Jimmy Iovine

In a candid and expansive conversation, industry veterans discuss their storied careers and the evolution of music production. They reflect on their experiences with iconic artists like Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and Stevie Nicks, sharing insights into the creative processes and challenges faced in the studio. The dialogue highlights the profound impact of pivotal moments, such as witnessing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan, and explores the dynamics of producing legendary albums. They also touch on the changing landscape of the music industry, the shift from greatness to fame as a currency, and the personal transformations that come with stepping back from the relentless pace of the business.

• B discusses a deep and ongoing fascination with Johnny Cash's version of "Danny Boy."
• A recounts meeting B for the first time 37 years ago in Paul Schindler's office, highlighting their long history.
• A describes producing a rock album for The Cult, marking a transition from hip-hop singles to rock music production.

"I had just produced my first rock album by a band called the Cult band from England."

• A's early career was marked by experimentation and a lack of formal knowledge, which B found admirable.

• B reflects on the simplicity and innocence of early music production, noting how experience can sometimes complicate the process.
• The conversation touches on the idea that having too much information can hinder the creative process.

"It's so funny you say that because when you get to a certain point producing records, I found you stop making the first albums."

• B expresses a desire to return to the simplicity of early music-making, emphasizing the power of ignorance and innocence.

• B and A discuss the transformative impact of The Beatles, particularly their performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
• The Beatles' appearance marked a cultural shift and inspired many, including B, to pursue music.

"I beg for a guitar from the day after that. No, no, it more than blew our mind."

• The Beatles' arrival coincided with significant historical events, such as the Kennedy assassination, amplifying their impact.

• B describes growing up in a predominantly Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn, highlighting cultural traditions and community dynamics.
• The influence of Italian heritage and the desire to assimilate into American culture are recurring themes.

"The whole thing was about being American. Absolutely."

• The presence of the mob and the cultural segregation within the Italian community are noted as significant aspects of B's upbringing.

• Jukeboxes in candy stores served as a central hub for social interaction and musical discovery.
• B recounts the influence of various musical genres and artists, including doo-wop, rock and roll, and The Beatles.

"In the candy store. My aunt was the kid. Lil and Dots. It was her candy store."

• The transition from singles to albums is noted as a pivotal moment in musical consumption.

• B played bass in a cover band, performing in various clubs and gaining early exposure to the music industry.
• The realization that he would not become a rock star led B to explore other roles within the music business.

"I was never going to be in the Rolling Stones. I got that right."

• B's connection to the music industry began through a family member, leading to opportunities with established artists.

• B's introduction to music production came through Ellie Greenwich, a legendary songwriter and producer.
• B witnessed the recording process firsthand, sparking an interest in the technical aspects of music production.

"I met Ellie Greenwich. And she had equipment in her room."

• The experience of seeing professional recording sessions solidified B's desire to pursue a career in music production.

• A transformative moment occurred when the speaker observed a well-dressed man leaving with an attractive woman, sparking a desire for a similar lifestyle.
• The speaker, being Italian and self-admittedly superficial, was initially motivated by material aspirations, such as buying clothes and escaping Brooklyn.
• Ellie Greenwich played a pivotal role in the speaker's career by securing him a job at a studio.

"At that moment, I just said, I got it."

• This quote highlights the speaker's realization and desire for a lifestyle change, motivated by material and superficial influences.

"I'm not looking for substance. You know, I'm looking for a gig. To get out of Brooklyn, get some money and buy clothes."

• The speaker candidly admits to prioritizing material gains over deeper, substantive goals at the start of his career.

• The speaker had a trial period at a studio, where an unexpected opportunity arose to assist during a James Brown session.
• Despite feeling terrified and inexperienced, the speaker was impressed by Brown's charisma and professionalism.
• James Brown's generosity left a lasting impression when he tipped the speaker $50, a significant amount at the time.

"The guy walks over to me, puts $50 in my hand and says, Mr. Brown wants you to have this."

• This gesture of generosity from James Brown was a pivotal moment for the speaker, reinforcing the potential for success in the music industry.

• The speaker was initially fired on the 89th day of his trial period but was quickly rehired at the Record Plant through the intervention of Ellie Greenwich.
• The Record Plant became the foundation of the speaker's career, where he transitioned from a staff engineer to a producer.

"Hang up. Call me back in 10 minutes. She called a record plant. I called her back and she said, don't go home."

• Ellie Greenwich's support and connections were crucial in redirecting the speaker's career path to the Record Plant.

