Grammy-winning producer David Z dies at 78

Grammy-winning producer and engineer David Rivkin, popularly known as David Z, has died at the age of 78.

According to reports, the veteran music producer passed away on August 2 at a hospital in Burbank, California, following complications from an infection.

David Z was widely known for helping shape the Minneapolis Sound and played a key role in Prince’s early career by producing his demo recordings and engineering some of his early albums.

Over the years, he worked with several music stars, including Etta James, Buddy Guy, Al Green, Jody Watley and Jonny Lang. He also contributed to Lipps Inc.’s chart-topping hit Funkytown and co-produced Fine Young Cannibals’ She Drives Me Crazy, both of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2005, he won a Grammy Award for his production work on Etta James’ Blues to the Bone album.

Paying tribute, his brother Bobby Z, who was Prince’s drummer in The Revolution, described him as a fearless producer and a true rebel whose influence on music will never be forgotten.