Phil Ramone

Phil Ramone

Phil Ramone Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 30, 2013.
NEW YORK (AP) — Phil Ramone, the masterful Grammy Award-winning engineer, arranger and producer whose platinum touch included recordings with Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Paul Simon, has died at 72, his family said Saturday.

Ramone's son, Matt Ramone, confirmed the death. The family did not immediately release details of the death, but Matt Ramone says his father was "very loving and will be missed."

Few in the recording industry enjoyed a more spectacular and diverse career. Ramone won 14 competitive Grammy Awards and one for lifetime achievement. Worldwide sales for his projects topped 100 million. He was at ease with rock, jazz, swing and pop, working with Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, Elton John and Tony Bennett, Madonna and Lou Reed.

Ramone was on hand for such classic albums as The Band's "The Band" and Bob Dylan's "Blood On the Tracks." He produced three records that went on to win Grammys for album of the year — Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years," Joel's "52nd Street" and Charles' "Genius Loves Company."

"I always thought of Phil Ramone as the most talented guy in my band," Joel said in a statement. "So much of my music was shaped by him and brought to fruition by him. I have lost a dear friend — and my greatest mentor."

Ramone also was a pioneer of digital recording who produced what is regarded as the first major commercial release on compact disc, "52nd Street," which came out on CD in 1982. He was even part of political history, advising presidential administrations on how to properly record a news conference and helping to arrange the storied 1962 party for John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden that featured Marilyn Monroe crooning "Happy Birthday."

He thrived whether producing music for the stereo, television, film or the stage. He won an Emmy for a TV special about Duke Ellington, a Grammy for the soundtrack to the Broadway musical "Promises, Promises" and a Grammy for the soundtrack to "Flashdance."

He had uncanny instincts and made an art out of the "Duets" concept, pairing Sinatra with Bono, Luther Vandross and other younger artists, Bennett with McCartney and Barbra Streisand, and Charles with Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison. In Ramone's memoir, "Making Records," he recalled persuading a hesitant Sinatra to re-record some of his signature songs.

"I reminded Frank that while Laurence Olivier had performed Shakespeare in his 20s, the readings he did when he was in his 60s gave them new meaning," Ramone wrote. "I spoke with conviction. 'Don't my children — and your grandchildren — deserve to hear the way you're interpreting your classic songs now?'"

A request from Sinatra led to another Ramone innovation: Singers performing simultaneously from separate studios.

A native of South Africa, he seemed born to make music. He had learned violin by age 3 and was trained at The Juilliard School in New York. Before age 20, he had opened his own recording studio, A&R Recording, where he served as engineer for such visiting artists as Count Basie and Sarah Vaughan. He had known Quincy Jones since he was a teenager and in his 20s became close to Streisand. By the end of the 1960s, he had worked on "Midnight Cowboy" and other movie soundtracks and would credit composer John Barry with helping him become a producer.

His credits as a producer, engineer and arranger make it hard to believe they belong to just one person: Joel's "The Stranger," Simon's "There Goes Rhymin' Simon," concert albums by Dylan and the Rolling Stones, such popular singles as Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant," Streisand's "Evergreen," Lesley Gore's "It's My Party," Judy Collins' "Send in the Clowns" and Stan Getz's and Astrud Gilberto's "The Girl from Ipanema."

The bearded, self-effacing Ramone was among the most famous and welcome faces within the business, yet he could walk down virtually any street unnoticed. He was not a high-strung visionary in the tradition of Phil Spector, but rather a highly accomplished craftsman and diplomat who prided himself on his low-key style, on being an "objective filter" for the artist, on not being "a screamer."

"The record producer is the music world's equivalent of a film director," he wrote in his memoir. "But, unlike a director (who is visible, and often a celebrity in his own right), the record producer toils in anonymity. We ply our craft deep into the night, behind locked doors."

Ramone's friendly style was especially welcomed by Joel. The singer-songwriter was already a popular artist in the mid-1970s, but he felt he lacked a sympathetic producer, one who appreciated Joel's bandmates as much as Joel. Ramone joined on for what became one of Joel's biggest successes, "The Stranger," released in 1977. As Joel explained at the time, Ramone fit right in with the musicians and encouraged everyone to relax and play more like they did on stage, like "rock and roll animals."

"We did songs in five takes instead of 15 or 20," Joel said. "He was one of the guys. We'd throw around ideas, kick the songs around, try them different ways and get them right. Sometimes we'd throw pizza at each other."

In a statement Saturday, Bennett said it was a joy to work with Ramone.

"Phil Ramone was a lovely person and a very gifted musician and producer," Bennett said. "He had a wonderful sense of humor and a deep love of music."

Ramone's many industry honors were returned in kind. He was chairman emeritus of the board of trustees of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and produced Grammy tributes for James Taylor, Brian Wilson and other artists. He was an advocate for musical education and a trustee for the National Recording Preservation Board of the Library of Congress.

His recent recordings included albums with Bennett, Simon, George Michael and Dionne Warwick.

