RIP Tommy LiPuma

Multi-Grammy-winning producer and veteran label executive Tommy LiPuma has passed away at the age of 80. Tommy was initially at Warner Bros. from 1974 to 1978, and again from 1979 to 1990, before moving to Elektra for four years. During his two decades in the WMG family, he produced a string of best-selling albums, among them George Benson’s boundary-crossing Breezin’ and Natalie Cole’s landmark Unforgettable… With Love, as well as records by Miles Davis, Al Jarreau, Dr. John, Anita Baker, and many more. Tommy’s recordings have sold over 75 million copies and earned him 33 Grammy nominations. Long-time Warner Bros. senior executive Lenny Waronker said: “Tommy’s spirit was undeniable. Although he was an excellent musician, his greatest strength was how he affected artists and musicians – he had that special gift that made everyone around him want to do their very best for him. His taste was impeccable and while he was at WBR, his success was pretty much unrivaled.  Tommy made a difference. He was the most well-loved person I’ve ever known. There was no one that had the respect and love of so many people. That was his gift and will be a part of his legacy. Whenever I was in the studio making records there was never a time that I didn’t stop to think about Tommy and what he would think of the work. His opinion meant more than anything else. This is a huge loss for everyone that crossed his path. A huge loss.”