A music producer is like a film director, responsible for the “big picture” and the final product. But they sometimes act as a coach, arranger, songwriter, and recording engineer. Here are the 10 best music producers ever.
10. Steve Albini
Many producers on this list had the luxury of big budgets, but Albini did more with less. He built a reputation for helping bands capture a raw sound. He became known after producing the 1988 Pixies album Surfer Rosa. He engineered the albums of many underground and indie bands. Nirvana sought him out seeking an abrasive sound for In Utero.
9. Brian Eno
Ambient and electronic music owes a lot to the pioneering contributions of producer Brian Eno. Self-described as a “non-musician,” Eno is nonetheless inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Roxy Music. His solo work and studio techniques influenced the genre. He also produced artists such as David Bowie and U2.
8. Billy Sherrill
Billy Sherrill’s innovative production changed the game, bringing the genre out of a slump during the 70s. Sherrill brought in a lush, layered production style not unlike rock music. Purists complained, but record buyers and the charts loved it. Sherrill co-wrote many of the hit songs he produced working with artists like Tammy Wynette, Charlie Rich, George Jones, and more.
7. Rick Rubin
Rubin founded Def Jam Recordings while in college in 1984, becoming the in-house producer for hip-hop acts like LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Run-DMC, and the Beastie Boys. Since then, he’s carved out a niche for helping established acts reinvigorate themselves. His biggest successes have been Johnny Cash, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Metallica, and Green Day.
6. Phil Spector
Despite being a controversial figure and his criminal record aside, the music production innovation of Phil Spector cannot be denied. His “Wall of Sound” production technique and use of orchestration are legendary. He was a major influence on producers that followed. From the late 1950s through the early 1970s, Spector produced five #1 songs amid 19 top tens.
5. Dr. Dre
Rapper/producer Dr. Dre, real name Andre Young, shaped and put the sound of West Coast hip-hop on the map. He forged a still-imitated style with heavy beats, funky baselines, and smooth melodies. Dre’s ear for sampling and skills at mixing created some of the genre’s most memorable tracks. He’s produced hit records for Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and Eminem.
4. Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones is one of the most legendary music producers of all time. In his seventy-year career, he’s won 28 Grammy awards out of 80 nominations. Jones came to prominence as a jazz arranger and conductor before moving on to pop music and film scores. He’s worked with artists such as Leslie Gore, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, and Michael Jackson.
3. Max Martin
Max Martin, real name Karl Martin Sandberg, brings production and pop songwriting mastery to the studio. He has an innate sense of what makes a hit song. Martin evolved from a songwriter into a producer. He’s written/cowritten 27 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles, producing 25. For most #1s, Martin moved above John Lennon (26), and only behind Paul McCartney (32).
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2. Robert John “Mutt” Lange
For a time, it seemed every album Mutt Lange produced went platinum. His songwriting involvement helped that. His hit big production was Boomtown Rats. Then AC/DC’s Highway to Hell and its follow-up Back in Black, which is the second-best-selling album of all time. Other platinum/multiplatinum productions include Def Leppard, Foreigner, Brian Adams, The Cars, Shania Twain, and the list continues.
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1. George Martin
The Beatles were not only extraordinary pop songwriters, but they innovated many recording techniques that are standard today. Martin also scored their orchestral and string arrangements. In addition to the Beatles, Martin also produced legendary albums for Jeff Beck, America, Ultravox, Cheap Trick, UFO, The Little River Band, and the Tommy soundtrack.
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