David Z, the Grammy-winning producer and influential figure in the development of the Minneapolis Sound, has passed away at age 78. Rivkin died at a hospital in Burbank, California, from complications related to an infection. His brother Bobby Z, who drummed for Prince and the Revolution, confirmed the news to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Throughout his extensive career, Rivkin collaborated with some of music’s most acclaimed artists. He played a crucial role in Prince’s early creative development and contributed to the production of Lipps Inc.’s disco anthem “Funkytown.” His production credits also include work with Etta James, for which he earned two Grammy Awards, and Fine Young Cannibals, receiving a Grammy nomination for the 1988 hit “She Drives Me Crazy.”
Rivkin’s relationship with Prince began in 1976 when music industry figure Owen Husney introduced the then-18-year-old artist to the producer at Sound 80 studios. According to Husney, Prince was immediately impressed, famously declaring that Rivkin was the only producer he wanted to work with. The two went on to collaborate on multiple projects after Prince signed with Warner Bros.
Known for his understated approach to his craft, Rivkin was recognized as a vital contributor to Minneapolis’s distinctive musical landscape. He once described the Minneapolis Sound as unique, explaining that the region’s isolated creative environment allowed artists to develop an original style without mimicking trends from major music centers.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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