music
Peter Asher on being music’s incredible ‘Everywhere Man’: ‘The secret is simple’
As the musician and producer reaches 82, a new documentary reveals his life working with everyone from James Taylor to Carole King to Paul McCartney
TL;DR
- Peter Asher, despite initial reluctance, is the subject of a documentary titled 'Everywhere Man' due to his significant impact on music history.
- He played a key role in the careers of artists like James Taylor and Carole King, influencing the singer-songwriter movement and the 'LA sound.'
- Asher's family had early connections to The Beatles, with Paul McCartney being a frequent visitor and songwriter John Lennon co-writing a hit song in their home.
- His duo Peter and Gordon achieved a No. 1 hit with McCartney's song 'A World Without Love,' launching Asher's music career.
- He became A&R chief for Apple Records, signing James Taylor, and later produced Taylor's breakthrough album 'Sweet Baby James' after leaving Apple.
- Asher championed studio musicians by giving them prominent credit on album sleeves, a novel practice at the time.
- He produced successful albums for Linda Ronstadt, shaping her sound and boosting her career after previous unsuccessful records.
- His production style is characterized by precision, sometimes described as 'too clean,' but he avoids 'muddle' in his work.
- Asher has produced albums for numerous major artists and continues to work with emerging talents, attributing his success to collaborating with talented people.