Grammy Winning Engineer + Producer John Hampton Dies at 61

John Hampton, a Grammy-winning engineer and music producer whose influence was felt across many genres, has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 61 years old.

Hampton began his career at Memphis' famed Ardent Studios in 1977, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, after reading about the studio in the credits of a Led Zeppelin album. Hired as a "night guy," he spent more than four decades at the studio, working his way up to become part owner.

Along the way he worked with an astonishing array of artists, from punk and rock to country and beyond. Hampton helmed the board for the Gin Blossoms' debut album in 1992, and went on to win two Grammys for his work with Jack White, first in 2006 for the White Stripes, and again in 2007 for the Raconteurs.

His country resume included work with Travis Tritt on his pivotal 'It's All About to Change' album, as well as Marty Stuart, Little Texas, Tanya Tucker, Aaron Tippin, Rhett Akins and more. He also worked with respected singer-songwriters including John Hiatt and Todd Snider.

“Part of his gift was his flexibility,” says Ardent Studios owner John Fry. “He could go from working on a country record to a rock record to a blues record. He loved all kinds of music and was very knowledgeable commercially and artistically with each genre. The greatest testament to John is that he had such a long-term track record of success. So often in our industry that’s not the case.”

Hampton is survived by his wife, Robin Robison, and sons Daniel, Ples, Nathan and Cody. Plans for a memorial service have not yet been announced.

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