Jeff Wexler Posted March 30, 2013 Report Share Posted March 30, 2013 Phil Ramone, a virtuoso producing talent who made music with the likes of Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Ray Charles and Tony Bennett, has died at 79. The Associated Press spoke to Ramone's son, Matt, who confirmed the death but did not release further details. The Recording Academy, which awards the Grammys, issued a statement that said: "Our industry has lost an immense talent and a true visionary and genius, and The Academy has lost a very dear and close friend." Born in South Africa and educated as a violinist at the Juilliard School, Ramone won 14 Grammys over his career, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Producer of the Year and a long list of other accolades. His soundtrack credits included "Flashdance," "Ghostbusters" and "Midnight Cowboy. "We rehearsed every night, like a live show," he once recalled about recording the classic "Evergreen" theme during the shoot of "A Star Is Born" with Barbra Streisand. "Wherever she sang (during the shoot), we recorded live." Ramone co-founded A & R Recording, Inc. in 1958, a recording studio at 112 West 48th Street, New York — above what then was Manny's Music. Ramone also played an active role in pioneering some of the technological advances in the music industry, including the compact disc, digital video disc, hi-definition recording and surround sound. According to his own website, Ramone's use of audio technology were unique among his peers. The first CD ever pressed, Billy Joel's 52nd Street, was a Phil Ramone production as was the first pop DVD release, Dave Grusin Presents West Side Story. His credits includes collaborations with a Who's Who of contemporary musicians including: Burt Bacharach, Bono, Ray Charles, Chicago, Natalie Cole, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Renee Fleming, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Quincy Jones, BB King, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Liza Minnelli, Sinead O'Connor, Luciano Pavarotti, Peter/Paul and Mary, Andre Previn, Carly Simon, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Phoebe Snow, Rod Stewart, and Stevie Wonder. He recorded with artists ranging from James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Gladys Knight, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Queen Latifah, Ruben Studdard, kd Lang, Keith Urban, Wynonna and the Dixie Chicks to Michael Buble, Dave Koz, John Legend, and Juanes. In the 2006 album "Tony Bennett Duets, An American Classic," Ramone paired Bennett with some of the industries most honored musicians including Bono, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, and Sting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old school Posted March 30, 2013 Report Share Posted March 30, 2013 Not that long ago I would of considered 72 years old to be a long life. These days it seems a bit short of a long life. I guess it's what you do with your years on earth. Mr Ramone did a lot of living and producing in his time. RIP Phil Ramone. CrewC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mastermixaudiomedia Posted March 30, 2013 Report Share Posted March 30, 2013 A true master of the craft. Rest In Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted March 30, 2013 Report Share Posted March 30, 2013 Knew Phil & A&R studios from my days at Gotham Recording in NYC back in the 60's. RIP Phil. Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old school Posted March 30, 2013 Report Share Posted March 30, 2013 NY Times has him at 79. Still young. CrewC http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/arts/music/phil-ramone-record-producer-and-winner-of-14-grammys-dies-at-79.html?hp&_r=0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Gilchrist Posted March 31, 2013 Report Share Posted March 31, 2013 NY Times has him at 79. Still young. CrewC http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/arts/music/phil-ramone-record-producer-and-winner-of-14-grammys-dies-at-79.html?hp&_r=0 As does Billboard: http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/1555083/producer-phil-ramone-dead-at-79 JG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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