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Spector arrested in murder probe

By ERICA WERNER

Associated Press

ALHAMBRA, Calif. -- Phil Spector, the legendary record producer whose work changed the sound of pop music in the 1960s, was arrested Monday for investigation of homicide after the body of a woman was found at a mansion in suburban Los Angeles, authorities said.

Spector, 62, was arrested at the home around 5 a.m., sheriff's Sgt. Joe Efflandt said. He was taken to the Alhambra Police Department.

Records indicate he owned the home where he was arrested, but authorities did not immediately release details about the victim. Several witnesses were being questioned.

Spector is famous for creating the "Wall of Sound" effect that involved overdubbing scores of musicians to create a full, dramatic sound. The technique combined a variety of instruments, vocals and sound effects and changed the way pop records were produced, while bringing fame to singing groups like the Ronettes and the Crystals.

In his storied career, Spector produced records for Elvis Presley, Ike and Tina Turner, the Righteous Brothers and Darlene Love. He produced the last Beatles album, "Let It Be," in 1970. He worked with John Lennon on "Imagine" and helped Yoko Ono produce Lennon's work after he was killed in 1980.

Spector became reclusive and known for an eccentric lifestyle. His last major album was "End of the Century," a 1980 collaboration with the Ramones. During the session, the late bassist Dee Dee Ramone said Spector pulled a gun on the band.

The producer was alleged to have demonstrated near-psychotic and abusive behavior, according to a 1995 biography by Rolling Stone magazine.

"It had to stop," Spector said of his behavior in a 1977 Los Angeles Times interview. "Being the rich millionaire in the mansion and then dressing up as Batman. I have to admit I did enjoy it to a certain extent. But I began to realize it was very unhealthy."

Spector's second wife was Ronnie Bennett, lead singer of the girl group the Ronettes. They divorced in 1974. He has five children from his marriages.

Spector was a 17-year-old student at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles when he wrote and produced his first No. 1 hit for the Teddy Bears, a 1958 ballad called "To Know Him Is to Love Him." Its title was taken from the inscription on the gravestone of his father, Benjamin, who committed suicide in 1949 when Spector was 9.