Rendering on Music №3

The article published on the website foxnews.com on March 30, 2013 is headlined “Grammy-winning producer Phil Ramone dies at 79”. The article reports at length that 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 79. 

It’s an open secret that Ramone's son, Matt Ramone, confirmed the death. The family did not immediately release details of the death, but Matt Ramone said his father was "very loving and will be missed."

In resolute terms, the author of the article reports that few in the recording industry enjoyed a more spectacular and diverse career. Moreover, Ramone won 14 competitive Grammy Awards and one for lifetime achievement. Worldwide sales for his projects topped 100 million while 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.

Analyzing the situation, it is necessary to note that fascinated by the mechanics of the studio, Ramone 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.

There is a lot of comment on how 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." A native of South Africa, Ramone seemed born to make music. 

The article draws the conclusion that 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. What is more, he was an advocate for musical education and a trustee for the National Recording Preservation Board of the Library of Congress.

As for me, I can say that I have heard several songs by Ramon and I absolutely agree that he was a lovely person and a very gifted musician and producer.