Don Was

Don Was, born Donald Fagenson in Detroit, Michigan, is a multifaceted artist whose career spans music performance, record production, film scoring, and executive leadership within the music industry. His deep roots in the Detroit music scene, absorbing influences from blues and jazz, shaped his diverse artistic path, leading to both performance success with Was (Not Was) and a celebrated career as a producer for numerous iconic artists. He continues to contribute to the musical landscape as President of Blue Note Records.

History

Don Was was born in Detroit on September 13, 1952. Growing up in the city, he was immersed in a rich musical environment, listening to Detroit blues, jazz, and popular acts like the Rolling Stones. This early exposure significantly influenced his musical development and future career choices. He formed the band Was (Not Was) with school friend David Weiss (David Was), achieving recognition in the 1980s.

Following his work with Was (Not Was), Don Was transitioned into a highly respected record producer. He has collaborated with a vast array of artists, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Iggy Pop, Ziggy Marley, the B-52s, Elton John, Garth Brooks, Lucinda Williams, Old Crow Medicine Show, John Mayer, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Kris Kristofferson, and Aaron Neville. This extensive list demonstrates his versatility and ability to work across multiple genres. His production work earned him a Grammy Award for Producer of the Year in 1995.

Culture

Don Was’s musical upbringing in Detroit was crucial to his artistic identity. The city’s vibrant blues and jazz scenes provided a foundational influence, shaping his musical sensibilities and approach to production. The presence of iconic Detroit sounds and artists contributed to the development of his eclectic style. His work reflects a blending of genres, a characteristic that became prominent in both his performance and production roles.

Beyond music, Don Was has also made contributions to film. He served as musical director or consultant on numerous motion pictures, including *Thelma and Louise*, *The Rainmaker*, *Hope Floats*, *Phenomenon*, *Tin Cup*, *Honeymoon in Vegas*, *8 Seconds*, *Switch*, *The Freshman*, *Days of Thunder*, *Boys on the Side*, and *Toy Story. He also received a British Academy Award (BAFTA) for Best Original Score for his work on the film *Backbeat. Furthermore, he directed and produced the documentary *I Just Wasn't Made for These Times*, about Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco Film Festival.

Notable Residents

As a native of Detroit, Don Was represents a significant cultural export of the city. He embodies the musical heritage of Detroit, having grown up immersed in its unique soundscape. While his career has taken him internationally, his origins in Detroit remain a defining aspect of his identity and artistic approach.

Don Was’s success serves as an example for aspiring musicians and artists from Detroit. His journey from a local musician to a globally recognized producer and film composer demonstrates the potential for creative individuals to emerge from the city. He has collaborated with artists from diverse backgrounds, bringing a Detroit sensibility to a wide range of musical projects.

Economy

Don Was’s career has contributed to the music industry economy both nationally and internationally. As a record producer, he has generated revenue through album sales, streaming royalties, and licensing agreements for the artists he has worked with. His film work has also contributed to the economic impact of the film industry.

Since January 2012, Don Was has held the position of President of Blue Note Records, a legendary jazz label. In this role, he is responsible for the label’s artistic direction and commercial success, contributing to the economic vitality of the jazz music market. His leadership at Blue Note Records involves artist development, album production, and marketing strategies, all of which have economic implications.

See Also

• Motown – The influential record label that helped shape the Detroit sound.
• Detroit music scene – The broader cultural context of Don Was’s upbringing.
• Blue Note Records – The jazz label currently led by Don Was.