Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Cathy Wurzer

Phil Spector's 'wall of sound' masterpiece

Spector session
Members of the Wrecking Crew assempled for a session with producer Phil Spector. The musicians were the ones who created Spector's famed "wall of sound."
Image courtesy Denny Tedesco

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Fifty years ago today producer Phil Spector walked into a studio in Los Angeles determined to make his ultimate "wall of sound" masterpiece.

He assembled a 21-piece orchestra and a 21-voice choir. He also paid Ike Turner $20,000 to stay away from the studio so he wouldn't interfere with his wife's performance.

Seeking perfection, Spector made Tina Turner sing her part over and over and over again. She later recalled "I must have sung it 500,000 times. I was drenched with sweat. I had to take my shirt off and stand there in my bra to sing."

And that's how Turner delivered one of the signature vocal performances of her career.