Harry Maslin is an American record producer, recording/mixing engineer, and studio owner/designer. In the mid-1970s, he engineered No. 1 hits for

Barry Manilow Barry Manilow (born Barry Alan Pincus; June 17, 1943) is an American singer and songwriter with a career that spans seven decades. His hit recordings include "Could It Be Magic", " Somewhere Down the Road", " Mandy", "I Write the Songs", " Can ...

Mandy Mandy or Mandie may refer to: People * Mandy (name), a female given name and nickname * Iván Mándy (1918-1995), Hungarian writer * Mark Mandy (born 1972), Irish retired high jumper * Philip Mandie (born 1942), a former judge on the Supreme Cou ...

"), and

Dionne Warwick Marie Dionne Warwick (; born December 12, 1940) is an American singer, actress, and television host. Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest U.S. hit makers between 1955 and 1999, based on her chart history on ''Billboards Hot 100 pop singles cha ...

& The Spinners (" Then Came You"). As a producer, his chart hits include

David Bowie David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer-songwriter and actor. A leading figure in the music industry, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the ...

's " Fame" (US No. 1) in 1975 and " Golden Years" (US No. 10) in 1976, and seven singles in the Top 5 for

Air Supply Air Supply is a soft rock duo formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1975. It consists of Englishman Graham Russell (vocals, guitar) and Australian Russell Hitchcock (vocals). They had a succession of hits worldwide, including eight top-five hit ...

from 1980–82, including "

The One That You Love "The One That You Love" is a song by British-Australian soft rock duo Air Supply, released as a single from their sixth studio album of the same name. It was written by member Graham Russell. The song reached No. 1 in the United States, topping ...

" (US No. 1).

Career

Philadelphia and New York

Harry Maslin was born and raised in

Philadelphia Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania (; ( Pennsylvania Dutch: )), officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. It borders Delaware to its southeast, ...

, United States. He began his career in the 1960s by mixing live sound at the

Electric Factory Franklin Music Hall is a concert venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is in a converted building once part of the General Electric Switchgear Plant and opened in 1995. It has a capacity between 2,500 and 3,000 people. It is owned and operated ...

. There he mixed many leading acts, including Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Moby Grape, Ten Years After, BB King, Moody Blues, Buddy Guy, Grateful Dead, Hot Tuna, Procol Harum, The Chambers Brothers, Frank Zappa, and Janis Joplin. He began his recording career at Regent Sound Studios in Philadelphia, and later joined Regent's New York facility. There he expanded his knowledge, learning studio and console design, disc cutting, studio recording, mixing, and management. After two years at Regent, he moved to

the Hit Factory The Hit Factory is a recording studio in New York City owned and operated by Troy Germano. History On March 6, 1975, Edward Germano, a singer, record producer, and one of the principal owners of the Record Plant Studios New York, purchased the ...

Recording Studios as a chief recording engineer, where he engineered successful recordings by

James Taylor James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A six-time Grammy Award winner, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, havi ...

Bonnie Raitt Bonnie Lynn Raitt (; born November 8, 1949) is an American blues singer and guitarist. In 1971, Raitt released her self-titled debut album. Following this, she released a series of critically acclaimed roots-influenced albums that incorporated ...

Carly Simon Carly Elisabeth Simon (born June 25, 1943) is an American singer-songwriter, memoirist, and children's author. She rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit records; her 13 Top 40 U.S. hits include "Anticipation" (No. 13), " The Right Thin ...

, and Dionne Warwick & The Spinners, among others. Hits he worked on included the album ''

Barry Manilow II ''Barry Manilow II'' is the second studio album by Barry Manilow released in 1974. Propelled by the major success of its lead single "Mandy" and featuring a further international hit in " It's a Miracle", the album was a commercial breakthrough fo ...

'' (US No. 9), and its US No. 1 single "Mandy"; Warwick & The Spinners' 1974 single "Then Came You" (US No. 1) (produced by

Thom Bell Thomas Randolph Bell (January 27th, 1943 – December 22, 2022) was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, pianist, and composer known as one of the creators of Philadelphia soul in the 1970s. He found success as a producer ...

), plus Carly Simon's ''

Hotcakes A pancake (or hotcake, griddlecake, or flapjack) is a flat cake, often thin and round, prepared from a starch-based batter that may contain eggs, milk and butter and cooked on a hot surface such as a griddle or frying pan, often frying with ...

'' album (US No. 3), and her single "

Mockingbird Mockingbirds are a group of New World passerine birds from the family Mimidae. They are best known for the habit of some species mimicking the songs of other birds and the sounds of insects and amphibians, often loudly and in rapid succession. ...

" (US No. 5). Maslin's career as a producer began at The Hit Factory, with the co-production of Bonnie Raitt's ''

Streetlights A street light, light pole, lamp pole, lamppost, street lamp, light standard, or lamp standard is a raised source of light on the edge of a road or path. Similar lights may be found on a railway platform. When urban electric power distribution ...

