Kim Fowley, a legendary record producer and songwriter best known for his work with the Runaways, has died. He was 75 years old.
Ralph Peer of Peer Music conformed to Billboard via author Harvey Kubernik that Fowley died following a battle with bladder cancer.
While the tall, gaunt Fowley began his career in the late 1950s, he is best known today for working with the all-girl rock group The Runaways and getting the act together. He produced their 1976 debut album and co-wrote the hit “Cherry Bomb” with member and future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett. According to Rolling Stone, he also co-produced their follow-up album, Queens of Noise and produced Waitin’ For The Night.
Fowley was born in 1939 and became a fixture of the Los Angeles music scene. In 1959, he produced his first single, “Charge” by the Renegades. During the ‘60s, he worked with Gene Vincent, Paul Revere and the Raiders and many others. He tried unsuccessfully to launch a solo career, only earning one charting album in 1968.
During the 1970s, he focused on producing, working with Kiss and Alice Cooper. After splitting from the Runaways in 1977, he never reached much success. Still, his work remains revered by those in the business.
“Kim Fowley is a big loss to me,” guitarist and E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt said in a statement. “A good friend. One of a kind. He'd been everywhere, done everything, knew everybody. He was working in the Underground Garage until last week. We should all have as full a life. I wanted DJs that could tell stories first person. He was the ultimate realization of that concept. Rock Gypsy DNA. Reinventing himself whenever he felt restless. Which was always. One of the great characters of all time. Irreplaceable."