A handful of weeks ago, I was skimming the television guide, when I came across a film by the name of Tom Dowd and the Language of Music. I immediately tuned in, as I recognized Tom Dowd as the producer of Layla by Derek and the Dominos, and I also knew of his work with the Allman Brothers. I pride myself on knowing a bit about music history, but even I had no idea that Tom Dowd was so influential. It's actually rather difficult to think of anyone more important to the history of record production. Tom Dowd is like the unsung George Martin, except George Martin's list of musical conquests pales in comparison. Tom Dowd was born on October 20, 1925 in Manhattan, New York City. Born to an opera singer of a mother, and a concertmaster father, Dowd grew up playing piano, violin, tuba, and string bass. Graduating from high school at the age of sixteen, Dowd went on to continue his musical education at City College of New York. He also played in and conducted a band at Columbia University, as well as working in their physics laboratory. After a stint in the army and work on the Manhattan Project, Dowd took a job at a classical music recording studio, until finally being employed by Atlantic Records. His extensive scientific knowledge helped him quickly become the label's go-to engineer, and along with his own formal musicality and contagious enthusiasm, he became a favorite of artists and executives. Producing such legends like Dizzy Gillespie in the 1940's, Dowd came into his own during the 1950's. Helping to craft such classics like The Coasters "Yakety Yak" and Bobby Darin's "Splish Splash" during the day, by night Dowd nurtured the talent of jazz greats like Thelonius Monk, Charles Mingus, and perhaps most importantly John Coltrane. The partnership of Dowd and Coltrane resulted in legendary recordings like "Giant Steps", "Central Park West", and "My Favorite Things". These landmark sessions helped turn Coltrane into a world-renowned genius, and Dowd into an esteemed engineer. Dowd also worked extensively with Ray Charles, including "What'd I Say"; Dowd even made the decision to split the track in half and release it as a single -- one half on each side. Starting during the Kennedy years and into the Johnson era, Dowd and friend Phil Ramone mixed sound for White House functions. From there, Dowd found himself working with soul legends like Booker T. and the MG's, Otis Redding (the stunning Otis Blue), and Aretha Franklin. He then became immersed in 60's rock and roll, producing Cream's legendary Disraeli Gears and the equally momentous Wheels of Fire. Dowd began new endeavors, like building Criteria Studios in Miami, and further immersing himself in the raunchy rock and roll he had begun producing. He heard the Allman Brothers Band and knew immediately that they were what he needed. He went on to have a lengthy relationship with the Allmans, producing their best records, like At Fillmore East. Soon Dowd took on his most remembered endeavor, producing Eric Clapton's latest group, Derek and the Dominos, and their sensational record Layla. In the film, the footage of Tom Dowd revisiting the tracks on "Layla" is deliciously inspiring. His remarkable thrill of something he must have heard a million times is admirable. Dowd went on to produce the best solo albums of Clapton's career, and they remained friends throughout the years. During this period, he also produced many an album for Rod Stewart, as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd, including their remarkable Street Survivors. In addition to having an incredible list of clientele under his belt, Dowd is credited with popularizing multiple track recording (making Atlantic the first record company to use an eight-track recorder) and commercializing the use of stereo sound. Dowd remained an in-demand producer until his dying day, and I'm sure the list of those who wish they could use him now is mind-boggling. But alas, Dowd passed away due to emphysema on October 27, 2002; just seven days after his seventy-seventh birthday. Luckily, his phenomenal contribution to a plethora of musical genres lives on. Tom Dowd's entire musical discography can be found here. Tom Dowd and the Language of Music can be found on Amazon. It's well worth the money, as it documents all of the activities mentioned, told by Tom Dowd himself and the others who lived it with him.
