Phil Spector

Phil Spector, a successful and influential music producers, was known for his signature "Wall of Sound" style. He produced tracks for many popular artists including The Ronettes, The Crystals and John Lennon.

On April 13, 2009, a jury found Spector guilty of second degree murder of actress Lana Clarkson. Clarkson died from a gunshot wound to the head at Spector's mansion on February 3, 2003.Los Angeles Times: Phil Spector guilty in Lana Clarkson's death (April 13, 2009)

On June 10, 2009, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation released Spector's mug shot. The photos of Spector without any of his famous wigs caused some buzz among traditional and Internet media outlets. He is serving a19-year sentence North Kern State Prison in California.NY Daily News: Phil Spector's mugshot reveals a not so hairy situation (June 10, 2009)

Spector's "Wall of Sound" recording techniques produced some of the most influential music of the 1960s and 1970s, inspiring The Beatles, The Beach Boys and many other acts to expand the sound of pop music beyond the confines of a small musical combo.

Some of Spector's well known productions include "You've Lost That Lovin Feelin" (The Righteous Brothers), "The Long and Winding Road" (The Beatles), "My Sweet Lord" (George Harrison), "Imagine" (John Lennon), "River Deep, Mountain High" (Ike and Tina Turner) and "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?" (The Ramones).

A first trial ended in a deadlock.BBC: Jury selection starts for Spector (October 21, 2008) A second trial started in 2008 and the final closing arguments ended on March 24, 2009.CNN: DA: Who buys shoes, then commits suicide? (March 24, 2009) The guilty verdict was reached on April 13, 2009, and Spector was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison on May 29, 2009. He plans to appeal the conviction.SFGate: Phil Spector is Sentenced to 19 Years to Life (May 29, 2009)

Prior to the death of Lana Clarkson, Spector was known, according to anecdotes, for erratic behavior. He reportedly threatened members of both The Rolling Stones and The Ramones with guns. His ex-wife, Ronettes singer Ronnie Spector, has alleged that Spector terrorized her with psychological abuse and death threats.

On February 3, 2003, the actress Lana Clarkson was found shot dead in Spector's Alhambra, CA, mansion. Spector was arrested and charged with murder, but the case against him ended in a deadlocked jury and a mistrial on September 20, 2007.BBC: Jury selection starts for Spector (October 21, 2008) A retrial started in 2008 with the concluding arguments ending on March 24, 2009. During the trial, the defense maintained that Clarkson killed herself and that she had been depressed. The prosecutors argued that Spector killed her. Several women testified that Spector had pulled guns on them in the past.CNN: DA: Who buys shoes, then commits suicide? (March 24, 2009)