[acid-jazz] Music news today

From: David Luckin (David_Luckin_at_WJCT.pbs.org)
Date: 2003-02-03 20:29:54

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    Producer Phil Spector arrested
                            
    Homicide investigation under way in Alhambra, Calif.
                            

    MSNBC STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

                            
    ALHAMBRA, Calif., Feb. 3 — Legendary record producer Phil Spector was arrested Monday for investigation of homicide after the
    body of a woman was found at a home in this Los Angeles suburb, authorities said.

    Spector, 62, was arrested at the home around 5 a.m., sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Efflandt said. According to a sheriff’s report, the
    victim was pronounced dead at the scene, KNBC said. Spector who was born Harvey Phillip Spector in the Bronx section of New
    York, is being held at the Alhambra Police Station.
    In his storied career, Spector produced such music greats as Tina Turner and the Ramones, and records for the Beatles, the
    Righteous Brothers and the Crystals. He started in the music business in 1958 as writer, guitarist and backup singer for the
    the Teddy Bears, the Los Angeles group that soared to No. 1 with their first release, “To Know Him Is to Love Him.” By the
    early ’60s, he had perfected “The Wall of Sound” effect that involved overdubbing scores of musicians to create a massive roar,
    which changed the way pop records were produced and opened unlimited possibilities for arrangements in pop and rock. The Wall
    influenced the course of rock for a wealth of performers.
    Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, Spector produced records for the Beatles, the Righteous Brothers and the
    Crystals. Among his session players, known as the “Wrecking Crew,” were guitarist Glen Campbell, pianist Leon Russell, drummer
    Hal Blaine and the late Sonny Bono, who learned the producer’s trade under Spector.

    Spector produced a string of ’60s hits, including the Crystals’ “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “Then He Kissed Me,” the Ronettes’ “Be My
    Baby” and “Walking in the Rain,” and Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and “(Today I Met) the Boy I’m Gonna
    Marry.”
    Spector married Ronnie Bennett, a member of the Ronettes. They divorced in 1974. He has five children.
    Spector’s father, Benjamin, committed suicide in 1949. Spector later visited the grave and used the inscription “To Know Him
    Was to Love Him” as the basis for a hit song.
    Spector’s last major album was “End of the Century,” a 1980 collaboration with the Ramones. During the session, the late
    bassist Dee Dee Ramone said Spector pulled a gun on the band.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    David Luckin
    NightFlight Host 89.9 FM NPR
    WJCT Web Producer
    100 Festival Park Ave
    Jacksonville, FL 32202
    904.358.6365