Jailed record producer Phil Spector, 81, has died after contracting Covid-19.
The music mogul, best known for creating The Wall of Sound, which was used by ’60s bands like The Ronettes and The Crystals, passed away this week, reported TMZ.
According to the outlet, Spector caught coronavirus four weeks ago and went to the hospital. However, he appeared to be on the road to recovery and was deemed well enough to return to prison.
But he reportedly had trouble breathing and was rushed back to the hospital where he died.
Throughout his career, Spector worked on a number of major hits, including Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) by Darlene Love and River Deep – Mountain High by Ike & Tina Turner,
He also worked with Cher early in her career – she was a session singer with Spector while dating Sonny Bono and he produced her first single, Ringo, I Love You, which Cher recorded under the name Bonnie Jo Mason.
He also produced The Beatles’ final album Let It Be and produced John Lennon’s solo work, including Instant Karma and Imagine.
In 2009, Spector was jailed for the 2003 murder of Lana Clarkson and was sentenced to 19 years behind bars.
Al Pacino played Spector in the 2013 movie Phil Spector.
