Phil Spector

Phil Spector, centre, at his murder trial in Los Angeles, California, in 2009. Image: Al Seib-Pool/Getty Images

Phil Spector dies at 81 of coronavirus complications

The former music producer contracted the virus in jail while serving a 19-year sentence for murder.

Phil Spector

Phil Spector, centre, at his murder trial in Los Angeles, California, in 2009. Image: Al Seib-Pool/Getty Images

The legendary US pop producer, who had worked with some of the world’s biggest names in entertainment, died on Saturday 16 January, four weeks after being diagnosed with the virus.

SPECTOR DIES WHILE SERVING 19-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE

Spector was serving a 19-year sentence for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson when he died.

He was diagnosed in December 2020 and had received treatment in hospital. He went back to prison after recovering well, but complained of breathing difficulties and was then rushed back to hospital, where he died, TMZ reported.

SPECTOR’S COLOURFUL CAREER BEGAN IN HIGH SCHOOL

Spector was still in high school when he produced the song To Know Him Is To Love Him, by the Teddy Bears. He went on to produce other hits including You Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, Unchained Melody and You’re My Soul and Inspiration by The Righteous Brothers, as well as Be My Baby by The Ronettes and The Crystals’ He’s a Rebel.

He worked with The Beatles and produced their final album, Let It Be, including the title track and The Long and Winding Road, as well as some of John Lennon’s solo work like Instant Karma and Imagine. He’d also worked with Tina Turner and her former husband, Ike Turner.

Spector a leading figure in pop music history

Considered one of the most influential figures in pop music history, Spector was best known for creating the Wall of Sound technique. This he described as the “Wagnerian approach to rock and roll”.

His innovation in this regard led him to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.