• Roy Sakala, a renowned engineer, trained the speaker in a rigorous, hands-on manner, which was likened to boot camp.
• The speaker learned through direct experience, often due to Sakala's OCD tendencies, which required the speaker to handle equipment.

"When he wanted to train you, you became his assistant. And it was like literally like boot camp."

• The speaker's intensive training under Roy Sakala provided invaluable hands-on experience and technical skills.

• The speaker was involved in sessions with John Lennon, including the "Mind Games" album, marking a significant career milestone.
• The speaker's meticulous nature extended to personal tasks, such as making Lennon's tea, reflecting his dedication to service.
• The chaotic yet educational environment of working with Lennon and other notable artists shaped the speaker's approach to music production.

"How do I just be of service?"

• This quote underscores the speaker's commitment to supporting and learning from John Lennon, highlighting the importance of humility and service in his role.

• The speaker recounts the chaotic and demanding sessions with Phil Spector, characterized by Spector's eccentric behavior and large orchestras.
• The speaker had to adapt quickly to Spector's sudden changes, such as accommodating 36 musicians instead of the expected eight.
• Despite the chaos, the speaker managed to maintain professionalism and focus on capturing the music accurately.

"From when I left his house to the next morning, hired 36 musicians."

• This quote illustrates Phil Spector's unpredictable nature and the speaker's ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.

• The speaker faced numerous challenges, including managing large sessions, handling equipment, and dealing with Spector's erratic behavior.
• The experience taught the speaker valuable lessons in adaptability, problem-solving, and maintaining composure under pressure.
• The speaker's dedication to learning and improving was evident in his commitment to capturing the best possible sound.

"I'm just trying to get it on tape."

• Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the speaker's primary focus remained on capturing the music, demonstrating his dedication and resilience.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of mentorship, crediting Ellie Greenwich and Roy Sakala for their roles in his career development.
• The speaker's journey from a novice to a seasoned professional highlights the impact of perseverance, opportunity, and guidance.
• The speaker's experiences with legendary artists and producers provided a unique and invaluable education in the music industry.

"John was magnificent to me. Every day. Every day was the greatest."

• This quote reflects the speaker's appreciation for John Lennon's mentorship and the profound impact of working closely with such an influential artist.

• The Beatles had an unparalleled impact on musicians and the music industry during the 1970s.
• John Lennon was a charismatic figure who inspired both awe and nervousness among fellow musicians.
• Working with Lennon was a unique experience, marked by his supportive nature and trust in collaborators.

"I told him, play, you bastard. Because he was nervous because he's in the room with me."

• This quote illustrates the intimidating presence Lennon had, causing even experienced musicians to freeze up during sessions.

"That's why we use them. He's around, you know what I mean? Because he knew I was nervous, you know, Amazing."

• John Lennon recognized and alleviated the nervousness of others, showing his supportive and understanding nature.

• The speaker transitioned from a lack of understanding of hip hop to recognizing its global potential.
• Despite skepticism, the speaker believed in the universal appeal of hip hop and invested in Death Row Records.
• The speaker's experience with European music markets informed his confidence in hip hop's potential.

"I said, they're going to be dancing to this in China now. I had no idea."

• This quote highlights the speaker's belief in hip hop's global reach despite initial doubts from others.

"I don't agree with any. I said, as a producer, I had nothing. But I had massive hits in Europe and outside of America as a producer."

• The speaker's past successes with European markets gave him confidence in hip hop's international appeal.

• The speaker founded Interscope Records after being inspired by the success of other record executives.
• The decision was influenced by a desire to have creative control and financial independence.
• Early signings included artists like Gerardo, Primus, Helmet, Tupac, and No Doubt.

"I wanted a hit. I didn't give a fuck if it was a cha cha cha. I wanted my promotion team to have a hit."

• This quote underscores the speaker's strategic approach to establishing Interscope Records with immediate success.

"I said, this guy will define Interscope."

• The speaker recognized Dr. Dre's unique talent and production quality as pivotal to Interscope's identity.

• Producing Stevie Nicks' "Belladonna" was a significant challenge due to her transition from Fleetwood Mac.
• The speaker assembled a unique band from various well-known groups to create a distinct sound.
• The album's success was attributed to the innovative approach of combining talents from different backgrounds.

"I got guys from every band. So I got Roy Bitton from the E Street Band. I got Ben Montench from the Heartbreakers."

• This quote details the strategic assembly of musicians to craft a unique sound for Stevie Nicks' solo debut.

"It was a real challenge. The reason why it was a challenge is she's coming out of Fleetwood Mac."

