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Tony Peluso, Carpenters Guitarist and Motown Producer, Dead at 60
- Posted on Jun 11th 2010 10:00AM by John D. Luerssen
Tony Peluso, who played lead guitar with the Carpenters before becoming a successful producer, died on Saturday, June 5 in Los Angeles of heart disease, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Peluso, 60, was a four-time Grammy winner who made an impressive mark on the world of pop music, performing and producing on records that, in total, sold in excess of 150 million copies.
Peluso got his start working with teen idol Bobby Sherman in the late '60s and played guitar with Paul Revere and the Raiders before joining the Carpenters in 1971 at the age of 21. Following the death of Karen Carpenter in 1983, Peluso signed on with Motown Records, where he was an A&R executive. He produced records by Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, the Temptations and the Four Tops in his 10 years with the label. He most recently worked on the Oscar-winning soundtrack to 'Brokeback Mountain.'
In 1992, he and Latin artist Santaolalla helped define the Roc en Espanol genre. Through this affiliation, Peluso was later tapped to produce the 'Brokeback Mountain' theme song 'The Wings.' Peluso is also credited for producing and engineering records by Kenny Loggins, Seals and Crofts, Apollonia, Animotion, Stephanie Mills, the Fixx, Ricky Martin, Café Tacuba and Boyz II Men with Selena, among others.
Peluso is survived by his sons, Joe and Andrew. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 26 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Northridge, Calif.
Peluso got his start working with teen idol Bobby Sherman in the late '60s and played guitar with Paul Revere and the Raiders before joining the Carpenters in 1971 at the age of 21. Following the death of Karen Carpenter in 1983, Peluso signed on with Motown Records, where he was an A&R executive. He produced records by Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, the Temptations and the Four Tops in his 10 years with the label. He most recently worked on the Oscar-winning soundtrack to 'Brokeback Mountain.'
In 1992, he and Latin artist Santaolalla helped define the Roc en Espanol genre. Through this affiliation, Peluso was later tapped to produce the 'Brokeback Mountain' theme song 'The Wings.' Peluso is also credited for producing and engineering records by Kenny Loggins, Seals and Crofts, Apollonia, Animotion, Stephanie Mills, the Fixx, Ricky Martin, Café Tacuba and Boyz II Men with Selena, among others.
Peluso is survived by his sons, Joe and Andrew. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 26 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Northridge, Calif.
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julia
I have grown up with The Carpenters music, and only Tony could give them that special sound that we all had the plesure of hearing. He was a one off. I am sure he is making good music, and having a good laugh with Karen right now ! She will look after him. May you both carry all our love and good wishes ! God bless you both. Heaven has gained two good friends. and this world has been a much better place having had you both. Missed Spirits !!!
November 08 2011 at 3:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
ANDREW COLEMAN
I HAVE BEEN A CARPENTERS FAN FOR MANY YEARS NOW AND GOODBYE TO LOVE IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITES. TONY's SOLO IS AMAZING I AM SADDENED TO HEAR OF HIS DEATH. RIP.
August 26 2010 at 5:44 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Norm
Often had the pleasure of watching and listening to Tony Peluso's stunning guitar solos with the Carpenters. I often attended concerts and Tony Peluso was a highlight. Peace with Karen, sir. Why the good die young.......
July 11 2010 at 1:18 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Marc
Tony Peluso was an incredibly neat man. I am good friends with his son Andrew and I know that the family appreciates so many of the kind words being said here.
He is definitely a person I can say I am honored to have known.
Sharlyn
Tony was a lovely man. I remember him helping me make turkey at my home and his wonderful sense of humor about life. He will be missed. God Bless you Tony.
June 12 2010 at 4:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
capwhan
I couldn't comment about that Hallmark card on that site so I'll do it here. It's been out for years and nobody said a thing! Maybe someone should get the KKK to put it back on the shelves. After all the NAACP was hired to take it off the shelves.
June 12 2010 at 3:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
VMartin
I remember the Carpenters quite well. The solo that Tony did on Goodbye to Love was a testimonial to what a "great" guitarist was ad still is. Only the greatest has achieved this.
June 12 2010 at 2:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Camille Henry
I am in shock right now...I had just spoken with Tony a few days ago. I've known and worked with him for over 22 years. He was an amazing person, friend, musician...I will deeply miss him...RIP
June 12 2010 at 2:06 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
MelG
RIP Tony, a very talented man..
As for you ManicD...watch it, don't criticize my beloved city, Seattle. Maybe it rains a lot here, but its about the greenest, most beautiful city I've ever been in.
Armando
To all of you too cheap to pay for real adds, please leave the internet blog sites to those who have something to say ! Its obvious your websites are B.S.or you would spend the cash to advertise. Tony Peluso will be remembered for his contributions and insperstions to the music would. R.I.P
June 12 2010 at 12:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
42 Comments