Derek Lawrence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Derek Lawrence
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| Birth name | Derek John Lawrence |
| Born | 16 November 1941 Barnet, London, England |
| Died | 13 May 2020 (aged 78) Peterborough, England |
| Genres | Rock music |
| Occupation(s) | Record producer |
| Years active | 1960s–1990s |
| Associated acts | Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash |
Derek John Lawrence (born November 16, 1941 – died May 13, 2020) was an English record producer. A record producer helps bands and singers make their music sound great. They guide the recording process. Derek Lawrence was known for working with famous rock bands like Deep Purple and Wishbone Ash.
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Derek Lawrence's Early Career
Derek Lawrence started his music journey around 1963. He managed a band called Laurie Black and the Men of Mystery. This band won a special recording session. It took place at the studio of a famous producer named Joe Meek.
Lawrence worked with Joe Meek until 1965. During this time, he helped bring new talent to the studio. One group he worked with was Freddie Starr and the Midnighters. They were part of the "Merseybeat" music style.
Producing Rock Music
In the late 1960s, Derek Lawrence became a freelance producer. This means he worked for himself. He produced music for many bands. These included The Pretty Things and The V.I.P.'s.
He also produced the first song for the band Jethro Tull. This song was called "Sunshine Day" and came out in 1968.
Working with Deep Purple
Derek Lawrence knew Ritchie Blackmore, a guitarist. Blackmore invited Lawrence to work with his new band, Deep Purple. Lawrence produced their first three albums.
The first album was recorded at Pye Studios in London. The next two were made at De Lane Lea Studios. These albums helped Deep Purple become very popular.
Producing Flash and Wishbone Ash
Lawrence also produced the first two albums for the band Flash. These were Flash (1972) and In The Can (1973). Both were recorded at De Lane Lea Studios.
He also worked a lot with the band Wishbone Ash. He produced their first three albums: Wishbone Ash (1970), Pilgrimage (1971), and Argus (1972). He later returned to produce their ninth album, No Smoke Without Fire (1978).
Starting a Record Label
In 1974, Derek Lawrence started his own record label. He partnered with a musician named Big Jim Sullivan. Their label was called Retreat Records.
They also produced music together for other bands. They worked with the band Tiger. They also produced albums for the American band Angel. These albums were Angel (1975) and Helluva Band (1976).
Lawrence also produced the first album for Legs Diamond in 1976.
Later Work in the 1980s
In the early 1980s, Lawrence continued to produce rock music. He worked with bands like Fist and Quartz. These bands were part of the "new wave of British heavy metal" music style.
After 1979, he worked less often. But he still produced music for artists like Carl Wayne. He also worked with Tony Wilson from the band Hot Chocolate. In 1992, he produced the debut album for the band Little Brother.
His Passing
Derek Lawrence passed away on May 13, 2020. He was 78 years old. He left behind a legacy of great music. His work helped shape the sound of many famous rock bands.
