Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music

At first, I hesitated about reading this book, simply because I’m doing research for a rock star romance series that I’m writing, and my inspiration is with Van Halen, specifically, with Eddie. But then I realized that if I restrict myself to one band in conducting my research, that I’m really limiting the scope of my knowledge on the subject. And I’m so glad that I read this engrossing, in-depth biography. From the first page, I was interested. Ted talks about his namesake, his Uncle, who went off to war and was presumed dead, and his parents decided to name their unborn child after him, as a tribute. Then, some time later, when Uncle Ted returned from the war, he had many stories to share, some that Ted also shares in this book. Ted had a very intriguing upbringing, growing up basically in the woods, subject to hunters, guns, and all sorts of unsafe things, but in a child’s eye, were viewed as adventures. Ted was also exposed to music, with family members that owned a record store, where he later worked. He learned to play just about every instrument imaginable, and he played well enough to start his own band, which lit the flame for his passion in the recording industry. While watching greats like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and a handful of others record the songs that made history, Ted discovered the way that a recording studio ticks, and he fell in love with making a song sound like its own animal, its own being, and to have its individual personality. As we move on into the politics and how Ted climbed the corporate ladder, starting as a demo tape listener, I found it very interesting to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Soon, Ted found his bearings with artists such as the Doobie Brothers, Van Morrison, Carly Simon, Aerosmith, and of course, Van Halen, to name a few. Ted’s influence on Van Halen was pivotal. For one, he was one of the people who discovered Eddie and the band, and he truly felt that he’d never heard such a high calibre of guitar playing skills. If it weren’t for Ted’s word and passion for the band, they would have never gotten their first recording contract. Also, it’s important to note, that if it hadn’t been for Ted’s ear and serendipitous timing, Eddie’s infamous guitar solo, ‘Eruption’, would never have been discovered or recorded. Ted happened to be walking into the back of the recording studio when Eddie was warming up for a session, and the solo was recorded raw, at that moment, and history was made. After reading Ted’s story, I have a true appreciation for how a song sounds, and the lengths that producers and engineers (whom I never knew existed until I read this book) have to go to, to make a song pop, and to be successful. The nuances of different artists and genres, as well as the industry itself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an informative, honest, intriguing and unique story about someone’s life and career, or anyone who is interested in what truly happened when the story ended between Van Halen and David Lee Roth and with Ted himself, from Ted’s perspective. A great read. And I learned a lot, too!

Intended or not, Templeman comes across as a new next-door neighbor who introduces himself and over a beer begins telling fascinating stories. In a conversational and warm style, each tale told is interesting and insightful. Just the facts, no ego. Your reaction is that you are glad you recently restocked your beer supply. This book takes us into the recording studio and gives us several different perspectives. Templeman was a performer, spectator, engineer, and artist A&R man, all of which led to a longtime goal of record producer. If you are a music fan, it is a worthwhile peek into all that it takes to get a record or disc in your hands. If you like rock history, there are tales of Harpers Bizarre. If you are Doobie Brothers or Van Halen, this is a must read about their recordings. But all of this comes after the book opens with a narration about the uncle whose name Templeman carries. An uncle who was aboard the USS HOUSTON when it was sunk by the Japanese. Reported missing while spending the rest of WWII as a prisoner of war, his name is passed on with no knowledge if he is alive or dead. Again, just the facts, no ego. One of the more interesting and readable books by a record producer. After reading this book, we know Templeman likes to pass credit around to those have worked with him. So a nod to his "literary engineer," Greg Renoff.

I never liked to see "Produced by Ted Templeman" on an album. Not because I didn't like his style, but because we had such completely divergent tastes in music. "Produced by Ted Templeman" meant I was going to hate it, whatever "it" might be, even though I might grudgingly admit the production values were impressive. I literally own *one* "Produced by Ted Templeman" record in my extensive collection - Nicolette Larson's first, and more because of her than because of him. But I collect record producer memoirs, so here I am. And much to my surprise, this book is far more engaging than I expected. He does in this book what most other producers don't do: gives PLENTY of tricks of the trade; gives PLENTY of credit to others who deserve it; and freely, wryly admits his mistakes. It's a very engaging and readable memoir. So even if you hate almost every band he ever produced, and hated the whole WB house hippie/So. Cal soft rock thing, if you're a production wonk, you need to read this book. The sumb__h even had me streaming bits of old DOOBIE BROTHERS tracks to hear what he was illustrating, which shouldn't be theoretically possible without an AK-47 aimed at my head. So, more grudging respect for a really good read from a really good producer with really unforgivable taste in music! :-)

Todo perfecto

If your want a Van Halen book you need. Also get Van Halen Rising. Greg Renof takes you back to our youth. Cudos Greg!!!

Ted made more great music than anyone in the peak of the classic rock era. In the book he explains how. I strongly suggest that you have a set of headphones and a music search app, listen to the tracks and read how they were produced, the amazing quality of his sonic recording, unique for each artist. Well written and very educational.

Husband like it, so a success in my books.

面白く読めました 英語のレベルも高くありません キンドルの辞書機能を数回使いましたが 紙の本で辞書なしでもOKでしょう ニコレット・ラーソンっていましたね ヒット曲は元彼のニール・ヤングの曲だったのか ３曲目はギターがエディーVH PRIMEで聴けたので確認したら へ～～～～でした