Phil Ramone: Legendary Music Producer Dies

Grammy Award-winning music producer Phil Ramone, who worked with industry greats from Ray Charles to Paul McCartney, has died in New York at the age of 72.

His death was confirmed by his son, but no details were immediately released.

Ramone's career spanned five decades and netted him 14 Grammys, including three for album of the year – Paul Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years, Billy Joel's 52nd Street and Charles' Genius Loves Company.

Other collaborators included Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Tony Bennett.

His success crossed over into producing music for television, film and theatre, earning him awards for the soundtrack to the hit film Flashdance and for the music from Broadway show Promises, Promises.

Ramone was also praised for his innovative duets, pairing unlike figures such as Sinatra and U2's Bono to bring new life to past hits. He also paired Bennett with McCartney and Charles with Van Morrison.

He wrote in his 2007 memoir: "I reminded Frank that while Laurence Olivier had performed Shakespeare in his 20s, the readings he did when he was in his 60s gave them new meaning."

"I spoke with conviction. 'Don't my children - and your grandchildren - deserve to hear the way you're interpreting your classic songs now?'"

The music industry reacted to Mr Ramone's death with an outpouring of appreciation for his life's work.

"My life was better for knowing him and the world is worse off without him," wrote crooner Michael Buble.

Singer John Legend wrote: "RIP Phil Ramone. Legendary producer. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to work with him."

The South African-born prodigy took to music at an early age, learning to play violin by the time he was three.

He later trained at New York's prestigious Juilliard School and opened his own recording studio before his 20th birthday.