up in prison for murdering Lana Clarkson in 2009. He was serving a 19-year sentence.
In March 2013, Al Pacino played Spector in the movie “Phil Spector.“
Spector was 81 years old.
REST IN PEACE