Despite his gruesome murder of actress Lana Clarkson, Phil Spector had a huge net worth. His four children, including the three he adopted with Ronnie Spector, will inherit his fortune.
A shrewd observer of music, Spector was able to spot the opportunity for a new kind of pop. He imagined a world where baroque pop constructions would thrill a monied class of teenagers.
He was convicted of second-degree murder
Spector was found guilty of second-degree murder after a jury decided that he had killed actress Lana Clarkson. He had been accused of shooting her to death in his Alhambra mansion.
In a trial that lasted six years, the producer was found guilty of killing Clarkson in February 2003 after she met him at Hollywood’s House of Blues. She was working as a VIP hostess at the club.
According to prosecutors, Spector shoved a gun into Clarkson’s mouth and pulled the trigger. The bullet went through her tongue and obliterated her front teeth.
He was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison
Spector, 69, looked straight-faced as he was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison on Friday. He was given the term for second-degree murder, plus another four years enhancement for personal use of a gun.
The acclaimed music producer, who gained fame for what became known as the “Wall of Sound” recording technique that changed rock music, was arrested in 2003 after Clarkson, a B-movie actress, was shot dead in Spector’s mock castle home outside Los Angeles.
After the first trial, which ended in a mistrial, a second was held that ultimately found Spector guilty of second-degree murder.
In court, five women from Spector’s past testified that he had threatened them with guns when they tried to leave him in a manner similar to what happened the night Clarkson died.
The 69-year-old San Francisco lawyer who represents Spector in his appeal said his motion will argue that the judge should have prevented these women from testifying because they were prejudicial to his client.
He was divorced from his second wife
A towering figure of modern pop music, Phil Spector is known for his ‘wall of sound’ technique. He produced hits for acts including the Ronettes, the Crystals and Ike & Tina Turner.
The 76-year-old is currently serving a 19-year-sentence in prison for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson. His wife, Rachelle, is said to be “heartbroken” after Spector filed for divorce while he’s incarcerated.
In California, a long-term marriage means that both parties have a right to spousal support if they’re unable to financially support themselves. The support may last for a period of time that’s longer than one-half of the term of the marriage.
He was divorced from his third wife
Phil Spector, the infamous rock ‘n’ roll producer who was dubbed the “Mad Genius of Rock and Roll” has filed for divorce from his third wife – claiming she is draining his money fast! According to TMZ, the 76-year-old Spector claims Rachelle is spending his money like it’s hot.
She’s spent $350,000 of her husband’s money on a plane, a Ferrari, an Aston Martin and a bunch of expensive jewelry. She’s also purchased two homes for her mother and wants to buy a jet next, the gossip website reports.
The 76-year-old, who’s serving 19 years to life in prison, has filed for divorce from his third wife because of “irreconcilable differences.” He claims she’s been spending his $35 million estate on big purchases, including airplanes, cars, pricy jewelry and plastic surgery.
He’s also asked his daughter, Nicole Audrey Spector, to be in charge of his finances. He’s already given her a $300 stipend each month from his fortune.
