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Producer David Z Dies at 78, Shaped Prince and Hits

8/4/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

David Z (David Rivkin) died at age 78 in a Burbank, California hospital on Aug. 2 due to infection.
He helped a teenage Prince record the 1976 demo that secured Prince’s 1977 Warner Bros. Records contract.
He co-produced Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy,” Jody Watley’s “Looking for a New Love,” Lipps Inc.’s 1980 hit “Funkytown,” and won two Grammys for producing Etta James, including a 2005 Grammy for the album Blues to the Bone.

History

Historical Context

The Grammy Awards, created in 1958 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, added the Producer of the Year, Non-Classical category at the 17th ceremony on March 1 1975, awarding Quincy Jones the first honor. That recognition gave producers like David Z a career framework, illustrating the award’s lasting influence, underscored by his 2024 death.

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Story summary

David Z (David Rivkin) died at age 78 in a Burbank, California hospital on Aug. 2 due to infection.
He helped a teenage Prince record the 1976 demo that secured Prince’s 1977 Warner Bros. Records contract.
He co-produced Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy,” Jody Watley’s “Looking for a New Love,” Lipps Inc.’s 1980 hit “Funkytown,” and won two Grammys for producing Etta James, including a 2005 Grammy for the album Blues to the Bone.

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