Spector, Phil

Spector, Phil (1940–  ) record producer, songwriter; born in New York City. While a teenager he recorded his first hit song and studied under producers/songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. In 1961 he cofounded Philles Records, became sole owner in 1962, and produced 20 hits in three years working with such artists as the Crystals, Ben E. King, and the Righteous Brothers. As a producer he broke ground by collaborating creatively with musicians and by using multitrack recording and electronic effects to create the famous "wall of sound."