John Carter: A Great Music Man

 Carter, as everyone seemed to call him, was one of those rare A&R guys whom really knew his stuff. Talk about putting in your hours.  He was about as well rounded in the music biz as one could be.

• He was a musician
• He wrote songs (Incense and Peppermints)
• Worked as a promotion man for Atlantic Records in the 70’s in San Francisco
• Was an A&R man, first at Capitol Records
• Produced records, first being Sammy Hagar who he signed to Capitol
• Signed Tina Turner and produced Private Dancer
• Managed artists

I’m sure all of the above made him the perfect A&R guy.  He knew what songs to pick for the artist and he knew when a song needed help.

On co-writing songs with artists he produced, “I really harassed and harassed people to improve their songwriting over the course of a project...and maybe in the eleventh hour, I finally said, "That's it. I can't stand it anymore. Here's a lyric. What do you think?" So really, it was usually as a last resort—not a first choice.”  (Read more of this interview on Taxi’s website)

Carter passed away from cancer. I never had the pleasure of working with him, but people I know did, and loved him. 

For a personal account, read Bob Lefsetz column.

The Producers' Fuhrer

Kenneth Mars played one of my favorite film characters, Franz Liebkind. He was the author of Springtime for Hitler who cared for pigeons on the roof of this building.  Without him, there would be no Producers.  Kenneth passed away this past week.. His beloved portrayal of Franz is classic and I thank him for it.  To quote his character, "Not many people know it, but the Fuhrer was a terrific dancer!"