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Forbes
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Roy Thomas Baker: Remembering The Legendary Record Producer In 7 Albums
LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 9: Rock producer Roy Thomas Baker poses for a portrait at The Village ... More Recording Studio in Los Angeles, California on December 9, 2005. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael) If there were a record producer who became the go-to guy for musicians wanting a distinct hard rock sound, it would be Roy Thomas Baker. His list of production credits reads like a who's who of classic rock from the 1970s and 1980s — among them were Queen, the Cars, Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne and Yes. Additionally, he worked on records by Devo, the Stranglers, the Smashing Pumpkins and Mötley Crüe. In his works, Baker brought the best out of the artists he collaborated with through state-of-the-art techniques and atmospherics that defined the stadium rock aesthetic. The U.K.-born Baker died at the age of 78 on April 12, his publicist announced on April 22. Following the news of Baker's death. Queen guitarist Brian May wrote on Instagram: 'Roy was a part of our production team from the very beginning up to and including the album 'A night at the Opera'. We then parted company for 'A Day at the Races', but reunited for the 'Jazz' album. 'Roy's production contribution along with Mike Stone's engineering for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' will never be forgotten,' May continued. 'Thank you, Roy for all the great work you did for us, and all the fun we had. Rest in Peace.' 'I am very sorry to hear of Roy Thomas Baker's passing. He played a big part in our early years. RIP,' wrote Queen drummer Roger Taylor also on Instagram. In tribute to Baker, here are seven of the many hit albums that he worked on. 8th September 1976: British rock group Queen at Les Ambassadeurs, where they were presented with ... More silver, gold and platinum discs for sales in excess of one million of their hit single 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. The band are, from left to right, John Deacon, Freddie Mercury (Frederick Bulsara, 1946 - 1991), Roger Taylor and Brian May. (Photo) A Night at the Opera (1975) Queen's tour de force fourth album is the British group's signature work; it is also the crowning achievement for Baker, who had previously co-produced Queen's first three albums (Queen, Queen II and Sheer Heart Attack). Among such notable tracks as 'You're My Best Friend," 'I'm in Love With My Car' and 'Love of My Life,' the record's centerpiece is unquestionably 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' the six-minute operatic epic that catapulted Queen to major stardom. In an interview with the New York Times in 2005, Baker said of the iconic song: "I thought it was going to be a hit. We didn't know it was going to be quite that big. I didn't realize it was still going to be talked about 30 years later." The Cars 1978 Greg Hawkes, David Robinson, Ric Ocasek Benjamin Orr and Elliot Easton (Photo by ... More Chris Walter/WireImage) The Cars (1978) Baker's relationship with Boston-based New Wave band the Cars began with their 1978 self-titled debut album, which contained several of the Cars' most beloved songs in 'Just What I Needed,' 'Good Times Roll,' 'My Best Friend's Girl,' 'You're All I've Got Tonight' and 'Moving in Stereo.' Following the success of The Cars, Baker worked with the band on their next three albums. In the news release about Baker's death, Cars guitarist Elliott Easton said of the late record producer: 'Roy was one of the pieces of the puzzle that made The Cars what they became. He didn't belabor anything or take things overly seriously. He was fun to work with, a mirthful guy whose affect was kind of Monty Pythonesque and, as it happens, a great cook.' (L-R) American rock guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist, Neal Schon, English drummer, Aynsley ... More Dunbar, American singer and keyboardist, Gregg Rolie, American singer and songwriter, Steve Perry and American musician, Ross Valory, of the American rock band Journey, pose for a group portrait circa August, 1978 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by) Infinity (1978) Journey's fourth album from 1978 is notable for two things: it marked the debut of singer Steve Perry and Baker's first collaboration with the band. Infinity became Journey's commercial breakthrough album with the classic songs 'Lights' and 'Wheel in the Sky,' and Baker would return for Journey's follow-up hit record, 1979's Evolution. 