Phil Spector was one of the most influential music producers in rock 'n' roll history. However, in 2009, he began serving a 19-year prison sentence for murdering Lana Clarkson, a nightclub hostess that he took home after an evening of drinking. He died on Saturday at the age of 81, following complications due to COVID-19.

Spector reached his first No. 1 hit in 1958 with two of his school friends who formed a band known as Teddy Bears. Their song, "To Know Him Is to Love Him" sold over one million records. This served as the catalyst for the guitarist's successful music career. He was also very transformative in many girl groups of the era, producing "He's a Rebel," "Uptown," "Then He Kissed Me" and "Da Doo Ron Ron" by the Crystals, as well as "Be My Baby" and "Walking in the Rain" by the Ronettes.

Spector had his hand in many Righteous Brothers hits including "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling."