Shel Talmy – famed producer of The Who and The Kinks – dies aged 87

15 November 2024, 11:36

Shel Talmy helped create the sound of the 60s.

Music producer Shel Talmy has died at the age of 87.

The American producer worked with countless artists across his career but was best known for producing some of the biggest hits of British artists The Who and The Kinks.

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Talmy died at his home peacefully after suffering a stroke over the weekend just gone, a post on his official Facebook page confirmed, which included a message Shel had written himself before his passing.

"Hi to all, and many thanks to all of you who have been reading my rock stories for all this time, it has been greatly appreciated!" he said.

"Please note, that if you're reading this now, this is my final vignette, as I am no longer residing on this plane of existence, and have 'moved on', to wherever that may be."

He continued: "I'd like to think there is something beyond where I was to where I am now, assuming that the millions of suppositions as to what is next, are accurate.

The Kinks - You Really Got Me (Official Video)

"I'd like to think that I'm thoroughly enjoying my new 'residence', and that the countless rumors that there is a big working 'studio in the sky' are true, and that we are, dare I say, making heavenly music!

"I am also hoping that I am currently engaged in renewing relationships with a ton of friends and acquaintances, many of which go back for decades."

Shel added: "I've had a good run, and I am delighted it lasted as long as it did. I'm also delighted that I am told I have a legacy that will last even longer.

My Generation (Stereo Version)

"I look forward to meeting some of you in the future who are reading this, but LOL, don't hurry to get here, I'm not going anywhere!"

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Shel worked first for ABC Television before becoming a recording engineer at Conway Studios in Los Angeles.

The Easybeats - Friday On My Mind (Official Audio)

He travelled to the UK in the early 1960s, and in 1963 produced The Kinks' groundbreaking third single 'You Really Got Me'.

He went on to produce a string of hits for the band – all of their singles up to 1966's 'Dead End Street' – including 'All Day and All of the Night', 'Sunny Afternoon' and many others.

Shel also produced the band's first four albums, and half of Something Else by the Kinks, before the relationship ended.

Among those paying tribute to Shel since the news of his death emerged were The Kinks' Dave Davies, for whom Shel also produced the 1967 solo single 'Death of a Clown'.

"I really loved the man," said Dave.

"He was really crucial to the beginning of our career. I send all my love and condolences to his family. He was a really sweet gentle soul. Rest in Peace Shel Talmy."

I Pity the Fool

Shel also produced The Who's early breakthrough singles in 1965 and 1966: 'I Can't Explain', 'Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere', 'My Generation', 'A Legal Matter', 'The Kids Are Alright' and 'La La La Lies'.

Shel also produced the band's debut My Generation album.

Other Talmy productions included records for The Easybeats, The Creation, Manfred Mann, Roy Harper and Pentangle, as well as early David Bowie singles 'I Pity the Fool' and 'You've Got a Habit of Leaving'.