Phil Spector International

Phil Spector
Born	Harvey Phillip Spector (1939-12-26) 26 December 1939 Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Died	16 January 2021(2021-01-16) (aged 81) United States (in prison)
Occupation(s)	Record producer, songwriter
Years active	1958–1980s
Known for	Wall of Sound production technique; co-founder of Philles Records; producing the Beatles' Let It Be album; numerous 1960s hit records

Harvey Phillip Spector (December 26, 1939 – January 16, 2021) was an American record producer and songwriter celebrated for his groundbreaking recording innovations during the 1960s, later becoming infamous due to a murder conviction. He created the renowned Wall of Sound, a production technique characterized by layered instrumentation that produced a rich, compressed audio texture with distinctive chorusing. Widely acknowledged as the first auteur in the music business, Spector stands as one of the most accomplished producers of the 1960s and a pivotal figure in the evolution of pop music.

Originally from the Bronx, Spector relocated to Los Angeles in his teenage years and co-founded the Teddy Bears in 1958, penning their hit track "To Know Him Is to Love Him". Guided by mentors Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, he co-established Philles Records by 1960, earning the distinction of being the youngest label owner in the United States. Dubbed the "First Tycoon of Teen", he maintained exceptional authority over recording processes, working closely with arranger Jack Nitzsche and engineer Larry Levine. His session musicians, later known as the Wrecking Crew, supported prominent artists such as the Ronettes, the Crystals, and Ike & Tina Turner. In the early 1970s, he produced the Beatles' Let It Be along with albums by John Lennon and George Harrison. By 1980, after producing works for Dion DiMucci, Leonard Cohen, and the Ramones, Spector transitioned into semi-retirement. His production portfolio boasts eighteen U.S. Top 10 hits, including chart-toppers by the Righteous Brothers ("You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'"), the Beatles ("The Long and Winding Road"), and Harrison ("My Sweet Lord").

Spector revolutionized the recording studio itself as a musical instrument, impacting genres such as art pop, art rock, and dream pop. His accolades include winning the 1973 Grammy Award for Album of the Year for co-producing Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, and entry into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2004, he was ranked number 63 on Rolling Stone’s list of greatest artists.

Following the 1980s, Spector withdrew from public life amid substance abuse and unpredictable conduct. In 2009, he was found guilty of murdering actress Lana Clarkson in 2003 and received a sentence of 19 years to life imprisonment; he passed away while incarcerated in 2021.

1939–1959: Early Life and Formation of the Teddy Bears

Harvey Philip Spector entered the world on December 26, 1939, born to a family of first-generation Russian-Jewish immigrants residing in the Bronx, New York City. His parents, Bertha and Benjamin Spector, originated from Russian immigrant backgrounds and had anglicized their surname upon becoming U.S. citizens. Harvey had an elder sister named Shirley. In 1949, his father died by suicide amid financial hardship. Four years later, in 1953, his mother relocated the family to Los Angeles where she took up work as a seamstress.

Spector attended John Burroughs Junior High School followed by Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. During this time, he learned to play guitar and participated in various talent competitions. He became part of a circle of aspiring musicians including Lou Adler and Bruce Johnston and went on to form the Teddy Bears alongside friends Sandy Nelson, Marshall Leib, Harvey Goldstein, and Annette Kleinbard.

Under the guidance of record producer Stan Ross at Gold Star Studios, Spector honed production skills that helped shape his distinctive sound. In 1958, the Teddy Bears recorded Spector’s composition "Don't You Worry My Little Pet" and secured a singles contract with Era Records. Their subsequent release, "To Know Him Is to Love Him," inspired by an inscription on Spector’s father’s gravestone and issued through Era’s Dore Records label, climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1958 and sold over a million copies.

After this breakthrough success, the group signed with Imperial Records but failed to replicate their initial achievement; later singles did not perform well commercially, leading to the Teddy Bears’ dissolution in 1959. This early accomplishment served as a springboard for Spector’s expansion within the music industry as both an entrepreneur and influential producer.