'' album, he then moved to the

Record Plant The Record Plant is a recording studio established in New York City in 1968 and currently operating in Los Angeles, California. Known for innovations in the recording artists' workspace, it has produced highly influential albums, including Blon ...

Bowie, Rollers, and Air Supply

From August to December 1974

recorded his new

Philly soul Philadelphia soul, sometimes called Philly soul, the Philadelphia sound, Phillysound, or The Sound of Philadelphia TSOP, is a genre of late 1960s–1970s soul music characterized by funk influences and lush instrumental arrangements, often featu ...

-inspired album at Philadelphia's

Sigma Sound Sigma Sound Studios was a recording studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.. It was founded in 1968 by recording engineer Joseph Tarsia. Located at 212 North 12th Street in Philadelphia, it was one of the first studios in the United States to ...

and New York's

. Producer Tony Visconti returned to London to mix the recordings, but Bowie took an opportunity to collaborate with

John Lennon John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 19408 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who achieved worldwide fame as founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of ...

. Bowie called Maslin and asked the young engineer to produce. In January 1975 at Electric Lady studios Maslin oversaw the recording of "Fame" with Lennon on guest vocals, as well as a cover of Lennon's own song "

Across the Universe "Across the Universe" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles. It was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The song first appeared on the 1969 various artists' charity compilation album ''No One's Gonna Change Our W ...

". These sessions completed the hit album ''

Young Americans ''Young Americans'' is the ninth studio album by English musician David Bowie, released on 7March 1975 through RCA Records. The album marked a departure from the glam rock style of Bowie's previous albums, showcasing his interest in soul and ...

''. This album reached UK No. 2, US No. 9, and the single "Fame" was US No. 1. Bowie asked Maslin to produce his next album, ''

Station to Station ''Station to Station'' is the tenth studio album by English musician David Bowie, released on 23 January 1976 through RCA Records. Regarded as one of his most significant works, the album was the vehicle for Bowie's performance persona, ...

'', in Los Angeles in 1975. The album was a critical and commercial success, charting at US No. 3 and UK No. 5, and included the singles “Golden Years” and “TVC15”. Maslin rejoined the Hit Factory and was next contacted by

Clive Davis Clive Jay Davis (born April 4, 1932) is an American record producer, A&R executive, record executive, and lawyer. He has won five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer, in 2000. From 1967 to 1 ...

to produce two chart topper albums for the

Bay City Rollers The Bay City Rollers are a Scottish pop rock band known for their worldwide teen idol popularity in the 1970s. They have been called the "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh" and one of many acts heralded as the "biggest group since the Beat ...

(including the 1977 hit single "

You Made Me Believe in Magic "You Made Me Believe in Magic" is the title of a 1977 international hit single by the Bay City Rollers, taken from their album '' It's a Game''. The recording, a mid-tempo disco-styled pop tune featuring strings and horns, had its greatest impac ...

" ), " Don't Cry Out Loud" a signature hit for

Melissa Manchester Melissa Manchester (born February 15, 1951) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Since the 1970s, her songs have been carried by adult contemporary radio stations. She has also appeared on television, in films, and on stage. Early l ...

in 1978, and an album for

Eric Carmen Eric Howard Carmen (born August 11, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist. He was first known as the lead vocalist of the Raspberries. He had numerous hit songs in the 1970s and 1980s, first as a member of the Rasp ...

in 1980. Davis then asked Maslin to take over production of the first

album for

Arista Records Arista Records () is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the North American division of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. The label was previously handled by BMG Entertainmen ...

, which achieved multi-platinum sales. He was called back to produce the following two multi-platinum albums for Air Supply, that were highlighted by five Top Five singles in a row "Even The Nights Are Better", "Every Woman In The World", "Here I Am", "Sweet Dreams", and "The One That You Love".

Los Angeles

In 1983, Maslin opened his own studio, Image Recording Studios in Hollywood. Maslin reduced his workload as a producer and engineer and focussed on studio management and consulting. Over the years, Image Recording Studios played host to mixer

Chris Lord-Alge Chris Lord-Alge is an American mix engineer. He is the brother of both Tom Lord-Alge and Jeff Lord-Alge, both of whom are also audio engineers. Chris and Tom are known for their abundant use of dynamic compression for molding mixes that play wel ...

Night Ranger Night Ranger is an American hard rock band from San Francisco formed in 1979 that gained popularity during the 1980s with a series of albums and singles. Guitarist Brad Gillis and drummer Kelly Keagy have been the band's only constant members, ...

, Madonna, Faith Hill, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Guns N' Roses, Leonard Cohen, Tina Turner (including her hit single, "I Don't Want to Fight"), Carlene Carter, Fleetwood Mac, Ray Charles, Melissa Etheridge, No Doubt, Janet Jackson, Lisa Loeb, Goo Goo Dolls, Michelle Branch, Black Crowes, Cher, Sheryl Crow, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, Jewel, Butthole Surfers,

Green Day Green Day is an American rock band formed in the East Bay of California in 1987 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, together with bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt. For most of the band's career, they have been a powe ...

