Whether or not you're familiar with the name Jack Richardson, there's a good chance that you grew up listening to his work. But sadly, on Friday (May 13), the Toronto-born producer passed away at London, ON's University Hospital at the age of 81.
Throughout his career as a world-renowned studio whiz, Richardson helmed classic albums by Alice Cooper, Bob Seger and Badfinger, among others. However, Richardson was perhaps best known for his work with the Guess Who. This included the band's 1970 classic American Woman.
In addition to being a producer and educator, Richardson received the Order of Canada. And each year since 2002, the Juno Awards have given out a prize called the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year. Back in April, London also hosted its seventh annual Jack Richardson Music Awards.
The London Free Press points to a blog post by the Guess Who's Burton Cummings, who wrote, "Jack, I'll miss your being in this world... and I will never, ever forget how you changed my life forever and for better."
Richardson retired in 2007, and spent his final years in poor health at London's Amica retirement home. He is survived by his wife Shirley and four children. A fifth child, Craig, died in 2009. His son Garth has followed in Jack's footsteps and became a producer.
UPDATE: Via a press release:
The Jack Richardson Music Awards is honoured that Jack Richardson's family has requested individuals in the memory of Jack to make a donation to the JRMA's. To expedite this protocol we ask that currently all donations in memory of Jack Richardson be made out to:
JACK RICHARDSON MUSIC AWARDS
At this time we can only accept cheques. Please send them to:
JRMA c/o Fanshawe Student Union
Room SC 2001
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.
PO Box 7005,
London ON
N5Y 5R6
Throughout his career as a world-renowned studio whiz, Richardson helmed classic albums by Alice Cooper, Bob Seger and Badfinger, among others. However, Richardson was perhaps best known for his work with the Guess Who. This included the band's 1970 classic American Woman.
In addition to being a producer and educator, Richardson received the Order of Canada. And each year since 2002, the Juno Awards have given out a prize called the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year. Back in April, London also hosted its seventh annual Jack Richardson Music Awards.
The London Free Press points to a blog post by the Guess Who's Burton Cummings, who wrote, "Jack, I'll miss your being in this world... and I will never, ever forget how you changed my life forever and for better."
Richardson retired in 2007, and spent his final years in poor health at London's Amica retirement home. He is survived by his wife Shirley and four children. A fifth child, Craig, died in 2009. His son Garth has followed in Jack's footsteps and became a producer.
UPDATE: Via a press release:
The Jack Richardson Music Awards is honoured that Jack Richardson's family has requested individuals in the memory of Jack to make a donation to the JRMA's. To expedite this protocol we ask that currently all donations in memory of Jack Richardson be made out to:
JACK RICHARDSON MUSIC AWARDS
At this time we can only accept cheques. Please send them to:
JRMA c/o Fanshawe Student Union
Room SC 2001
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.
PO Box 7005,
London ON
N5Y 5R6