Tommy LiPuma, producer for McCartney's Grammy winning 'Kisses on the Bottom,' has died

Tommy LiPuma, known for his producing a wide range of artists including Paul McCartney, has died at the age of 80, Billboard reports today. LiPuma produced McCartney's "Kisses on the Bottom" album, which won McCartney a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 55th Grammy Awards. Among the long list of artists he has worked with are Diana Krall, Barbra Streisand, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Miles Davis, Natalie Cole, Al Jarreau, Randy Newman, and Dr. John. Diana Krall's forthcoming album, "Turn Up the Quiet," is a reunion with LiPuma.

Update: Paul McCartney on the passing of Tommy LiPuma:

"I was very saddened to hear that my dear friend, Tommy LiPuma passed away. We had worked together on my album 'Kisses On The Bottom' which he produced. He was a fun loving, thoughtful guy with a vast knowledge of music. He had been a performer in his youth before he took up production and was always happy to sit with us in the studio whilst I and my fellow musicians worked on a track.

"Diana Krall was a very good friend of his and working together with her and Tommy on the album was a special experience. We would often go out to dinner together and on these occasions he was sure to produce a bottle of fine red wine from his briefcase to accompany the meal. He was an extremely generous man who loved his dear wife Gill (for some reason I called her Gail!!) very dearly.

"I will always have very fond memories of our time together and be proud to share his love with his family and many friends."

The Recording Academy® Statement re: Tommy LiPuma March 14, 2017

Tommy LiPuma was an industry giant whose name became synonymous with sophisticated pop and jazz. His productions resulted in a Record Of The Year GRAMMY with George Benson for “This Masquerade,” an Album Of The Year trophy for Natalie Cole’s Unforgettable With Love, as well as GRAMMYs with Diana Krall and Paul McCartney. He also established or had significant leadership roles at labels such as Blue Thumb, A&M, Warner Bros., GRP, and Verve. Our deepest condolences go out to Tommy's family, friends, and creative counterparts.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

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