(including their

Grammy The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pre ...

Record of the Year " Boulevard of Broken Dreams"), among others. Additionally, Image Recording mixed the music for many hit Hollywood movies including ''

Lethal Weapon ''Lethal Weapon'' is a 1987 American buddy cop action comedy film directed and co-produced by Richard Donner, written by Shane Black, and co-produced by Joel Silver. It stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover alongside Gary Busey, Tom Atkins, Darle ...

'' and ''

The Hunt for Red October ''The Hunt for Red October'' is the debut novel by American author Tom Clancy, first published on October 1, 1984, by the Naval Institute Press. It depicts Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius as he seemingly goes rogue with his country's cutt ...

''. Among other engineering projects at Image Recording, Maslin worked on tracks for

Jennifer Warren Jennifer Warren is an American actress, producer and film director. Early life and education She was born in the Greenwich Village section of New York City, the daughter of actress Paula Bauersmith and Dr. Barnet M. Warren, a dentist. Her unc ...

and

Leonard Cohen Leonard Norman Cohen (September 21, 1934November 7, 2016) was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist. His work explored religion, politics, isolation, depression, sexuality, loss, death, and romantic relationships. He was inducted in ...

, as well as

Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...

’s album ''

HIStory History (derived ) is the systematic study and the documentation of the human activity. The time period of event before the History of writing#Inventions of writing, invention of writing systems is considered prehistory. "History" is an umbr ...

''. Maslin has also served as a consultant for studio builders, equipment manufacturers, engineers, producers, A&R personnel, and music supervisors. In 2005, Image Recording closed. Maslin has since built a digital ProTools studio for use by both himself and his producer/songwriter wife, Michele Vice-Maslin, and her company Sweetersongs. In 2008, Maslin was again working with David Bowie mixing and re-mixing.

Personal life

Maslin is married to Emmy award-winning songwriter and producer Michèle Vice-Maslin.

Selective discography

As producer

Singles

* 1977: " It's a Game" - Bay City Rollers (UK No. 16) * 1977: "

" - Bay City Rollers (US No. 10, UK No. 34) * 1977: " The Way I Feel Tonight" - Bay City Rollers (US No. 24) * 1978: " Don't Cry Out Loud" - Melissa Manchester (US No. 10) * 1980: " It Hurts Too Much" - Eric Carmen (US No. 75) * 1980: " Lost in Love" - Air Supply (US No. 3) * 1980: "

Every Woman in the World "Every Woman in the World" is a song by British/Australian soft rock duo Air Supply. The song was written by Dominic Bugatti and Frank Musker. It was the third release from their fifth studio album, '' Lost in Love''. Reception ''Billboard'' ca ...

" - Air Supply (US No. 5) * 1981: "

" - Air Supply (US No. 1) * 1981: " Here I Am" - Air Supply (US No. 5) * 1982: " Sweet Dreams" - Air Supply (US No. 5) * 1982: "

Even the Nights Are Better "Even the Nights Are Better" is the song from 1982 by the British/Australian soft rock duo Air Supply, from their 1982 album '' Now and Forever''. Background The lyrics of this song are sung from the perspective of a man who had a significant ...

" - Air Supply (US No. 5)

Albums

*1975: ''Young Americans'' - David Bowie (US No. 9, UK No. 2) *1976: ''Station to Station'' - David Bowie (US No. 3, UK No. 5) *1976: ''Earl Slick Band'' - Earl Slick Band *1976: ''Hoppkorv'' -

Hot Tuna Hot Tuna is an American blues rock band formed in 1969 by former Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen (guitarist/vocals) and Jack Casady (bassist). Although it has always been a fluid aggregation, with musicians coming and going over the ...

*1977: ''It's a Game'' - Bay City Rollers (US No. 23, UK No. 16) *1978: ''Strangers in the Wind'' - Bay City Rollers (US No. 129) *1978: ''Don't Cry Out Loud'' - Melissa Manchester (US No. 33) *1980: ''Lost in Love'' - Air Supply (US No. 22) *1981: ''The One That You Love'' - Air Supply (US No. 10) *1982: ''Now and Forever'' - Air Supply (US No. 25) *2017: ''

Live Nassau Coliseum '76 ''Live Nassau Coliseum '76'' is a live album by David Bowie recorded on 23 March 1976 during Bowie's Isolar Tour in support of the album ''Station to Station''. The recording was first released in September 2010, as part of special and deluxe e ...

'' - David Bowie

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maslin, Harry Living people American audio engineers Record producers from Pennsylvania Businesspeople from Philadelphia Date of birth missing (living people) Engineers from Pennsylvania Year of birth missing (living people)