"I still make records on the basis that three or four players and a singer, and the song, come together right there," he said recently for an interview on CBS.com. "It's a really strong way to work. I'm ready to work, musicians are ready to play. There's a feeling."

HILLEL ITALIE, AP National Writer



Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Phil Ramone's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 31, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2019

Harry Simpson posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2014

Ann Woloschak/Ramone/McCoy posted to the memorial.

61 Entries

March 31, 2020

I would like to offer my sincerest respect to the family and friends of mr PHIL RAMONE a great entertainer may the God of tender mercies grant him peace

Harry Simpson

March 30, 2019

Godspeed Phil, and thank you for for sharing a part of your life us.

Ann Woloschak/Ramone/McCoy

July 8, 2014

Phil's first wife and mother of sons Matthew and Simon was Ann Woloschak.

April 1, 2014

Sadly missed,Pete Thompson.London

Dorrie Black

June 16, 2013

It has been over 30 years since I worked for Phil and I wanted to send a note of my most deepest and sincerest condolences. I know how much he loved you Karen and how he cherished both Matt and Simon. My prayers are with you all! He was an amazing man!

Over 20 years of charity to the music industry

Joanne Stanulonis

April 14, 2013

My father, an accomplished pianist introduced me to Phil when I was in college as the great of the industry. I joined the Recording Academy to be in the company of Phil, LaMont Dozier, Quincy Jones - the greats of the music world. Through the Amazon Institute, I wish to name a forest in his legacy. Let me know your feelings about this. God be with you.

April 13, 2013

happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted..matt.5:4...~~

Gennette Corbitt

April 9, 2013

My condolences to the family.

jerry keller

April 7, 2013

As one of the hundreds who got to work with and know Phil a bit - Here's to his Ear his Skill and his Heart. A life well lived.

April 6, 2013

To Karen, Matt, Simon and BJ

My deepest sympathies for the loss of Phil. Thinking of you all.

Bente Hammerli Norway

Frederica L. Harris

April 5, 2013

Thank you for all the years of sharing your wonderful talent with us Mr. Ramone. You will be missed by many.
Keeping your friends and family in my thoughts and prayers.

Deny Tierney-Katz

April 5, 2013

So many of those songs bring. Smile to my face he may be gone but the music will play on for my generation

Creating music at Henry Hey's with Phil and Brizee

Dennis Zuniga

April 4, 2013

BRIZEE ,and Phil , and Fillipetti in Legends Music Studio

Dennis Zuniga

April 4, 2013

To Phil, thank you from the zuniga family for the opportunity to share in your talents with "BRIZEE' aka Brianna zuniga. We made beautiful music together. Our heart felt condolences to Karen , Mr Matt, BJ and family. I also will miss our monthly sessions , he always shared stories that could only come from a legend! I will miss him, Phil, my good friend. God bless you on your journey. Dennis zuniga NYC

Bennett Turk

April 3, 2013

Dear Phil Ramone, It's a shame and tragedy to hear about your passing! May you Rest in Peace. You were a living legend in music and one of the greatest producers who ever lived. I wish that Karen Carpenter's solo album had been released in 1980, (instead of 1996, thanks to Herb Albert). Apart from that, you had an almost perfect score going from one sucess to another, decade after decade. Phil Ramone you will be missed and the music you helped to create will be listened to until the end of time itself.

C.Vaughn HAZELL

April 2, 2013

All music fans in Byron Bay celebrated Phil's legacy at the biggest Blues Festival in Australia at the Paul Simon concert. The music lives on and so does the memory and work of one of the greatest
Music producers , God Bless Phil and his family through this very difficult time.Matt and Sharon my deepest condolences. Love - Vaughn.

ER

April 2, 2013

Beautiful melodies and glorious memories. You gave us so much, Mr. Ramone. Thank you, thank you.

T Crawford

April 2, 2013

To the Ramone family:
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Phil. His giant musical footprints in our culture will continue on. May God's Word strengthen you during this difficult time. (Isa. 41:10,13)

Anna hendon

April 2, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Albert van Puyenbroeck

April 2, 2013

Warren Marley wishes to thank Phil Ramone for Recording the "Something Better" L.P. A title that suits Phil perfect. Sincere condolences tot his Family. Albert van Puyenbroeck - Amsterdam

April 1, 2013

Dear Karen, I'm so sad. My love to you and your family...Sue (Dwyer) Bowers

MB

April 1, 2013

Family, Please except my condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing God cares about you.

Lou Abbato

April 1, 2013

I can remember hearing mr.ramones name all the time because sinatra would always say how great he was. Now they can work together again in heaven. Rest in peace.

Julie O'Rourke

April 1, 2013

My thoughts and prayers to Karen, BJ & Family.

G. Freeman

April 1, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Victoria&Andrew VZj

April 1, 2013

EarthsCryHeavens smile@

rip PHIL RAMONE~
Inspired with much care within a song inside a voice and our own wonderful Favorites~
Forever forever
Unchained Melody'
As There will never be enough Music!
And
Thankyou Mr.Phil Ramone
Our condolences To all those Dearly Beloved Family and those many friends you known in your life time`
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tom Smith

April 1, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil Ramone's family, friends, and fans. We can all look forward to a time when death and tears of sorrow will be no more.