'We did Infinity with the infamous Roy Thomas Baker,' said Journey guitarist Neal Schon in a press statement, "and we did so many different things on that record that I'd never tried, or even thought about doing. I learned a lot from Roy.' (MANDATORY CREDIT) Foreigner photographed for Music Life Magazine, ... More California, United States in March 1978. (L to R) Ian McDonald, Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood, Ed Gagliardi, Mick Jones, Dennis Elliott. (Photo by) Head Games (1979) Foreigner's hit streak continued with the group's third album Head Games, which also became Baker's first and only credit with that band. Among the record's popular songs were the title track, 'Dirty White Boy' and 'Women'; Head Games peaked at number five on the Billboard album chart and has since sold 5 million copies in the U.S. Cheap Trick 1982 Bun E Carlos, Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander and Jon Brant (Photo by Chris ... More Walter/WireImage) One on One (1982) Baker also brought his hit-making magic to Cheap Trick's One on One, a transitional record as it was the group's first album without longtime bassist Tom Petersson (he was replaced by Jon Brant). The record transformed the Rockford, Illinois, power pop group into an arena rock outfit, buoyed by such tracks as 'She's Tight,' 'If You Want My Love' and 'Lookin' Out for Number One.' Singer Ozzy Osbourne (Photo by Bill Marino/Sygma via Getty Images) No Rest for the Wicked (1988) It seemed inevitable that Baker and Ozzy Osbourne would collaborate, given their backgrounds in hard rock and metal. The pairing finally occurred for 1988's No Rest for the Wicked album, which featured 'Miracle Man' and 'Crazy Babies.' The double-platinum success of this driving and sweeping record extended the former Black Sabbath singer's popularity during the 1980s. Portrait of the members British Rock band the Darkness, circa 2005. Pictured are, from left, Ed ... More Graham, Dan Hawkins, Justin Hawkins, and Frankie Poullain. (Photo by) One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back (2005) In some way, Baker's work on British rock group the Darkness' second album represented a full-circle moment for the producer, as the band's glam-influenced sound recalled the best of early Queen. 'We wanted to get the best of both worlds, of old and new,' Baker said in a 2006 interview with Sound on Sound. 'I think we ended up succeeding, because it sounds like it was done last week, and yet there are aspects where you go 'Wow, I recognise that from the '70s or '80s.'"
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Legendary Queen star Roy Thomas Baker dies aged 78 as tributes pour in for Bohemian Rhapsody hitmaker
Queen's producer Roy Thomas Baker has died aged 78. The studio wizard was best known for his lengthy working relationship with the British rock legends, having produced five of their albums, including 1975's A Night at the Opera, which featured the timeless classic Bohemian Rhapsody. Roy died on April 12 at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. News of his passing was confirmed by his publicist in a statement, but no cause of death has been given. The music star worked with several big artists and bands including David Bowie, Guns N' Roses, Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, The Rolling Stones, Free, Journey, Yes and the Smashing Pumpkins. He also helped produce four albums for The Cars in the 1970s and 80s as well as Mötley Crüe's debut studio album Too Fast for Love. However, he was best known for helping to create Queen's classic tune Bohemian Rhapsody. The hit track earned two Grammy nominations and in 2004 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Roy always knew Bohemian Rhapsody would be a hit, despite being skeptical that it was too long at nearly six minutes. However, he didn't realise just how big the hit would become. In a 2005 interview with The New York Times, he said: 'I thought it was going to be a hit. We didn't know it was going to be quite that big. I didn't realise it was still going to be talked about 30 years later.' Tributes from fans have since poured in for the influential producer on X ( formerly Twitter). One wrote: 'Thank you for making my music world richer Mr. Roy Thomas Baker. Rest in peace.'; 'Another rock and roll legend, producer Roy Thomas Baker, passes. Baker made massive contributions to so many of rock's best bands, especially Queen, and The Cars, and his genius will be missed. Rest in peace.'; 'Roy Thomas Baker, the producer who helmed seminal works by Queen and The Cars, has died at 78. While many will point to his work on "Bohemian Rhapsody", I personally liked how The Cars s/t debut LP ends with 'Moving in Stereo' fading into 'All Mixed Up'.'; 'R.I.P. Roy Thomas Baker, producer of many of my favourite albums including those by Be Bop Deluxe, Free, The Cars, Hawkwind and this, the 3rd best record of all time.'; 'Sad to hear that Roy Thomas Baker has passed. Responsible for the sound of some of my favourite albums growing up, especially Queen. #RIP Roy.' Queen drummer Roger Taylor, 75, previously hailed Roy's influence on the band's music. He said: 'I think he brought a certain amount of discipline and a lot of cynicism (laughs), and a passion for fattening desserts. But no, he was very disciplined and very strict in the beginning. 