1959–1962: Initial production endeavors, Philles Records formation, and the Crystals

During his work on the Teddy Bears' album, Spector encountered Lester Sill, who had previously mentored Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sill, along with his partner Lee Hazlewood, backed Spector's subsequent project, the Spectors Three. In 1960, Sill facilitated Spector’s apprenticeship with Leiber and Stoller in New York City. Collaborating with Leiber, Spector co-wrote the Top 10 track "Spanish Harlem" and contributed guitar to the Drifters' recording of "On Broadway".

Spector’s debut production assignment was with Ronnie Crawford. He went on to produce tracks for artists such as LaVern Baker, Ruth Brown, Billy Storm, and the original version of "Twist and Shout" by the Top Notes. Endorsed by Leiber and Stoller, he produced Ray Peterson's "Corrine, Corrina", which reached number 9 in January 1961, as well as Curtis Lee's "Pretty Little Angel Eyes", which climbed to number 7. Returning to Hollywood, Spector worked with one of Sill’s acts; after Liberty Records and Capitol Records declined the Paris Sisters’ "Be My Boy," Sill partnered with Hazlewood to launch Gregmark Records for its release. Although it peaked at number 56, their next single, "I Love How You Love Me", achieved a number 5 ranking.

Toward the end of 1961, Spector and Sill established Philles Records, a name derived from their first names. Through Hill and Range Publishers, Spector pursued three groups: the Ducanes, the Creations, and the Crystals. Once the first two signed elsewhere, he secured the Crystals for Philles. Their debut single, "There's No Other (Like My Baby)", reached number 20 on the charts; their follow-up "Uptown" climbed to number 13.

Spector maintained freelance production activities; in 1962 he produced Connie Francis's "Second Hand Love," which attained No. 7. Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records paired him with future Broadway performer Jean DuShon for "Talk to Me," which featured DuShon's own "Tired of Trying" as its B-side.

1962–1965: Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, the Ronettes, and the Righteous Brothers

In 1962, Spector briefly took a role as an A&R producer at Liberty Records. During this time, he recorded Gene Pitney’s song "He's a Rebel" with Darlene Love and the Blossoms but released it on Philles Records under the Crystals’ name; it rapidly reached number one. After Lester Sill left the company, Spector assumed complete control over Philles and introduced Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, who achieved hits such as "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" (No. 8) and "Why Do Lovers Break Each Other's Heart" (No. 38). He also produced successful singles for Darlene Love and the Ronettes, including their 1963 breakthrough hit "Be My Baby" (No. 2).

Spector devoted significant attention to producing A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records, released late in 1963, featuring his full artist roster alongside the Wrecking Crew session musicians. In September of that year, captivated by a live performance by the Righteous Brothers, he secured them to Philles by purchasing their contract from Moonglow Records. Their single "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" became Philles’ second chart-topping hit in early 1965, followed by other popular songs like "Just Once in My Life" (No. 9) and "Unchained Melody" (No. 4). Despite these accomplishments, Spector eventually sold their contract and master recordings to Verve Records.

During this timeframe, Spector launched Phi-Dan Records as a subsidiary label to oversee promoter Danny Davis’s activities; it issued singles from artists such as Betty Willis and the Ikettes; however, these tracks were not produced by Spector himself. Notably, "Unchained Melody," sometimes mistakenly attributed to Spector though originally produced by Bill Medley, experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1990 after being featured in the film Ghost, re-entering Billboard charts and marking Spector’s return to the U.S. Top 40 for the first time since 1971.

1966–1969: Ike & Tina Turner and a period of withdrawal

Philles Records' last artist signed by Spector was the duo of Ike & Tina Turner in April 1966. He regarded their track "River Deep – Mountain High" as his finest production, yet it only reached number 88 on the U.S. charts while climbing to number 3 in the UK. This recording showcased Tina Turner solo, without Ike.

During negotiations to transfer Philles to A&M Records in 1967, another single, "I'll Never Need More Than This", was released. The proposed deal ultimately collapsed, causing Spector to lose interest in both his label and the music industry at large. Increasingly reclusive, he retreated from public life and married Veronica "Ronnie" Bennett, the Ronettes' lead vocalist, in 1968. His occasional appearances included playing himself on I Dream of Jeannie (1967) and a brief role as a drug dealer in Easy Rider (1969).

