Music Producer David Z Dies At 78

Grammy-winning producer and engineer David Rivkin, widely known as David Z, has died at the age of 78.

The veteran music producer passed away on August 2 at a hospital in Burbank, California, following complications from an infection.

David Z was celebrated for helping shape the famous “Minneapolis Sound” and played a vital role in Prince’s early career by producing his demo recordings and engineering several of his early albums.

Throughout his career, he worked with major recording artists, including Etta James, Buddy Guy, Al Green, Jody Watley, and Jonny Lang. He contributed to Lipps Inc.’s hit song Funkytown and co-produced Fine Young Cannibals’ She Drives Me Crazy, both of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 2005, he earned a Grammy Award for his production work on Etta James’ album Blues to the Bone.

Paying tribute to his legacy, his brother Bobby Z, former drummer for Prince’s band The Revolution, described him as a fearless producer and a musical pioneer whose influence will never be forgotten.