The 6 Most Rock N Roll Producers In Music

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Todd Rundgren

One of the most important aspects to note with Rundgren is that he is first and foremost, a musician. That’s why he emphatically understands what it is like as an artist to hand over the reigns to a foreign production figure. Firstly labelled a pop star, Rundgren learnt what it took not only write a hit record, but to produce it in a unique way that was true to the artist and resonated with the public at large.

The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was heavily involved in the rock opera movement of the 70s, perhaps best popularised by his work on Meatloaf’s record breaking Bat Out of Hell. This man’s sphere of influence stretches far beyond the curtains of Meat’s dramatic bellows. Believe it or not the likes of proto-punk gods Patti Smith and the New York Dolls desperately sought his expertise as well. Popular within the seedy underbelly that was New York City’s party scene, Max’s Kansas City, this artists presence was prevalent everywhere in the 1970s.

Today a heavily respected figure, Ruddgren’s influence is still boldly prominent in the works of Aussie heroes Tame Impala. The multifaceted creative’s manner of piecing together an almost chaotic orchestra of sound and make it completely listenable is a feat that has rarely been matched, he is – to quote his 1973 solo album - A Wizard, A True Star.

Ruddgren’s productions include: New York Dolls - New York Dolls (1973), Hall & Oats War Babies (1974), Meatloaf - Bat Out Of Hell (1977), Patti Smith - Wave (1979), The Psychedelic Furs - Forever Now (1982), XTC - Skylarking (1986).