Died On This Date (August 8, 2009) Michael Viner / ’70s Producer & Label Head
themusicsover Michael Viner
1944 – August 8, 2009
Although Michael Viner is likely best remembered as a pioneer in the audio books industry, he did make a significant mark on music as well. Viner was a record producer and label executive during the ’70s. While at MGM Records, Viner signed the likes of Debby Boone. As a producer, he worked with Sammy Davis Jr. on his biggest hit, “Candy Man,” and produced the Incredible Bongo Band’s minor hit, “Apache.” That song would become one of the foundations of rap and hip-hop, being sampled by the likes of Moby and LL Cool J. Viner passed away of cancer at the age of 65.