In 1969, Spector secured a production contract with A&M Records. While a Ronettes single titled "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered" did not achieve commercial success, he attained a Top 20 hit with "Black Pearl" by Sonny Charles and the Checkmates, Ltd., which peaked at number 13.

1970–1973: Revival and collaborations with the Beatles

At the start of 1970, Allen Klein, newly appointed manager of the Beatles, invited Spector to England. Following his production of John Lennon's solo hit "Instant Karma!", which reached number 3, Lennon and George Harrison asked him to complete the unfinished Let It Be sessions. Utilizing his distinctive production style, Spector extensively modified arrangements and sound textures. Released shortly after the Beatles disbanded, the album topped charts in both the U.S. and UK and featured the U.S. number 1 single "The Long and Winding Road". However, Spector's overdubs on that song upset its writer, Paul McCartney, and attracted criticism from some who opposed an American producer's influence on such an iconic British group. Lennon defended Spector’s involvement, highlighting his talent for rescuing challenging recordings.

For Harrison’s multi-platinum All Things Must Pass (number 1 in 1970), Spector contributed lush orchestral elements despite health problems limiting his participation to initial tracking and mixing phases. The triple album yielded hits including "My Sweet Lord" (number 1) and "What Is Life" (number 10). That year also saw him co-produce Lennon's raw Plastic Ono Band (number 6), notably eschewing his signature Wall of Sound technique. Through Harrison’s connection, Spector produced Derek and the Dominos’ debut single "Tell the Truth", though the band rejected his production approach and withdrew the release.

Spector held the position of head of A&R at Apple Records for approximately one year, during which he co-produced Lennon's 1971 single "Power to the People" (number 11) as well as the chart-topping album Imagine, whose title track reached number 3. Collaborating with Harrison, he co-produced Harrison’s charity single "Bangla Desh" (number 23)—recognized as rock's first charity release—and Ronnie Spector’s "Try Some, Buy Some" (number 77). Ronnie's solo album on Apple encountered delays due to Spector’s unpredictable behavior exacerbated by alcohol abuse. Despite high hopes for Harrison’s single, its disappointing chart performance marked a significant setback for Spector.

That same year, Spector managed recordings for the Harrison-organized Concert for Bangladesh, culminating in the triple album The Concert for Bangladesh, which achieved number 1 status and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1973. To recreate his Wall of Sound live effect, Spector employed as many as 44 microphones during performances. After Harrison’s death in 2001, Spector reflected on this early-1970s phase working with Lennon and Harrison as the pinnacle of his creative output.

Lennon continued to collaborate with Spector on his 1971 Christmas single "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" and the critically panned 1972 album Some Time in New York City (number 48), both featuring Yoko Ono. In late 1972, Apple reissued Spector’s A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records under the title Phil Spector's Christmas Album, finally achieving commercial success and critical praise. Similarly, Lennon's "Happy Xmas" gradually became a perennial holiday favorite despite initially slow sales.

Harrison began sessions with Spector for his Living in the Material World album in October 1972 but dismissed him due to unreliability stemming from heavy drinking that made scheduling difficult. Nevertheless, Harrison acknowledged Spector’s brilliance while recognizing their collaboration was fraught with challenges.

In late 1973, Spector produced early sessions for Lennon's forthcoming covers project Rock 'n' Roll (released in 1975; reached number 6) in Los Angeles, granting him full producer authority for the first time. These sessions were marred by substance abuse and disorder; notably, Spector discharged a handgun during recording. The partnership ended abruptly in December when Lennon reimbursed Capitol Records to reclaim withheld tapes several months later.

1974–1980: Near-fatal crash, Warner-Spector Records, Leonard Cohen, and the Ramones

During the mid-1970s, Spector withdrew increasingly from public life, a change largely triggered by a devastating automobile accident in Hollywood in 1974 that nearly ended his life. He endured significant cranial trauma that necessitated multiple surgeries, which subsequently shaped both his public persona and personal demeanor.

