Record producers and engineers are rarely well known.  Phil Ramone may not be top of mind when you think of important music personalities of the last 50 years, but his influence is revealed in his obituaries that ran today – he passed away on March 30th at age 79.  The range of musicians he contributed his talents to is amazing – spend a few minutes reading through his discography here (Phil Ramone Discography) and rummage around his website to learn more.

Among his recent efforts was producing Amy Winehouse’s last recording, “Body and Soul”, sung with Tony Bennett for his “Duets II” album (the song won a Grammy for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance).  Among his first efforts was the record that started the Bossa Nova jazz craze in America, “Getz/Gilberto”, featuring the iconic “The Girl From Ipanema” (the album won multiple Grammys including Album of the Year in 1965).

In 1978 Ramone produced Billy Joel’s “52nd Street”. Another Album of the Year, this one in 1980, it was the first album commercially released on CD. Remember the CD?

Here’s a video of “Honesty” from “52nd Street”

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