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