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Prince's Early Sound Architect, David Rivkin, Dies at 78
3 Aug
Summary
- Grammy-winning producer David Rivkin died at age 78.
- He was instrumental in crafting Prince's early demo tapes.
- Rivkin also produced Lipps Inc.'s 1980 hit 'Funky Town'.
David Rivkin, a Grammy-winning producer and musician, died on Sunday at the age of 78 due to complications from an infection. Rivkin was a key figure in the Minneapolis music scene, notably responsible for producing Prince's early demo tapes and engineering several of his albums.
His extensive career also included producing Lipps Inc.'s 1980 chart-topper "Funky Town" and earning a Grammy nomination for his work on Fine Young Cannibals' "She Drives Me Crazy." Rivkin's influence extended to numerous artists including Etta James, Jonny Lang, and Elvis Costello.
Rivkin's relationship with Prince began in 1976 when he engineered the young artist's demos, leading to Prince's signing with Warner Bros. Records. He contributed to the live recordings that informed Prince's iconic "Purple Rain" album and film.
