Barry Beckett Rest in Peace

Well-known producer and our friend Barry Beckett (1943-2009) passed away peacefully at his home last night, June 10, surrounded by family.

Beckett was born February 4, 1943 in Birmingham, Alabama. He spent many years as part of the house band at acclaimed Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama before moving to Nashville and becoming an integral part of the music industry as a producer.

While at Fame, he played keys on hits including “I’m Your Puppet” (James and Bobby Purify), and “When A Man Loves A Woman” (Percy Sledge), as well as classics by Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Bob Dylan, Bob Segar and Paul Simon.

Beckett moved to Nashville to head Warner Bros.’s A&R department, during which time he co-produced Hank Williams Jr. alongside Jim Ed Norman. After leaving WB, he went on to helm production for Alabama, Asleep At The Wheel, Kenny Chesney, Jason & The Scorchers, Delbert McClinton, Neal McCoy, KT Oslin, Lee Roy Parnell, Eddy Raven, and others.

Mustang Sally was fortunate enough to work with Barry on a few projects. He taught us all so much about music and will continually inspire us to be better musicians.

The photos above were taken with Barry a few years back at one of our recording sessions. Barry, we will miss you.

Love,

Mustang Sally