Tony Visconti
Tony Visconti
Full Name and Common Aliases
Tony Visconti is an American record producer, musician, singer-songwriter, and arranger.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 24, 1944. Still active in the music industry today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Musician, Record Producer, Singer-Songwriter, Arranger
Early Life and Background
Tony Visconti was born in Brooklyn, New York to an Italian-American family. He began his musical journey as a teenager, playing bass for various bands in the 1960s. This exposure led him to work with notable artists of the time.
Major Accomplishments
Visconti's career spans over five decades, marked by numerous achievements in music production and arrangement. Some highlights include:
Producing David Bowie's breakthrough album 'Space Oddity' (1969) which catapulted the artist into global fame.
Collaborating with T. Rex on several iconic albums such as 'Electric Warrior' (1971) and 'T. Rex' (1972), solidifying Marc Bolan's status as a rock icon.
* Producing Kate Bush's critically acclaimed debut album, 'The Kick Inside' (1978).
Notable Works or Actions
Visconti's production work is characterized by his innovative approach to blending different musical styles and pushing boundaries in the recording studio. His work with David Bowie on albums like 'Low', 'Heroes', and 'Lodger' showcases his ability to adapt and innovate.
One of Visconti's most notable contributions is his role in shaping the sound of the 1970s, particularly in the glam rock movement. He worked closely with artists such as T. Rex, Roxy Music, and more, leaving an indelible mark on the era's musical landscape.
Impact and Legacy
Tony Visconti's influence extends far beyond his production credits. His innovative approach to music has inspired generations of musicians and producers, including notable figures like Brian Eno and Rick Rubin.
Visconti's legacy is also marked by his commitment to artistic integrity and collaboration with his artists. He has spoken out on the importance of respecting an artist's vision in the recording studio, emphasizing the need for a producer to be more than just a technical expert.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tony Visconti's impact on music history is undeniable. His work as a producer and arranger on some of the most iconic albums of the 20th century has cemented his place in the annals of rock 'n' roll.
Visconti's ability to innovate, collaborate, and push boundaries has made him one of the most respected figures in the music industry today. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of creative vision and collaboration in shaping the sound of an era.
Quotes by Tony Visconti
Towards the end of the seventies pop was gaining the momentum and respectability was very high with groups like Yes and Queen who were making “classical” rock records. They were also bringing in big bucks. So the eighties became the “bottom line” decade.
Today’s recording techniques would have been regarded as science fiction forty years ago.
I kind of liked the method of the seventies where they would throw a little bit of money at a hundred different groups – not millions of dollars per group, but, you know, a few thousand. Throw them in the studio, and if five of those groups came out with a hit record it would be money well spent.
I love Logic Audio and have been using it for years. All my track outputs used to come up on my old board in the same order as in the old Mac G4 – 1 through 32, came up as 1 through 32, for instance.
The eighties turned the whole system upside down. They would sign three groups and give them five or ten million dollars each to make three records. Out of those three records maybe one would be a hit. The economy changed, and that’s why the music changed.
When I was five my parents bought me a ukulele for Christmas. I quickly learned how to play it with my father’s guidance. Thereafter, my father regularly taught me all the good old fashioned songs.
You could make some great sounds with technology. That’s what recording is all about. What happens in the studio is very magical, and should be, in my opinion.
But some great records are are being made with today’s technology and there are still great artists among us. Likewise there are artists today who are so reliant on modern technology, they wouldn’t have emerged when recording was more organic.
Originally a record producer more or less hired a bunch of professionals to participate in a recording session, the performers and the technicians, and a music director was put in charge. That directly related to a film producer’s job.