09/04/2026
R.I.P. David “Z” Rivkin
Mar 25, 1948 – Aug 2, 2026
It’s hard to put into words how important David was to not only Prince, but to music production. He wasn’t just a great engineer and producer. He was the architect of the Minneapolis Sound. His production is all over some of the most important music to come out of that era, not to mention Princes biggest song ever, the legendary “Kiss” which was completely produced by David.
He worked with Prince on his first ever recording session and was responsible for so much of the greatness. He also produced Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy,” creating that unforgettable snare sound, and produced Jonny Lang’s breakout album, “Lie to Me” along with countless other incredible records.
I had the privilege of working with David on a few albums. I interviewed him twice—which, if you knew David, you knew he really didn’t like doing. I referred artists to him, spent time with him, listened to his stories, and learned so much from him about production, making records, and, of course, Prince. He contributed to my Prince sound library and the conversations, music and experiences are things I will always carry with me.
What breaks my heart is knowing that someone who gave so much to music was living alone in Burbank, struggling financially and was suffering from an accident from years prior when he passed. There is something so unfair about that. This man who helped shape a sound, a culture, and a piece of music history deserved so much more.
The sounds and records he created and shaped. The artists he helped. The knowledge he shared. The music that will continue to be played long after all of us are gone, and especially his contribution to the music of Prince and the Minneapolis Sound deserved something better. I feel incredibly fortunate that our paths crossed and I’m just grateful I got to work with him, interview him, refer artists to him, learn from him, and simply spend time with him.
Rest in peace, David.
Thank you for the sound.
Your influence is immeasurable ❤️🎵
