Phil Spector

Born in 1939 Phil Spector is one of the most known and widely regarded songwriters and producers of all time. Spector achieved much of his notoriety in the 1960’s when he pioneered the ‘Wall Of Sound’ production technique and throughout his most seminal years he worked with artists including, The Beatles and Tina Turner.

Originally from New York, Spector moved to Los Angeles with his mother in 1953 following his father’s suicide in 1949 - it was in LA when he became involved in music.  

Spector first gained some notoriety through a group he formed in high school. The Teddy Bears, who consisted of three friends, enabled Spector to gain contacts in local recording studios. It was at the Gold Star Studios where Spector struck up a friendship with, Stan Ross, who mentored Spector in the art of record production. It’s widely claimed that Ross laid the foundations for what would become Spector’s trademark production style.  

In 1958, The Teddy Bears began to record at Gold Star and after a successful first single, they released, ‘The Know Him Is To Love Him,’ which was written by Spector. The song entered America’s Billboard chart at number one, selling over one million copies. The band would split in 1959, however, after signing with Imperial Records after they failed to achieve any more notable success.

Following the split, Spector became more focussed with the production side of the music industry. After finding himself to be a natural in the studio, he soon wrote a number of hits, including, Ben E. King’s, ‘Spanish Harlem,’ and Top Notes, ‘Twist And Shout.’

After forming the successful record label Philles Records alongside his business partners Hazelwood in 1961 and achieving some notable successes, it was in 1963 that Spector created what would, ultimately, become his career defining achievement – Wall Of Sound.

The production technique involved using layered effects – often created using large groups of musicians playing specific parts – which gave the music a more complete sound. The technique amplified extremely well on radio. 

Whilst Spector continued to use the technique throughout the sixties, he also signed a number of artists throughout the decade to his Philles label that increased his profile further. It was to Philles that he signed, ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, in early 1965, which became the second number one single for Spector’s label. His final signing was also one of his best – even if the world didn’t know it at the time. Spector signed Ike and Tina Turner (husband and wife) in 1966. He was later reported as saying he considered their recording, ‘River Deep – Mountain High’ to be his finest work. The single achieved more success in the UK than in the US however, reaching number three as opposed to a disappointing eighty-eight in America.

Towards the end of the sixties Spector lost enthusiasm for the music industry and retreated from the public eye.

Spector made an unexpected comeback however in 1970 when he was invited by John Lennon to work on the Beatles discarded ‘Get Back’ sessions. After being given Spector’s production treatment, the recording went on to make up the album, ‘Let It Be,’ which achieved huge success. Whilst the album announced Spector’s comeback, its exaggerated production was also later blamed for the Beatles break-up, with McCartney in particular against Spector’s complicated production style. Following his rejuvenation, Spector became director of A&R at Apple Records. During his one year reign he co-produced John Lennon’s seminal album, ‘Imagine.’

After his ‘glory years’ Spector again retreated into reclusion and barely worked during the seventies, eighties and nineties. The turn of the century not only brought more uncreative projects but also, in 2003, Spector was arrested on suspicion of murdering B-list movie actress Lana Clarkson. Spector’s murder trial got under way in 2007 and is still unresolved.