b. Anthony Visconti, 24 April 1944, Brooklyn, New York, USA. A gifted young musician, Visconti's first attempt at pop fame was in 1967 with his then-wife Siegrid, enjoying a local hit with the single "Long Hair". He abandoned a performing career to become in-house producer for the Richmond Organization, but his career did not take off until he came to Britain in 1968. Based in London, he achieved his reputation as a crafted producer with his work for David Bowie. Their long relationship began with "Space Oddity" - Visconti often contributed bass playing (an excellent example of his prowess can be heard on The Man Who Sold The World) - and continued throughout the 70s with such influential releases as Low and Heroes. Visconti was also responsible for honing Marc Bolan's talent, transforming him from hippie minstrel to glam-rock icon and successful pop star with T. Rex. At the same time the producer was also working with many artists such as the Strawbs, Badfinger, Marsha Hunt, Mary Hopkin (to whom he was married from 1971 to 1981), Tom Paxton, Wings, Ralph McTell, Gentle Giant, Sparks, Iggy Pop, Thin Lizzy and Osibisa, a diversity that confirmed his talent.
Unlike several contemporaries, Visconti was active during the punk/new wave movement, collaborating with Hazel O'Connor, the Boomtown Rats and the Stranglers. He worked with the Moody Blues in the late 80s and early 90s, and in the following decade was involved with a diverse range of artists including Luscious Jackson, the Manic Street Preachers, Debbie Gibson and Morrissey. He also resumed his association with Bowie, working on his early 00s albums Heathen and Reality. Now based back in New York City, Visconti's undoubted skills remain constantly in demand.