Spector established the Warner-Spector imprint in collaboration with Warner Bros. Records, overseeing new projects featuring artists such as Cher and Darlene Love, as well as re-releases of earlier material. In 1975, he partnered with Polydor Records to create the Phil Spector International label. Although commercial achievements were modest—for example, Dion DiMucci’s album Born to Be with You—these initiatives demonstrated his persistent attempts to adapt his business approach amid evolving industry trends.

Later in the decade, Spector produced Leonard Cohen’s 1977 album Death of a Ladies' Man, characterized by lush orchestral arrangements that marked a departure from Cohen’s signature acoustic sound. While the album received mixed reviews, it included contributions from Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg, highlighting Spector’s reach across diverse musical styles.

In 1979, Spector took on production duties for the Ramones’ End of the Century, which became their highest-charting album, peaking at number 44 on the Billboard 200. Despite criticism from fans regarding its slick production, the record yielded popular singles like "Rock 'n' Roll High School" and "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?". Guitarist Johnny Ramone acknowledged that Spector’s style complemented slower songs but was less effective on more aggressive tracks.

During these sessions, rumors circulated about Spector’s erratic conduct, including alleged threats involving firearms aimed at band members; however, drummer Marky Ramone later clarified that although guns were present, the band was never detained against their will and were free to leave at any time.

1981–2003: Period of inactivity

Throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, Spector remained mostly inactive professionally. Following John Lennon’s assassination in 1981, he briefly returned to co-produce Yoko Ono’s album Season of Glass.

In 1989, Tina Turner inducted Spector into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer. His behavior during the ceremony was described by Rolling Stone as unpredictable. Later honors included induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997 and receiving the Grammy Trustees Award in 2000.

In 1994, Spector publicly opposed the Ronettes’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, questioning their musical impact; nevertheless, they were inducted in 2007.

Spector also attempted to collaborate with Céline Dion on her album Falling into You, but parted ways with her production team due to differences. His last released production credit was on Silence Is Easy by Starsailor in 2003. Though initially intended to produce the entire record, he was dismissed because of creative and personal conflicts. One track he produced—the title song—achieved a top ten position on the UK charts.

2003–2021: Lana Clarkson shooting and incarceration

On February 3, 2003, actress Lana Clarkson was fatally shot in the mouth at Spector’s residence (Pyrenees Castle) in Alhambra, California. She was found with a single gunshot wound. In an interview with Esquire, Spector claimed her death was an "accidental suicide," asserting she "kissed the gun". The emergency call placed by Spector’s driver recorded him saying, "I think I killed somebody," while the driver witnessed him leaving the house carrying a firearm.

Spector remained out on bail set at $1 million while awaiting trial. During this period, he produced Hargo Khalsa’s song "Crying for John Lennon" from the 2006 album In Your Eyes.

The initial murder trial commenced on March 19, 2007, at Los Angeles Superior Court, presided over by Judge Larry Paul Fidler who permitted televised coverage. On September 26, Judge Fidler declared a mistrial after the jury deadlocked ten to two in favor of conviction.

In December 2007, Spector received songwriting credits for Mutya Buena and Amy Winehouse's single "B Boy Baby", which sampled his classic "Be My Baby". Winehouse frequently expressed admiration for Spector's production techniques. That same month at Ike Turner’s funeral, Spector publicly criticized Tina Turner’s autobiography while commenting on Ike Turner’s legacy.

BBC Two aired Phil Spector: The Agony and the Ecstasy in April 2008—a documentary combining courtroom footage with retrospectives on his musical achievements—offering rare insight into his production methods and personal reflections through his first screen interview in years.

The retrial began on October 20, 2008 under Judge Fidler without television coverage. Represented by attorney Jennifer Lee Barringer, the case went to jury deliberation on March 26, 2009. On April 13, Spector was convicted of second-degree murder along with firearm use during commission of a felony; this added four years to his sentence.

On May 29, 2009, he was sentenced to nineteen years to life imprisonment in California state prison. Subsequent appeals filed in 2011, 2012, and 2016 were all denied.

Musicianship

In Spector's formative years, Latin rhythms and percussion played a significant role, which is reflected in his recordings through the use of instruments like maracas, güiros, and shakers, as heard in tracks such as "Be My Baby" and the son montuno beat featured in "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling."

