Don Was life and biography

Don Was: The Maestro of Musical Diversity and Artistic Integrity

Don Was, born as Don Fagenson, is an accomplished American musician, renowned bassist, and highly regarded record producer. His journey through the music industry has left an indelible mark on the world of music production, earning him a distinguished reputation for his versatile talent and ability to work seamlessly across diverse musical genres.

Early Life and Musical Influences

Don Was was born as Donald Fagenson in the year 1952. He spent his formative years growing up in the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan. It was within the cultural tapestry of Detroit that Don Was was exposed to a rich blend of musical influences, ranging from the iconic Motown sound to the electrifying rock scene of the 1960s. These early experiences played a pivotal role in shaping his musical sensibilities.

Raised in a suburban, middle-class Jewish neighborhood, Don Was shared his passion for music with his close friend David Weiss, later known as David Was. Together, they embarked on a creative journey that would ultimately lead to the formation of the innovative musical group, Was (Not Was).

The Birth of Was (Not Was)

The collaborative efforts of Don Was and David Was culminated in the creation of Was (Not Was). The band's name, inspired by a word game played by Don's young son, signaled the unconventional and playful spirit that would define their music. Don and David, armed with a unique vision, brought together an eclectic mix of musical genres, seamlessly blending soul, funk, R&B, and rock/dance influences.

One of their early successes, the single "Wheel Me Out," featured the distinctive vocal talents of "Sweet Pea" Atkinson and "Sir Harry" Bowens, two remarkable African-American singers from Detroit. This release garnered attention in both the United States and Great Britain, setting the stage for Was (Not Was)'s unconventional journey in the world of music.

Musical Evolution and Success

As Was (Not Was) continued to evolve, their albums gained recognition for their blend of witty and satirical lyrics with a vibrant fusion of musical styles. Notably, their 1983 album "Born to Laugh at Tornadoes" included unexpected guest vocalists such as rocker Marshall Crenshaw and jazz scat legend Mel Torme.

However, despite positive critical acclaim, the commercial success of their albums remained limited. The music industry's pressure to conform and adapt led to challenges for the band. At one point, their record label urged them to "get rid of the black guys" to become more marketable. Yet, Don Was and the band remained steadfast in their commitment to diversity and artistic integrity.

Transition to Music Production

Following a period of inactivity as a band, Don Was transitioned into the role of a highly sought-after music producer. His first notable success came with Bonnie Raitt's Grammy-winning album "Nick of Time," which revitalized her career and demonstrated Don Was's ability to rejuvenate artists' trajectories.

Don Was's production work extended to artists such as Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Iggy Pop, and Paula Abdul. His production philosophy emphasized preserving an artist's unique vision while enhancing their work, rather than conforming to industry formulas.

Expanding Horizons

Don Was's career continued to flourish as he ventured into various projects, solidifying his reputation as an eclectic and influential producer. He collaborated with renowned musicians and produced albums for artists like the B-52's, Roy Orbison, and the Rolling Stones.

His foray into film production included directing the documentary "Not Made for These Times," which explored the life and music of Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. The film showcased Don Was's multifaceted talents as a filmmaker and producer.

In 2012, Don Was took on the prestigious role of President at the legendary jazz record label, Blue Note Records, further cementing his position as a significant figure in the music industry.

A Musical Luminary

Don Was's journey in the music industry has been marked by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to artistic integrity. From his early days with Was (Not Was) to his prolific career as a producer, he has consistently pushed boundaries and contributed to the evolution of music.

His ability to understand an artist's vision, coupled with his eclectic musical sensibilities, has made Don Was a sought-after figure in the music world. His enduring impact on the industry serves as a testament to his dedication to the art of music.

Don Was continues to shape the sound of music, leaving an indelible mark on each project he undertakes, and his influence on the industry remains a source of inspiration for musicians and producers alike.

Selected Discography of Don Was:

Love Hurts (1990) - Documentary
Role: Himself

The Last of the Finest (1990)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Backbeat (1994)
Role: Executive Music Producer

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

The Rainmaker (1997)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Bulworth (1998)
Role: Music Producer

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Holes (2003)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Run Ronnie Run (2002)
Role: Music Producer

Down with Love (2003)
Role: Music Producer

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Role: Music Producer

Silver City (2004)
Role: Music Producer

Garfield: The Movie (2004)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Goal! The Dream Begins (2005)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003)
Role: Music Producer

The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Revolver (2005)
Role: Music Producer

The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Across the Universe (2007)
Role: Music Producer

Nancy Drew (2007)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)
Role: Music Producer

Dumb and Dumber To (2014)
Role: Music Producer

Love & Mercy (2014)
Role: Music Producer

Home (2015)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Miles Ahead (2015)
Role: Music Producer

I Saw the Light (2015)
Role: Music Producer

Sully (2016)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

All Eyez on Me (2017)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

The Disaster Artist (2017)
Role: Music Producer

Beautiful Boy (2018)
Role: Music Producer

The Kitchen (2019)
Role: Music Producer

Blinded by the Light (2019)
Role: Music Producer

The Irishman (2019)
Role: Music Producer

Three Christs (2019)
Role: Music Producer

Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020)
Role: Music Producer

Concrete Cowboy (2020)
Role: Music Producer

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
Role: Soundtrack Producer

Respect (2021)
Role: Music Producer

Coming 2 America (2021)
Role: Music Producer

Last Night in Soho (2021)
Role: Music Producer

Elvis (2021)
Role: Music Producer

King Richard (2021)
Role: Music Producer

Stillwater (2021)
Role: Music Producer

The French Dispatch (2021)
Role: Music Producer

The Lost Daughter (2021)
Role: Music Producer

Don't Look Up (2021)
Role: Music Producer

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
Role: Music Producer

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2022)
Role: Music Producer

Read more