Phil Spector, whose “Wall of Sound” was a groundbreaking recording technique that powered some of the biggest acts in music, has died at age 81 from Covid-19 complications.

The Wall of Sound was a meticulous and layered approach to recording, smacking a listener with a dense, almost symphonic array even on basic rock ‘n roll tunes. It made Spector one of rock music’s first auteurs and one of its most successful producers in a thriving era for pop music. Among his many clients were the Ronettes, the Beatles, Ike & Tina Turner, Leonard Cohen, the Ramones, the Righteous Brothers, John Lennon, Yoko Ono and George Harrison. Countless other recording artists emulated Spector’s approach, making him one of the most influential studio producers of all-time.

But Spector fell from grace when he was incarcerated for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson at his home. Spector, known to brandish firearms, claimed his gun went off accidentally.