His hallmark production method, known as the Wall of Sound, produced a rich, multi-layered sonic texture that performed exceptionally well on AM radio and jukeboxes. This technique involved assembling large groups of musicians playing orchestrated parts with several instruments doubling the same lines to achieve a more robust sound. Spector likened it to "a Wagnerian approach to rock & roll: little symphonies for the kids."

Recording sessions were often led by a core ensemble famously called The Wrecking Crew, comprised of session players such as Hal Blaine, Larry Knechtel, Carol Kaye, Glen Campbell, and Leon Russell. Jack Nitzsche was responsible for arrangements, while Sonny Bono managed performance direction; both were regarded as essential collaborators. Spector frequently partnered with Brill Building songwriters like Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, along with Gerry Goffin and Carole King—partnerships that resulted in shared credits and publishing income.

Although the music industry was moving toward stereo sound, Spector resisted this trend, convinced it reduced the producer’s authority by prioritizing the listener’s perspective. He commonly double-tracked strings or horns to form a cohesive background layer where individual instruments blended indistinguishably. Favoring singles over full albums, he famously criticized LPs as "two hits and ten pieces of junk," underscoring his commercial focus on hit singles rather than album sales.

Legacy and influence

Stevie Van Zandt of the E Street Band described Spector as a "genius irredeemably conflicted," emphasizing his talent for crafting some of the most iconic recordings despite personal struggles.

Spector is widely recognized as the first true auteur in music production, serving not only as producer but also as creative visionary—selecting or writing songs, directing arrangements, coaching vocalists and session musicians, and supervising every stage of recording. His development of the Wall of Sound technique left a lasting mark on genres such as art rock, shoegaze, and noise music. According to PopMatters, his collaboration with George Harrison on All Things Must Pass laid groundwork for dream pop.

His legacy influenced legendary artists including the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Velvet Underground, along with producers like Brian Eno and Tony Visconti. Alternative rock bands such as Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine, and the Jesus and Mary Chain acknowledge Spector’s impact. The British shoegaze scene from the late 1980s through mid-1990s drew heavily on his Wall of Sound innovations; artists like Jason Pierce from Spiritualized have cited him as an inspiration.

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys regarded Spector as his chief rival in studio craftsmanship, calling him "the single most influential producer." Wilson’s work includes multiple nods to Spector’s productions, including covers of "Be My Baby" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'". Likewise, Johnny Franz’s mid-1960s productions for Dusty Springfield and the Walker Brothers adopted lush, symphonic arrangements reminiscent of Spector’s approach. Sonny Bono translated Spector’s style into jangly guitar-driven tracks for Cher during the same period.

Bruce Springsteen sought to replicate the Wall of Sound on "Born to Run". The British group Wizzard scored three hits in 1973 that bore clear Spector influences. Other contemporaries shaped by his methods include George Morton, Sonny & Cher, the Rolling Stones, the Four Tops, Mark Wirtz, the Lovin' Spoonful, and the Beatles. Swedish pop ensemble ABBA utilized comparable production techniques on early successes like "Ring Ring" and "Dancing Queen". Los Angeles-based new wave act Wall of Voodoo even took their name from his signature sound.

Spector's influence extends internationally; notably in Japan where city pop artist Eiichi Ohtaki drew heavily from his production style.

Relationships and children

In 1963, Spector entered into his first marriage with Annette Merar, the lead singer of the Spectors Three, a pop trio from the 1960s that he both formed and produced. He honored her by naming a record label Annette Records. Their marriage ended in divorce by 1966. During this marriage, Spector began a relationship with Ronnie Bennett, who later became known as Ronnie Spector, lead vocalist of the Ronettes, another group under his management and production. The couple wed in 1968 and adopted a son named Donté Phillip Spector. Additionally, Spector adopted twins Louis Phillip and Gary Phillip as a Christmas present.

In her 1990 autobiography, Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts And Madness, Bennett claimed that Spector confined her within his California residence and subjected her to psychological abuse, deliberately hindering her career by prohibiting her from performing. With assistance from her mother, she fled barefoot in 1972. Their divorce in 1974 included terms where she relinquished future royalties and custody of their children amid accusations that Spector had threatened her life.

