Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Phil Spector, 81, Has Died
Phil Spector (L) listens to the judge during sentencing in Los Angeles Criminal Courts on May 29, 2009 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Jae C. Hong-Pool/Getty Images)
()
Phil Spector, the legendary music producer who was convicted of second-degree murder for the 2003 death of actress Lana Clarkson, has died.
Spector, 81, was pronounced dead at a hospital on Saturday evening. He was serving a sentence of 19 years to life for Clarkson’s death.
According to prison officials, Spector died of natural causes. However, he tested positive for the coronavirus in the weeks leading up to his death.
Prior to the 40-year-old Clarkson’s death, Spector was known first and foremost as a visionary record producer. He was the creator of a recording technique known as the “Wall of Sound,” which involved layering dozens of musical tracks to build a full, orchestral sound. Spector used the technique on such hits as “Unchained Melody,” “Be My Baby,” and “And Then He Kissed Me.” He also produced George Harrison’s landmark album, “All Things Must Pass.”
Support for LAist comes from
However, Spector struggled with rage and angry outbursts, and his status in the music industry diminished. On the night of Clarkson’s death, friends say Spector — who had a known penchant for firearms — had returned to drinking after a steady stint of sobriety.
Spector’s official cause of death has not yet been determined.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist