Bob Power has died at the age of 73.
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The musician and recording engineer worked with an eclectic roster of artists, including Chaka Khan and David Byrne.
The news of his death was confirmed in a March 2 social media post by Okayplayer, a music platform founded by The Roots' Questlove.
"We are saddened to announce the passing of Bob Power, the legendary engineer, producer, and musician whose work helped define the sound of hip?'hop and R&B for generations. From his groundbreaking engineering on A Tribe Called Quest's The Low End Theory and De La Soul's classic albums, to collaborations with The Roots, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, and countless others, Bob's touch shaped some of the most iconic music of our time," the caption read.
"Bob Power was a bridge between musical worlds, blending technical mastery with soul, rhythm, and innovation. His influence will echo in every beat, every mix, and every artist he inspired. Rest in power, Bob your music, your vision, and your legacy will live on forever."
Who Was Bob Power?
Power was born in Chicago in 1952. His musical journey began when his parents got him an electric guitar in 1965. He studied classical theory and composition at college in St. Louis.
Power then moved to San Francisco in 1975 and wrote music for TV shows. He eventually moved to New York in 1982. There, he played "every gig imaginable," including "mafia weddings in Bensonhurst for $75."
Two years later, the owner of Calliope Studios asked Power to fill in during a staff vacation. He soon developed a following and began working with hip-hop pioneers like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Jungle Brothers the following year.
Power worked on over 40 songs that reached the charts. More than half of those went either platinum or gold, according to his New York University biography. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 1997 for his engineering work on Meshell Ndegeocello's Peace Beyond Passion.
Many Paid Tribute To Power
Questlove said in his own social media post that he was "devastated" by Power's death.
"You could NOT encounter a more engaging, enthusiastic, laser focused craftsman of sound and sonics," he wrote. "Bob was our training wheels for how to present music."
Power produced and mixed Badu's breakthrough single "On & On." She earned two Grammys for music she made with Power. He was also credited on her album, Baduizm.
"Safe Journey my friend," she commented on Instagram.
