The Phil Spector Fame Game

Thu., Nov. 11, 2004 1:30 PM PST by Joal Ryan

Phil Spector stands accused of murder--and not being famous.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles argued Wednesday that the release of grand jury testimony wouldn't bias potential jurors against the rock innovator on account of nobody remembers who he is anyway. (We paraphrase--but only a little.)

"Nearly all of the hit records [Spector] produced were made in the 1960s and 1970s," a brief written by L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Doug Sortino said. "It is likely that most people who came of age after that period have no idea of who he is and no current interest in what he has done."

Spector, 64, is best known--by those who know him--as the producer of "Unchained Melody," "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," the now oddly appropriate "To Know Him Is to Love Him" and dozens of other classic singles. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee engineered hits for the Beatles, the Ramones, the Righteous Brothers and the Ronettes, among others. In our next Phil Spector tutorial, we'll discuss the "Wall of Sound," and its impact.

Spector was indicted Sept. 27 for the murder of B-movie actress Lana Clarkson (Barbarian Queen). The 40-year-old Clarkson was found shot to death in the music mogul's castle-style Alhambra, California, home in February 2003. Spector has maintained Clarkson killed herself. Police and prosecutors have maintained the death was no suicide.

In a court hearing Wednesday, Spector's defense took exception to the argument that the record producer was formerly famous.

While he may not be as recognizable as celebrity defendants past (O.J. Simpson) and present (Robert Blake), Phil Spector, attorney Roger Rosen said, is nevertheless "a musical icon all over the world."

Spector's team was adamant about their client's star status because they claim that the release of grand jury transcripts would titillate all of Los Angeles County and taint the jury pool.

Also, defense attorney Bruce Cutler said the document is "full of lies."

"This is poison," Cutler said of the transcripts, featuring testimony from witnesses and law enforcement.

In the end, Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler ruled the transcripts can be released in 10 days, barring a likely appeal.

Spector is free on $1 million bail. His trial could start as soon as Dec. 16. His fame lives forever. Or possibly not.