KEY POINTS
- Music producer Phil Spector has died at the age of 81
- Spector was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19
- He was serving a 19-year prison sentence before his demise
Phil Spector, known for transforming the industry with his “wall of sound” recordings, has died while serving a prison sentence for murder. He was 81.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed his death by issuing a statement on its official website. The statement indicated that Spector was “pronounced deceased” of natural causes on Jan. 16, 2021. The official cause of death has not yet been revealed.
“California Health Care Facility inmate Phillip Spector, 80, was pronounced deceased of natural causes at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at an outside hospital. His official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner in the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, TMZ reports that the music produced died due to COVID-19 complications. Sources told the media outlet that Spector contracted the deadly disease four weeks ago and was admitted to a hospital where he received treatment. The publication also suggested that the producer relapsed after returning to prison and was rushed to the hospital once again.
Mourning his death, Spector’s former wife Ronnie told Los Angeles Times that the musician’s death is a “sad day for music.” “The magical music we were able to make together was inspired by our love. I loved him madly and gave my heart and soul to him,” Ronnie added.
Spector was considered to be one of the greatest music producers of all time and started his professional career in 1958 when he and his three friends formed a band known as The Teddy Bears. The group achieved a lot of success and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the song “To Know Him Is To Love Him.”
After releasing many tracks, the group disbanded in 1959. Spector founded his record label, Philles, in 1961. The producer has worked with many iconic musicians such as The Beatles, Ike & Tina Turner, The Ronettes, The Crystals, and The Righteous Brothers.
He also came out with a technique known as “Wall of Sound” during the ‘60s. It’s a popular music production technique in which a number of musicians perform the same instruments/parts in unison and the resulting sound is re-recorded in an echo chamber.
“Be My Baby,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Then He Kissed Me,” “Walking In The Rain,” and “Uptown” are some of the greatest hits he produced during his illustrious career.
However, his life took a drastic turn when he was arrested after actress Lana Clarkson was found dead in his home in 2003. Following an initial mistrial in 2007, Spector was found guilty of killing the actress and was later convicted of second-degree murder. He was given a sentence of 19 years to life.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 29: Phil Spector (L) listens to the judge during sentencing in Los Angeles Criminal Courts on May 29, 2009 in Los Angeles, Californial, for the February 2003 shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson. Spector was sentenced for 19-years to life. (Photo by Jae C. Hong-Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Jae C. Hong-Pool/Getty Images
