David Z, Grammy-Winning Producer Who Helped Prince’s Early Career, Dies at 78

Seasoned producer David Rivkin worked with Etta James, Jody Watley and contributed to Hot 100 toppers "Funkytown" and "She Drives Me Crazy."

Record producer David Z (aka David Rivkin) producing a record in Minneapolis, Minnesota in April 1989.

Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Arch

David Rivkin, a Grammy-winning producer and engineer also known as David Z, has died at the age of 78. The influential studio veteran died on Sunday (Aug. 2) at a hospital in Burbank, Calif., due to complications from an infection, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

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David Z, Grammy-Winning Producer Who Helped Prince’s Early Career, Dies at 78

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