Music Producer Phil Ramone Passes Away at 72; The Recording Academy Releases Statement

Legendary music producer Phil Ramone passed away this morning, March 30, 2013. He was 72. Ramone was hospitalized in New York City earlier this month after suffering an aortic aneurysm. Throughout his notable career, Ramone worked with talents such as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and more.

The Recording Academy has just released the following statement:

"Fourteen-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Technical GRAMMY Award recipient Phil Ramone was a prolific and legendary producer, engineer, and composer who made countless significant contributions to the recording industry," stated The Recording Academy's President and CEO Neil Portnow.

"As co-founder of A&R Recordings, he was a pioneer of audio technological developments - creating new innovations for the compact disc and surround sound technologies. His impressive career spanned all genres in which he collaborated with a diverse group of artists including Tony Bennett, Etta James, Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and numerous others. His work with Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Paul Simon have garnered him a total of three Album Of The Year awards, in addition to a Producer Of The Year (Non Classical) honor in 1980.

"Ramone has been a loyal and dedicated member of The Recording Academy for several decades, having served as the Chair Of The Board Of Trustees, a Board member of the MusiCares Foundation, Co-Chair of the Producers & Engineers Wing, and he currently served on the P&E Wing's Advisory Council and as a Board member of the GRAMMY Museum.

"Our industry has lost an immense talent and a true visionary and genius, and The Academy has lost a very dear and close friend. Everyone who encountered Phil came away a better person for it, professionally or personally. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, his friends, the musicians who had the benefit and privilege of working with him, and all who were inspired by his brilliant vision and work."

Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter-Keddy

To post a comment, you must register and login.