Terry Melcher
| Terry Melcher | |
|---|---|
Melcher at left, in the studio with the Byrds' Gene Clark (center) and David Crosby in 1965.
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Terrence P. Jorden |
| Also known as | Terry Day |
| Born |
February 8, 1942 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | November 19, 2004 (aged 62) Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Record producer, session musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Associated acts | |
Terrence P. "Terry" Melcher (born Terrence P. Jorden, February 8, 1942 – November 19, 2004) was an American musician and record producer who was instrumental in shaping the California Sound and American West Coast rock music, particularly during the nascent counterculture era. Melcher is also known for his involvement with murder-conspirator Charles Manson, being one of the targets of the Manson Family during the late 1960s.
He was the only child of actress/singer Doris Day; his father was Day's first husband Al Jorden. Melcher's major contributions were producing the Byrds' first two albums Mr. Tambourine Man (1965) and Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965), as well as most of the hit recordings of Paul Revere & the Raiders and the Gentle Soul. In the 1960s, Melcher was acquainted with the Beach Boys, helping connect Brian Wilson to Smile lyricist Van Dyke Parks. Melcher later produced several singles for the Beach Boys between the 1980s and the 1990s, including "Kokomo" (1988), which topped US record charts.
Melcher was born Terrence P. Jorden in New York City to trombonist Al Jorden and his wife, singer-actress Doris Day. Known as "Terry", the boy was named by his mother after the hero of her favorite childhood comic strip, Terry and the Pirates.
Before the birth, Day was planning to divorce Al Jorden, due to his alleged abuse, and violent temper. Upon learning of his wife's pregnancy, Jorden had demanded that Day get an abortion. Shortly after giving birth, Day filed for divorce and left the infant with her mother in Ohio. Doris went back to touring with big band leader Les Brown and after the divorce, Jorden visited his son infrequently and had little presence in his life.
...
Wikipedia