Felix Pappalardi

Felix A. Pappalardi Jr. ( born December 30, 1939 in New York City; † 17 April 1983) was an American producer, songwriter, singer and bass player.

Life

Pappalardi studied classical music at the University of Michigan. After graduating, he returned to New York City back, but could not find work, then became part of the Greenwich Village folk - rock scene and soon made ​​a name for himself as a composer. He also worked on albums by Tom Paxton and Fred Neil for Elektra Records with, from where he slipped into the producers in existence - remains focused on folk and folk rock artists such as The Youngbloods and Joan Baez.

In the late 1960s he produced from the second album Disraeli Gears all releases of the band Cream and also was involved in the arrangements of the songs. He and his wife Gail Collins wrote with Eric Clapton Cream the title " Strange Brew ".

Then in 1969 he founded with Leslie West (vocals / guitar), Laurence " Corky " Laing (drums) and Steve Knight ( piano / organ), the band Mountain. As a performer, he was also involved in recording of Back Door, which he produced in 1974. Together with the Japanese band Creation album was published in 1976, was involved in the Pappalardi both as a singer, bassist and keyboard player as well as a producer. 1979, followed by Do not worry, Ma is the only solo album, which was released under his name. This was facilitated with well -known musicians such as Mick Ronson and Ian Hunter.

Pappalardi was killed in the early morning of April 17, 1983 by his wife with a shot to the neck. After Collins information it would have been an accident, but it was probably a jealousy drama. Pappalardi had at this time a relationship with singer Valerie Merian. His grave is located in the Woodlawn Cemetery in New York.