Lifenotes: Barry Beckett
Renowned producer Barry Beckett (1943-2009) passed away peacefully at his home last night, June 10, surrounded by family. His storied career ranged from Muscle Shoals musician to Nashville producer. We will post arrangements as they become available.
Beckett was born February 4, 1943 in Birmingham, Alabama. He spent many years as part of the house band at acclaimed Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, originally stepping in to fill the keyboard slot vacated by Spooner Oldham. In the late sixties he became part of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
While at Fame in the seventies and eighties, he played keys on hits including “I’m Your Puppet” (James and Bobby Purify), and “When A Man Loves A Woman” (Percy Sledge), as well as classics by Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Paul Simon, Joe Cocker, Joan Baez, Dire Straits, and the Oak Ridge Boys.
He began his production career with acts like Seger, Dylan “Slow Train Coming,” Dire Straits “Communiqué,” Delbert McClinton “The Jealous Kind,” and Glenn Frey. Beckett’s first hit came with The Sanford Townsend Band’s “Smoke From A Distant Fire.” Mary MacGregor’s “Torn Between Two Lovers” was his first No. 1 record on the pop charts.
Beckett moved to Nashville to head Warner Bros.’s A&R department, during which time he co-produced Hank Williams Jr. alongside Jim Ed Norman. “Montana Café’” and “Hank Live” both went Gold, and “Born To Boogie” went Platinum, winning CMA Album Of The Year in 1988. Beckett left Warner in 1987 to concentrate on his production career. He has had No. 1 Country records with Eddy Raven, Lorrie Morgan, Alabama, Lionel Cartwright, and Lee Roy Parnell. He also helmed production for Asleep At The Wheel, Kenny Chesney, Jason & The Scorchers, Neal McCoy, KT Oslin, Lee Roy Parnell, and others.
Barry eventually merged back into Rock ‘n’ Roll, producing Grammy nominated Etta James as well as Lynyrd Skynrd, Phish, and Ian Moore. In the early ‘90s, he began producing international acts. He also had much success with the multi-Platinum group Confederate Railroad and Neal McCoy. And in 1994, produced the late Tammy Wynette’s album of duets “Without Walls,” which included such great artists as Sting, Elton John, Aaron Neville, Smokey Robinson, and Wynonna among others.
He is survived by wife Diane and their two sons Matthew, and Mark.
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Thanks for letting us know. After leaving Fame, he, Roger Hawkins, Jimmy Johnson, and David Hood, formed the world-renowned Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. I remember him best for his work there.
He will be missed, but his musical influence will live on. My best to all the family and friends.
Barry was…too many superlatives for this exceptional man. We have lost a star – a bright spot has burned out in music history. God bless Barry, his family and the friends he leaves behind. He will be sorely missed as he was surely loved.
Truly enjoy your next bowl of ice cream, and think of Barry.
I interviewed Barry Beckett (along with engineer Greg Hamm) when “Slow Train Coming” came out… when I was a young no-nothing “writer”. He was incredibly gracious and kind to me when he didn’t have to be. And the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section was of course one of the finest studio groups in the world, and one of my all-time favorites. My condolences to his family and friends.
I just now found out about Barry,
This Is For His Wife Diane and Son,s Matthew and Mark,
I am Truly Sorry for your Loss,
Barry was alway’s a Very Humble Kind and Wonderfull Gentleman, Every Time we were able to talk or what ever,
This A lOSS for all the Music World that he Loved and we Loved him Back,
All I can say Now, Love all of you,
Forest Borders II
Barry Beckett was almost single handededly responsible for my success at country radio. There were a lot of people involved in me being successful, but Barry is the producer who kinda figured out what I was about as an artist. His song choice and production style was just what I needed at the right time in my carreer. He was a man of great character, had a wonderful ear and an even bigger heart! The entire country music industry has lost a dear friend.
Barry recorded my first cut back in 1988 on Hank Jr. Over the years I got to know Barry, I was already fond of him for producing my first cut, but as I got to know him I realized what a great person he was, and just how deep his talent was, He was a Gentle Giant and I had much respect and admiration for him, as well as his musical talents, he will be greatly missed. My heart Goes out to his family and friends.
Barry gave me my very first job in the music industry. Over lunches at Swett’s, he patiently explained the inner-workings of the music business, and I’ll forever be grateful to him for his kindness. I was always struck by his devotion to Diane, Mark and Matthew, who remain in my thoughts during this sad and difficult time.
I’m grateful to Barry because he was willing to take time to teach me so much the process of finding great songs. He was a teddy bear underneath that big linebacker frame and we’ll all miss him. I admired the fact that his family meant everything to him. My love goes out to Diane and the boys and their wives. Thanks for sharing your dear husband and father with this business… we are all blessed because of his influence in our lives.