PHIL RAMONE: EASILY THE RECORD INDUSTRY'S MOST PRODUCTIVE PRODUCER.

Byline: Fred Shuster >LA.COM

Even after winning 14 Grammy Awards since 1964, Phil Ramone's name has never disappeared from the top of the charts.

One of the most respected and prolific producers in the industry, Ramone's diversity has meant he's worked with everyone from Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto some 45 years ago to the acclaimed new Shelby Lynne album. Along the way, he's collaborated with artists such as Burt Bacharach, Bono, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Renee Fleming, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra and countless more.

"I've never, ever gotten tired of being involved in music," he said. "It's been such an honor and a joy to make my living in this field. Even after all this time, I still love it. You just have to remember to separate the music part from the business side and always strive for the best creative work possible."

With 34 nominations, including tonight's nod for work with saxophonist Dave Koz, and 14 trophies, including a technical Grammy for a lifetime of innovative contributions to the industry, Ramone has accumulated numerous honors and accolades.

He's played an integral role in pioneering many of the technological developments in music over the years and ardently supported use of the compact disc, the digital video disc, high-definition recording and surround sound while those technologies were still meeting resistance in some executive suites.

"The history of American music and the history of music technology go hand-in-hand; they are deeply linked," he said. "What we hear, alone and as a society, and how we hear it, is very influenced by the technology of the day."

It figures, then, that the first CD ever pressed, Billy Joel's "52nd Street," was a Ramone production, as was the first pop DVD release, "Dave Grusin Presents West Side Story." A recent memoir, "Making Records: The Scenes Behind the Music," co-authored by Ramone, brings readers into the trenches during, for example, the making of Dylan's landmark "Blood on the Tracks" and Charles' 2005 album-of-the-year Grammy winner "Genius Loves Company."

"I'm a lifelong fan of all genres," Ramone sums up. "Even if I don't particularly like something, I can see why it could become a hit for the audience. I've always kept to the idea that you should never do a project you don't care about or only for the money. The aim should be the artistry and making the talent shine in the best possible light. It's critical to stick to your musical strengths.

"Then, someone else can come along and devise a marketing plan."

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no caption (Phil Ramone)