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Grammy Winner David Z, Prince Collaborator, Passes
3 Aug
Summary
- Producer David Z, influential in Minneapolis Sound, died at 78.
- He engineered Prince's early demos and worked on 'Funkytown'.
- David Z won a Grammy for Etta James' 'Blues to the Bone' album.
Influential producer and engineer David Z, born David Rivkin, has died at the age of 78. He passed away on Sunday, August 2, from complications of an infection, according to reports.
David Z was a pivotal force behind the celebrated Minneapolis Sound. His early work included producing Prince's demo recordings and engineering some of his initial albums, significantly contributing to the artist's rise. His engineering talents were also behind Lipps Inc.'s 1980 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit, "Funkytown."
Furthermore, David Z co-produced Fine Young Cannibals' 1989 hit "She Drives Me Crazy," which reached No. 1 on the Hot 100. His extensive collaborations spanned numerous acclaimed artists, including Etta James, Buddy Guy, and Al Green. In 2005, he received a Grammy Award for his production work on Etta James' album "Blues to the Bone."
