Phil Spector was one of the most influential music producers in rock 'n' roll history. However, in 2009, he began serving a 19-year prison sentence for murdering Lana Clarkson, a nightclub hostess that he took home after an evening of drinking. He died on Saturday at the age of 81, following complications due to COVID-19.
Spector reached his first No. 1 hit in 1958 with two of his school friends who formed a band known as Teddy Bears. Their song, "To Know Him Is to Love Him" sold over one million records. This served as the catalyst for the guitarist's successful music career. He was also very transformative in many girl groups of the era, producing "He's a Rebel," "Uptown," "Then He Kissed Me" and "Da Doo Ron Ron" by the Crystals, as well as "Be My Baby" and "Walking in the Rain" by the Ronettes.
Spector had his hand in many Righteous Brothers hits including "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling."
His daughter, Nicole Audrey Spector, reported that his arduous battle with COVID-19 caused him to be rushed to San Joaquin General Hospital on December 31st, and intubated in January. However, many fans are not wishing the star peace due to the severe pain and suffering he afflicted on so many loved ones of Clarkson.
Lana Clarkson, who was seen in various movies including Barbarian Queen, was shot dead by Spector in his Alhambra mansion, just on the edge of Los Angeles. He claimed her death was an "accidental suicide" which was later disproved. He spent the final years of his life in a prison hospital east of Stockton.
