Alan Parsons
What do you call owner of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the studio engineer of the Beatles’ Abbey Road (1969) and Let It Be (1970), Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), 13 time Grammy nominee and 2019 Grammy winner of the Best Immersive Audio Album? No other than the Alan Parsons OBE!
Alan Parsons is a towering figure in the realms of music production and engineering, with a career spanning decades and genres. His journey began at just 16 years old when he left public school to pursue a career at EMI, enticed by their apprentice program. Little did he know, this decision would shape the course of music history. At EMI, Alan initially worked on TV camera tubes but soon found his calling in the tape records department at Abbey Road Studios. It was here that he honed his skills, working on projects that laid the foundation for his future success.
Alan’s career took a monumental turn when he joined the “Let It Be” sessions at Apple Records, where he found himself in a room with music legends like The Beatles, George Martin, Yoko Ono, and Linda Eastman. He even played a crucial role in setting up the cables for the iconic rooftop concert, which turned out to be The Beatles’ final live performance.
His journey continued at Abbey Road Studios, where he contributed to the legendary “Abbey Road” album. Witnessing The Beatles’ final days in the studio, he was there when John Lennon made the bold decision to abruptly cut “She’s So Heavy” with a pair of scissors, creating a moment that would go down in music history.
After his time with The Beatles, Alan continued to make waves in the music industry, working with artists like The Hollies, Roy Harper, Wings, and a little known band called The Pink Floyd. His work on Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon,” where he captured unconventional sounds like cash registers and clocks, showcased his creativity and pushed the boundaries of sound engineering.
Alan’s journey didn’t stop there. Teaming up with Eric Woolfson, he formed The Alan Parsons Project, producing a series of groundbreaking albums. One of their most famous tracks, “Sirius,” became the classic intro song for sporting events around the world.
In 1998, Alan took on the role of Vice-President of EMI Studios Group, managing Abbey Road Studios. While this marked a significant milestone in his career, his passion for music never wavered, driving him back to the studio and his true calling.
In 1998, Alan took on the role of Vice-President of EMI Studios Group, managing Abbey Road Studios. While this marked a significant milestone in his career, his passion for music never wavered, driving him back to the studio and his true calling.
Throughout his career, Alan has continued to innovate, explore new genres, and collaborate with a diverse range of artists. His dedication to sharing his knowledge led to the creation of “The Art & Science Of Sound Recording,” showcasing his commitment to the craft.
Today, Alan Parsons remains an inspiration for aspiring musicians and engineers, a testament to the enduring impact of creativity and innovation in music. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of pushing boundaries and daring to innovate in the world of sound.
I continue to play music by Alan’s creed that is “If it sounds good, it is good”! Thank you sir, making your mark in the history of music!
Words by heavie, discover the genius and music of Alan Parsons’ on Musiki FM.
