The recording engineer who helped Phil Spector develop his legendary Wall Of Sound technique has died, aged 80.
Larry Levine began his career as a recording engineer after returning from fighting in the Korean War, picking up the tricks from his cousin, Stan Ross, who was an owner of the Gold Star Recording Studios in Hollywood. He first worked with Spector in 1962 on the Gene Pitney penned chart topping The Crystals track 'He's A Rebel', and later took on an engineer role on a number of other tracks produced by the legendary (if, now infamous) producer, including 'Da Doo Ron Ron', 'You've Lost That Lovin Feeling' and 'River Deep-Mountain High'. With Spector's habit of using dozens of instruments on any one track, creating the final mix was no small task, but that was Levine's job, and in that role he had a key role in getting the unique sound of Spector's work on tape. Despite Spector's unpredictable personality, the producer and engineer remained good friends, with Levine telling reporters he was "sad" when the producer was accused of murder back in 2003.
Although he is most famous for his Spector collaborations, Levine worked with many artists and producers over his career, including Eddie Cochran, The Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, Wings, The Carpenters, Dr John and Herb Alpert. It was for the latter's 1965 hit 'A Taste Of Honey' that Levine won a Best Engineered Recording Grammy.
Levine, who died on his eightieth birthday, is survived by his wife, three sons, and four grandchildren.