David Z, Longtime Prince Associate and Key Architect of ‘the Minneapolis Sound,’ Dies at 78

Grammy-winning producer and musician David Z, also known as David Rivkin, has died at 78. A key architect of the Minneapolis Sound, he engineered several albums and early demo tapes for Prince. His extensive career included collaborations with Etta James, Jody Watley, the Jets, and Fine Young Cannibals. Rivkin also contributed to Hot 100 hits such as Funkytown by Lipps Inc. and She Drives Me Crazy, while working with artists like Jonny Lang.