Phil Spector is one of the most influential producers in rock history. He worked with the Beatles, Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen and many others.
But what happened to all of the money he made? Who got it?
The Ronettes
During their three years with Spector, the Ronettes cultivated an image that reflected their Spanish Harlem roots. Known as the “bad girls of rock n’ roll,” the group often wore dark mascara and short skirts, a look that pushed against gendered expectations.
Spector’s success with the Ronettes gave him a distinctive voice that would define much of his work. He used it to help make Tina Turner, the Righteous Brothers and other artists famous.
The Blossoms
The Blossoms were a popular backup group during the early ’60s. They were discovered by producer Phil Spector and he cut them on the song “He’s a Rebel” in 1962.
The group later changed singers and became a trio, with Darlene Wright taking over the lead vocals. They released a number of singles that never got big.
The Beatles
The Beatles were a group of four teenagers who went on to become one of the most influential bands in modern history. But before they were the Beatles, they were simply four teenagers from Liverpool.
The band became big stars thanks to the music of Phil Spector. He helped them to achieve their musical dreams through his unique style of recording and his signature “Wall of Sound.”
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones were one of the most successful rock bands in history. They released 30 studio albums, 33 live albums, 121 singles and 29 compilations.
The band was formed in London by guitarist Charlie Watts, bassist Keith Richards, and lead singer Mick Jagger. They became popular in the early 1960s with their blues-infused music and were one of the most successful rock bands of all time.
The Pretenders
The Pretenders were one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, thanks to their ’80s rock sound. They were led by singer Chrissie Hynde and were backed by a number of session musicians, including James Honeyman-Scott and Martin Chambers.
The band became famous for a series of hit singles that incorporated elements of punk and new wave music, and they were eventually signed to the legendary producer Phil Spector’s label.
The Ramones
Spector made his name producing pop songs with a wall of sound. He worked with the Ronettes, The Beatles and Leonard Cohen.
He also produced the Ramones, a band that was one of his biggest hits. They released three albums, including their eponymous debut and Rocket to Russia.
The Hollies
The Hollies were formed in the early 1960s in England by two aspiring singers from Lancashire: Allan Clarke and Graham Nash. Initially the group played mainly R&B/early rock & roll covers, but eventually they began writing their own material.
The Hollies quickly gained a reputation for their unique style of music. This included three-part harmonies and ringing guitars, and songs penned by both themselves and outside writers, including Graham Gouldman.
The Four Tops
In the 1960s, Berry Gordy and Motown Records revolutionised black music and paved the way for a new kind of singing group. Among these pioneers were the Four Tops, whose 24-top-40 hits helped make them one of America’s most popular and successful groups.
The four members – baritone Levi Stubbs, tenor Lawrence Payton, bass/baritone Renaldo “Obie” Benson and tenor Abdul “Duke” Fakir – grew up in Detroit. They joined forces at a friend’s birthday party and something clicked.
The Mamas & the Papas
The Mamas & the Papas were one of the most successful groups of the 1960s. With John Phillips, Denny Doherty and Cass Elliot singing, the group was able to put out some of the most memorable songs of the era.
The group split in 1968, with the members pursuing solo careers. However, the band reunited briefly in 1971 to cut an album called People Like Us.
The Temptations
The Temptations were one of the most successful and influential groups in music history. Their fancy footwork, vocal versatility and showmanship made them a force to be reckoned with.
They had a number of hits during the 1960s, but they lost several members throughout this decade. They continued to record into the 21st century but never regained their earlier popularity.