• The quote highlights the pressure and complexity of producing an album for an artist transitioning from a legendary band.

• The speaker reflects on the intense drive and dedication required in music production.
• Personal anecdotes reveal the challenges of balancing professional demands with personal life.
• The speaker ultimately chose to retire to escape the relentless drive and pressure of the industry.

"I was very driven till the day I retired. And that's why I retired. I didn't want to be driven anymore."

• This quote reflects the speaker's conscious decision to step away from the music industry to find personal peace.

"I only felt safe in a recording studio. I don't know if you know that feeling. You must. I only felt like I was in water as a fish."

• The quote illustrates the speaker's comfort and identity being deeply tied to the recording studio environment.

• The speaker discusses the intricacies of mixing albums, emphasizing the importance of hearing every instrument.
• The evolution of mixing techniques from analog to digital is noted as a turning point in the speaker's career.
• The speaker's innovative approach to mixing is highlighted by their ability to adapt and create distinct sounds.

"Whenever I got in trouble, I'm born around. I'd go to Roy Bitton and Aunt. No. Every time you go to him, you push the goddamn thing up and he's doing something."

• This quote emphasizes the speaker's reliance on talented musicians to enhance the mixing process.

"I quit producing when digital came out because I liked analog mixing. I only could do it if I'm pushing everything up around myself."

• The quote reflects the speaker's preference for analog mixing and the personal touch it allowed in music production.

• The use of specific instruments and production techniques can significantly alter the outcome of a musical project.
• The addition of a shaker by Jim Keltner transformed the sound of an album, highlighting the importance of small changes in production.
• The balance between creating commercially successful music and maintaining artistic integrity is a recurring challenge for producers.

"When you hear the album, the shaker is so loud."

• The quote emphasizes the impact of the shaker on the album's final sound, illustrating how a seemingly minor element can become a defining feature.

"I always tell this story because, you know, it's important to show things you got wrong as well as things you got right."

• This highlights the importance of learning from both successes and failures in music production.

• The tension between creating hits and maintaining artistic credibility is a central theme in music production.
• Songs like "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" and "Because the Night" illustrate the balance between artistic vision and commercial viability.
• The decision to give certain songs to other artists can lead to unexpected success.

"Tom singing Stop Dragon wasn't a hit. So I said, let's give it a Stevie."

• This decision exemplifies how strategic collaborations can turn a song into a hit by pairing it with the right artist.

"Because the Night is a great song. Bruce didn't want to use it."

• This demonstrates how a song's potential can be realized by another artist, leading to its success.

• A strong work ethic is essential for achieving greatness in the music industry.
• Bruce Springsteen's dedication and determination serve as a model for aspiring musicians and producers.
• The pursuit of greatness often involves sacrifices and overcoming challenges.

"I learned a real work ethic with Springsteen. I learned that you don't stop until you get it."

• This quote underlines the relentless pursuit of perfection that characterizes successful artists.

"I didn't want to be rich, I didn't want to be famous. I didn't even want to be happy. I wanted to be great."

• Springsteen's focus on greatness over other forms of success reflects the mindset required to achieve artistic excellence.

• The music industry is fraught with challenges, including label politics and the pressure to produce hits.
• Producers often face regrets about decisions made during the production process.
• The impact of external factors, such as record label decisions, can affect an album's success.

"Atlantic dropped the record right on top of his record."

• This illustrates how label decisions can negatively impact an artist's release strategy and success.

"I felt responsible. I always thought, you know, I should have protected him somehow."

• The quote reflects the personal responsibility producers feel for the artists they work with and the outcomes of their projects.

• The way people consume music has changed dramatically with the advent of streaming services.
• Fame has become a more significant currency than artistic greatness in the current music landscape.
• The relationship between listeners and music is less personal and more transient than in the past.

"Fame is replaced great as a currency."

• This highlights the shift in what is valued in the music industry, with fame often taking precedence over artistic quality.

"Music is fifth. It's not the thing."

• This quote points to the diminished role of music in people's lives compared to other forms of entertainment and social media.

• Reflecting on one's career can lead to a sense of fulfillment and understanding of one's impact on the industry.
• Retirement offers a new perspective on life and work, allowing for personal growth and relaxation.
• The legacy of influential figures in music continues to inspire and shape the industry.

"I couldn't work the way I worked and live the life I wanted to live."

• This reflects the decision to retire and the desire to balance work with personal well-being.

"I just feel great. And I do things... but you don't feel like you're on the hook."

• The quote illustrates the freedom and peace that come with stepping back from the pressures of the industry.