April 1, 2013

Sincere condolences to family and friends to someone who truly appreciated the music field and poured out his heart with love.Psalms.33.1,2.

April 1, 2013

May the Ramone family be comforted in knowing that a promise was made to all mankind that all those who mourn will be comforted. Isaiah 61:2, Romans15:4, we have hope.

Anna hendon

April 1, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Herman Rodriguez-Bajandas

April 1, 2013

My deepest condolences to Karen and family, friends, and all who Phil touched with his gentle guidance, humor, and care. A great human being. An honor being in his presence.

Scott Chamberland

April 1, 2013

Rest in Peace

April 1, 2013

My condolences to the family for the loss of Mr. Ramone. His work was legendary and will live on. Please find comfort in knowing his music abilities were a gift from God. Ecclesiastes 5:18

April 1, 2013

Our prayers are with the family. May God give you comfort and endurance.

March 31, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends PROVERBS 17:17

March 31, 2013

To the Ramone family and friends, may the God of comfort watch over and strengthen you all as you grieve for Phil. My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to you all.

-S.Scott, Tucker, GA

Connie & Tom Silliman

March 31, 2013

Our condolences to the Ramone family. He has left all of us with much music to appreciate. He's not going to be forgotten. May God give you peace in knowing there will be another day when all shall meet again.

G B

March 31, 2013

I extend my condolences to the family. Be assured that you are not alone in your grief. Our Heavenly Father tells us his eyes are toward the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their cry for help.

March 31, 2013

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.

Judy

March 31, 2013

Thank you for a lifetime of music!
May you rest in peace.

March 31, 2013

To the Ramone family I'm very sorry for your loss may we look forward to Gods kingdom rule when there will be life without end at last

March 31, 2013

Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more. For God has promised.

Fred Weinberg

March 31, 2013

Phil will be truly missed. He was a friend, a mentor, and a talented, brilliant person. I had the plese of working with him for many years, at A&R Recording, his studios in New York, and he gave me the chance to engineer and produce many artists, His legacy will live forever in the music business. My thoughts are with his wife and his boys. Every time I work on a project, a bit of Phil Ramone is evident in the sound.

B.C.S.

March 31, 2013

OUT ON THE OCEAN....CARVED ON A ROCK...THREE LITTLE WORDS...FORGET YOU NOT...

Dwayne Bickham

March 31, 2013

rest in peace

March 31, 2013

Yes he was a man gifted, and loved by many.To his family..May the peace of God be with you at this time. And his loving kindness strengthen you.
Phill 4:7
B.S- Cincinnati,Ohio

dannie zimmerman

March 31, 2013

May God Continue To Bless You And Your Loved One's...

Maria R. Rodriguez

March 30, 2013

May God bless Phil Ramone and his family. He was a legendary music producer who I personally did not know, but I heard through the recordings from Chicago Transit Authority. Rest in Peace, Phil Ramone, I hope you are singing with the Angels in Heaven.

D D

March 30, 2013

This is definitely a perfect time to reflect and show appreciation for the greatest man who ever lived. "It is even so written: The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life giving spirit. 1 Cor 11:45.

March 30, 2013

Soon there will be no more sickness or death. May you find peace in the words of Jesus at John 28,29.

March 30, 2013

May the God of peace give the Ramone's familly strength and comfort during this most difficult time. Isaiah 65:2.

J. F-M

March 30, 2013

We have all benefitted from your genius and collaborations with the greats of the music world. You have left behind such a incomparable legacy. Thank you to you and your family. The music speaks for itself.

March 30, 2013

My condolences to Mr.Ramone family. May you have peace and look to the future with hope and confidence when all Thoese who died will be resurrected. to life again.

Richard Owen

March 30, 2013

Thank You, Mr. Ramone, For Your Great Contributions To Popular Music. Rest In Peace. See You On The Other Side Some Beautiful Day, Kind Sir.

Aurum Winton

March 30, 2013

Phil produced the Dayton band HEATWAVE and he was and is an all time great Record Ptoducer/Recording Engineer. I wish that I could have met you Phil.

TOBY WRIGHT

March 30, 2013

I will miss one of the greatest inspirations of my musical career. A beautiful human and an inspired soul.....

March 30, 2013

happy are those conscious of their spiritual need,since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them...matt.5:3...md

Lynn Harmon

March 30, 2013

Dear Ramone family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time in your time in your life. We all yearn for better conditions. It's refreshing to know that God's word speaks of a time when all sorrows will be gone and and that mankind will live in beautiful surroundings with nothing to fear.-Isaiah 65:17,21-24 will shed lite on this.

March 30, 2013

Obedient humans will soon receive the full benefit of Jesus' ransom sacrifice.
This will occur under the rule of the Kingdom for which the upright have long prayed, saying:
“Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come.
Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:9, 10)

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Sign Phil Ramone's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 31, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2019

Harry Simpson posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2014

Ann Woloschak/Ramone/McCoy posted to the memorial.