Grammy-winning producer David "Z" Rivkin dies at 78 after infection

David "Z" Rivkin, a Grammy-award-winning producer and musician integral to Prince's early recordings and the broader Minneapolis sound, died on Sunday in Burbank, California, due to complications from an infection. His résumé includes engineering Prince's demo tapes, contributing to Lipps Inc.'s 1980 hit "Funky Town," and producing award-winning work for Etta James, as well as a nomination for Fine Young Cannibals' 1989 single.

Rivkin also collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Gram Parsons to Al Green, and was active in the Minneapolis scene that birthed many notable acts. Former bandmate Owen Husney described him as the “secret ingredient” on countless projects. He is survived by his two brothers, including drummer Bobby "Z" Rivkin, his children Charley, Amy, Josh and Shelby, and two grandchildren.