R.I.P. Terry Melcher - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

AKA · 11-20-2004, 08:13 PM

Songwriter, record producer Terry Melcher dies

The Associated Press

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Terry Melcher, a record producer and songwriter who aided the careers of Ry Cooder, the Byrds and the Beach Boys, has died, his publicist announced Saturday. He was 62.

Melcher, the son of actress Doris Day, died Friday night at his Beverly Hills home after a long battle with melanoma.

Melcher co-wrote the hit song "Kokomo" for the Beach Boys and performed on their album "Pet Sounds." The song was used in the movie "Cocktail," where it garnered a Golden Globe nomination in 1988 for best original song.

In the early 1960s, Melcher began singing as a solo act and later paired with future Beach Boy Bruce Johnston to form the group Bruce & Terry. The pair had several hits, then went on to form the Rip Chords, which recorded the 1964 hit "Hey, Little Cobra."

In the mid-1960s, Melcher joined Columbia Records as a producer. Working with the Byrds, he produced their top-selling version of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" and other hits, including "Turn, Turn, Turn."

Melcher also produced hit songs for Paul Revere and the Raiders and during his career worked with Gram Parsons, the Mamas and the Papas and Ry Cooder.

He served as the executive producer of his mother's CBS show, "The Doris Day Show," from 1968 to 1972 and co-produced her mid-1980s show, "Doris Day's Best Friends."

Melcher also helped run his mother's charitable activities, including the Doris Day Animal Foundation.

In 1969, his name became linked with the grisly Charles Manson murders.

Melcher once rented the home where Sharon Tate and a group of her friends were murdered by Manson followers. Rumors circulated that Melcher, who knew Manson, was the real target because he had turned Manson down for a record contract.

Los Angeles police discounted the rumors. Melcher had since moved to Malibu and police established that Manson knew of his new address.

Melcher is survived by his mother, his wife, Terese, and his son Ryan.

Funeral services will be private.

Janice · 11-20-2004, 08:40 PM

What a shame. Terry Melcher had quite an impressive resume, and yet unfortunately, many people, myself included, associate him with the Manson murders. He deserved better.

Prayers for him and his loved ones. I've always loved Doris Day.

Penny Lane · 11-20-2004, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Janice
What a shame. Terry Melcher had quite an impressive resume, and yet unfortunately, many people, myself included, associate him with the Manson murders. He deserved better.

Prayers for him and his loved ones. I've always loved Doris Day.

I have always loved Doris Day also! So sad!

Jrnygrl · 11-20-2004, 08:46 PM

Sorry to hear this.

Pitooey · 11-20-2004, 08:57 PM

How sad...... & how sad for Doris.

My condolences go out to Doris and the family.

Steve M. · 11-20-2004, 11:35 PM

What horrible news! Terry Melcher contributed a lot to rock and roll. He will indeed be missed.

11-20-2004, 08:13 PM	#1
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	R.I.P. Terry Melcher Songwriter, record producer Terry Melcher dies The Associated Press BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Terry Melcher, a record producer and songwriter who aided the careers of Ry Cooder, the Byrds and the Beach Boys, has died, his publicist announced Saturday. He was 62. Melcher, the son of actress Doris Day, died Friday night at his Beverly Hills home after a long battle with melanoma. Melcher co-wrote the hit song "Kokomo" for the Beach Boys and performed on their album "Pet Sounds." The song was used in the movie "Cocktail," where it garnered a Golden Globe nomination in 1988 for best original song. In the early 1960s, Melcher began singing as a solo act and later paired with future Beach Boy Bruce Johnston to form the group Bruce & Terry. The pair had several hits, then went on to form the Rip Chords, which recorded the 1964 hit "Hey, Little Cobra." In the mid-1960s, Melcher joined Columbia Records as a producer. Working with the Byrds, he produced their top-selling version of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" and other hits, including "Turn, Turn, Turn." Melcher also produced hit songs for Paul Revere and the Raiders and during his career worked with Gram Parsons, the Mamas and the Papas and Ry Cooder. He served as the executive producer of his mother's CBS show, "The Doris Day Show," from 1968 to 1972 and co-produced her mid-1980s show, "Doris Day's Best Friends." Melcher also helped run his mother's charitable activities, including the Doris Day Animal Foundation. In 1969, his name became linked with the grisly Charles Manson murders. Melcher once rented the home where Sharon Tate and a group of her friends were murdered by Manson followers. Rumors circulated that Melcher, who knew Manson, was the real target because he had turned Manson down for a record contract. Los Angeles police discounted the rumors. Melcher had since moved to Malibu and police established that Manson knew of his new address. Melcher is survived by his mother, his wife, Terese, and his son Ryan. Funeral services will be private.

11-20-2004, 08:57 PM	#5
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	How sad...... & how sad for Doris. My condolences go out to Doris and the family.
	__________________ Pitooey... AKA JennyLee - I love the Monkees all over again! *SAY NO TO DRUGS* Jesus saves...

11-20-2004, 08:40 PM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	What a shame. Terry Melcher had quite an impressive resume, and yet unfortunately, many people, myself included, associate him with the Manson murders. He deserved better. Prayers for him and his loved ones. I've always loved Doris Day.

11-20-2004, 08:46 PM	#4
Jrnygrl Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 03, 2003 Location: wheel in the sky Posts: 4,540	Sorry to hear this.

11-20-2004, 11:35 PM	#6
Steve M. Back on the road to reality Forum Superstar Join Date: Nov 07, 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 33,307	What horrible news! Terry Melcher contributed a lot to rock and roll. He will indeed be missed.