Whether behind the boards in a studio or working extensively with artists during the writing process, some producers have undoubtedly left their stamp on popular music. The following 10 producers helped bury artistic visions into numerous memorable albums and hit songs with their innovative techniques and iconic collaborating artists.
Kicking off our list is Rick Rubin, known for his work with artists as diverse as Johnny Cash, Slayer, Jay-Z, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. By cutting things back to their core, Rubin could get raw emotion and authenticity from his artists.
Sir George Martin produced nearly all of The Beatles’ recordings and helped them continually evolve their sound. His classical training gave him a sophisticated ear that boosted the Fab Four’s lyrics and melodies to new heights.
The jazzy samples and off-kilter rhythms of J Dilla made him one of hip hop’s most influential architects. He continued dropping genre-bending, ahead-of-its-time masterpieces while battling a rare blood disease.
An undisputed legend, Dr. Dre basically invented G-Funk and launched the careers of both Snoop Dogg and Eminem. A master of mood and vibe, Dre shaped the commercial sound of West Coast hip-hop.
Max Martin is the biggest hitmaker of the modern era. Since the ’90s, he has written or produced more than 20 number-one singles, having come up with irresistible pop formulas and a way to tap into trends.
Missy Elliott proved women could be experienced producers within the boy’s world that is hip-hop production. Her futuristic soundscape pioneered a new age of hip-hop through hits such as “Get Ur Freak On.”
Electronica innovator Brian Eno introduced some of the most far-out studio techniques to the rock albums of David Bowie, Talking Heads, and others. Abstract, atmospheric styles liberated rock from formulas.
With his eclectic library of pop, jazz, and R&B classics, Quincy Jones swung open the doors of possibilities for black producers in the mainstream. In the years 1957–1966, he produced 68 top 40 hits.
He’s a producer, rapper, and singer—a triple threat, if you will. Pharrell personifies feel-good funk—complete with trademark falsetto and knowledge of what gets crowds moving—leaving hits scattered across three decades.
Finally, the “godfather of grunge,” Steve Albini, harnessed raw indie-punk in an aesthetic through work with acts like Nirvana, Pixies, and Breeders. His philosophy was to just “push the fuc**** record button.”
