Some of the most influential forces in music are the ones behind the soundboard playing with various tracks and levels to make sure a song or album comes out just right.

When it comes to producers, they can often make or break a piece of music. That’s certainly the case with these five music producers everyone should know.

• 5. Linda Perry

  Share

  Linda Perry would break into music thanks to fronting 4 Non Blondes, but she'd really leave her mark as a producer/songwriter. She's produced a diverse number of artists from Dolly Parton to Cheap Trick to Celine Dion.

• 4. Nile Rodgers

  Share

  Rodgers co-founded Chic in 1972, and the band is still active today. However, Rodgers has crafted a prolific career as a producer and songwriter working with the likes of Madonna, David Bowie, Duran Duran and many more.

• 3. Rick Rubin

  Share

  Rubin has had a remarkable career which kicked off when he was a senior in high school and co-founded Def Jam Records with Russell Simmons. Not only has he produced some of the biggest names in hip-hip history -- including Run-DMC, Beastie Boys and LL Cool J -- Rubin has also had success in the worlds of rock and country notably working with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slayer, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, The Chicks and more.
• 2. Quincy Jones

  Share

  Quincy Jones is a legend whose career spans seven decades. His producing credits are enough to make anyone's head spin. He's produced many film scores and soundtracks including 1967's 'In The Heat of the Night,' 1977's 'Roots' and 1978's 'The Wiz.' Jones has also produced a variety of artists including Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Lesley Gore, Frank Sinatra, Donna Summer and many more. Jones' most notable credit comes from producing Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' which remains one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.

• 1. Sir George Martin

  Share

  Sir George Martin has worked with a variety of artists, but he'll forever be known for his producing work with The Beatles. Within the entire Beatles catalog, Martin has produced all but one Beatles LP which was 1970's 'Let It' produced by Phil Spector.

Sign me up for the MMR VIP email newsletter!

Get the good stuff sent straight to your inbox, and be the first to know: concert presales, exclusive contests, and behind the scenes photos and video.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.