Renowned music producer Roy Thomas Baker, best known for his work with Queen, The Cars, Foreigner, and other iconic acts, has died at the age of 78. Baker played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of numerous hit singles and albums throughout his legendary career, including serving as chief engineer on Free’s 1970 smash “All Right Now” and T. Rex’s “Bang A Gong (Get It On).” Baker is perhaps best known as the producer on Queen’s iconic 1975 record, A Night At the Races, featuring the smash hit, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which is the most streamed song recorded in the 20th century, and is also recognized as the top British single of all time.
Baker’s influence extended across multiple decades while transforming the rock and pop music landscape, working on the Cars’ self-titled debut and their next three groundbreaking albums. “Roy taught me a lot about handling band personalities,” the Cars’ late singer-songwriter Ric Ocasek told writer A.D. Amorosi in 2016. “He got harmony. And he took things in stride — a very upbeat, elegant man.” Baker also produced albums by Journey, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne, the Smashing Pumpkins, and many more, and while serving as A&R for Elektra, he also oversaw the historic signing of Metallica to the venerable record label. Baker is survived by his wife, Tere Livrano Baker, and brother Alan Baker. (Variety)
