R.I.P. Phil Ramone

[Hamilton Saint]

Phil Ramone, the American record producer and engineer (based in NYC) has died (Mar 30).

 

A few of the many artists he has produced albums for: Burt Bacharach, The Band, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, BB King, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder. Quite the list!

 

He was nominated for 33 Grammys; and he won 14. His first was an engineering Grammy for Getz/Giberto in the mid 60s (his early work was mostly in jazz music). He won his first production Grammy for Paul Simon's Still Crazy After all These Years (1975).

 

The guys behind the scene often get ignored. Superior engineering and production can make a huge difference.