Sons Gary and Donté later asserted that their father "held them captive" during childhood and coerced them into abusive situations involving his then-girlfriend. Gary recounted being blindfolded and molested under the pretense of a "learning experience," while Donté described their family environment as "very sick, twisted, dysfunctional."

In 1982, with girlfriend Janis Zavala, Spector fathered twins Nicole Audrey and Phillip Jr., the latter passing away from leukemia in 1991. On September 1, 2006, while out on bail pending trial, Spector married his third wife Rachelle Short, who was 26 at the time compared to his age of 67. He initiated divorce proceedings in April 2016 citing irreconcilable differences; the divorce was completed in 2018.

Health, illness, and death

In a deposition from 2005, Spector revealed he had been undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder over an eight-year span, describing pronounced mood fluctuations and challenges with focus. During his initial criminal trial, a defense medical expert proposed he might be suffering from Parkinson's disease, pointing to observed tremors as supporting evidence.

Photographs released by the California Department of Corrections in 2013 depicted a decline in his health. From October 2013 onward, Spector was housed at the California Health Care Facility in Stockton; by 2014 he had lost his speech capabilities due to laryngeal papillomatosis.

On December 31, 2020, he was admitted to hospital and intubated in January 2021. He passed away on January 16 at age 81; his daughter attributed his death to complications related to COVID-19. He would have been eligible for parole in 2024.

Certain media outlets faced criticism for initially minimizing his murder conviction in obituaries, leading to subsequent corrections after public outcry.

In popular culture

• I Dream of Jeannie (1967, episode "Jeannie, the Hip Hippie"): Phil Spector made a guest appearance as himself assisting Jeannie’s aspirations as a pop star. Although referred to as "Phil Spector" within the episode dialogue, credits list him under the name "Steve Davis".
• Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970): The character Ronnie "Z-Man" Barzell was inspired by Spector despite no direct contact between him and the film's creators.
• Phantom of the Paradise (1974): The antagonist Swan—a music producer—was modeled after Spector; early drafts even named him "Spectre."
• What's Love Got to Do with It (1993): Rob LaBelle portrayed Spector.
• Grace of My Heart (1996): The character Joel Milner (played by John Turturro) was based on Spector among other figures from the 1960s music scene.
• And the Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story: Christian Leffler took on the role of Spector.
• Metalocalypse (2006–2013): The character Dick Knubbler parodies aspects of Spector’s career, appearance, and criminal history.
• A Reasonable Man (2009): The character Harv Stevens is reportedly inspired by Spector and explores his connection with John Lennon.
• Phil Spector (2013): Al Pacino assumed the role of Spector.
• Love & Mercy (2014): Jonathan Slavin portrayed Spector; however, this scene was cut from the theatrical release.
• ROAR’s track "Christmas Kids" references the relationship between Phil and Ronnie Spector; both appear on the EP’s cover art.

Awards

Phil Spector belongs to an exclusive cadre of producers who have achieved chart-topping hits in three successive decades (1950s through 1970s), a distinction shared with prominent figures such as Quincy Jones, George Martin, and Max Martin.

Awards and nominations

Year	Nominee / Work	Award	Outcome
1972	George Harrison "My Sweet Lord"	Grammy Award for Record of the Year	Template:Nom
1972	George Harrison All Things Must Pass	Grammy Award for Album of the Year	Template:Nom
1973	George Harrison & Friends The Concert for Bangladesh	Grammy Award for Album of the Year	Template:Won
1989	Phil Spector	Rock and Roll Hall of Fame	Inducted
1997	Phil Spector	Songwriters Hall of Fame	Inducted
2000	Phil Spector	Grammy Trustees Award	Template:Won

Rankings

Publication	Country	Honor	Year	Position
Rolling Stone	United States	Greatest Artists of All Time	2004, revised 2011	64
The Washington Times	United States	Top Record Producers Ever	2008	2

Further reading

• ; novel reportedly inspired by Spector
• Emerson, Ken. Always Magic in the Air: The Bomp and Brilliance of the Brill Building Era New York: Viking Press

External links

• Please Phil Spector, musicians acknowledging Spector's influence in their creations