R.I.P. Shel Talmy

A large part of his legacy rests on a few years in the mid-'60s but what an impact he made, producing the first great (not to mention massively influential and groundbreaking) singles for the Kinks, then the Who and then a wide variety of acts, including the Easybeats for whom he produced "Friday on My Mind."

Here's his final post for his Facebook page:

FAREWELL FROM SHEL

(We are gutted to tell you that the great Shel Talmy has left the building. He passed away peacefully at home yesterday after suffering a stroke over the weekend. We will have more information, and links to obituaries, shortly, but most importantly we want you to know that Shel thought the world of you, his FB followers and supporters, and to that end, some time ago he prepared the following statement that he would like shared now - preferably with 'You Really Got Me', 'My Generation', 'Friday On My Mind' or your choice of favourite ST production cranked in the background).

"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!
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.

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.

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.

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.
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!"

I had no clue he was American. He was so closely associated with UK bands that I had always assumed he was a Brit and am surprised to learn he was a Chicago native. And was a Quiz Kid to boot!

Not sure why I never took the time to read up on even basic information about him, considering his prominence as a producer. "You Really Got Me," "Making Time," "I Can't Explain," "Friday On My Mind," etc., etc. The guy basically helped invent raw rock & roll, but could also helm weepers like "A Summer Song" and "Waterloo Sunset."

A titan for sure.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/15/2024 02:05AM by breno.

There is a really good read in the Washington Post about his influence, via the Kinks, Who, Creation, etc. (gift link).

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