'But he would always get it right. The take had to be right. We would do a lot of takes sometimes before it was right. Because things were very different then, you know, you had to get it all right, all at once.' Roy was just 14 years old when he began his career at Decca Records in the late 1960s. He then became an in-house engineer at Central London studio, Trident, where he first met Queen. Roy worked on the band's self-titled debut album in 1973 and went on to produce the band's next four studio albums. In a 1995 interview with Sound On Sound, the iconic producer revealed that Bohemian Rhapsody was meant to have just a 'couple of Galileos' but things changed once they were inside the studio. He also helped produce four albums for The Cars in the 1970s and 80s as well as Mötley Crüe's debut studio album Too Fast for Love (L-R Ric Ocasek, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, Benjamin Orr, and David Robinson in 1978) Tributes from fans have since poured in for the influential producer on X ( formerly Twitter) He said: 'It (Bohemian Rhapsody) was the first time that an opera section had been incorporated into a pop record, let alone a Number One, 'It was obviously very unusual and we originally planned to have just a couple of Galileos. But things often have a habit of evolving differently once you're inside the studio, and it did get longer and bigger.' In the wake of Queen's success, he moved to New York to work for Columbia Records. It was there he produced artists such as Journey, Ian Hunter and Ronnie Wood, before being offered a senior Artist and Repertoire role at Elektra Records. In an interview with MixOnline in 1999, Roy stressed the importance of creating music that sounds unique. He told the publication: 'My whole thing is, the more different you can sound from anything else around but still be commercially successful is great! Over the years, I've always hearkened back to that philosophy. 'Back when I did Bohemian Rhapsody, who would've ever thought of having a single with an opera section in the middle?
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Supermodel Paulina Porizkova, 59 says sex 'can get better with age' — expert tips to improve sex after menopause
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Paulina Porizkova is committed to challenging misconceptions about sexuality after menopause. Last summer, the 59-year-old supermodel took to Instagram to share an intimate photo captured by her partner, screenwriter Jeff Greenstein, with an empowering message to women embrace pleasure in their menopausal and post-menopausal years. 'Menopausal women and sex is still a taboo,' Porizkova said. The Czech-born model said that once women 'can no longer procreate' they are sentenced to become 'pillow shaped baking and knitting automatons' who no longer feel or express sexual desire. Porizkova, who has two sons from her previous marriage to The Cars singer Ric Ocasek, said the 'least sexy' she's ever felt was when she was a young mother because her body felt as though it didn't belong to her. 'Second runner up was being with men I thought I loved, who entertained themselves with finding my flaws,' she wrote. The model and unapologetic champion for women told followers that she has a 'newly acquired knowledge that sex can get better with age.' The model compared satisfying physical desires to 'a twelve course dinner with flavours you have never tried, and combinations that blow your mind.' Porizkova continued, 'Knowing what to order is a part of being older. As is the willingness to try something new, and not feeling obliged to finish if you don't like it. And taking your time with pleasure. It's there for YOU, rather than the other way around. And no, you don't need a steady partner, just a desire to explore.' Women's sexual health is a topic that's often shrouded in secrecy —especially when it comes to menopause. Feb. 10-16 is Sexual Health Week, which helps promote public conversations around sexual wellness. Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, a family physician at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, is determined to change the narrative surrounding menopause by raising awareness about the sexual changes they may experience and providing expert advice on how to navigate it with confidence. "As individuals transition through perimenopause into menopause, they experience just a myriad of changes that can significantly impact their sexual function that really, is multifactorial," Wijayasinghe said in a previous interview with Yahoo Canada. Wijayasinghe explained that these changes are rooted in hormonal fluctuations, primarily involving estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. While loss of libido and vaginal dryness are two primary issues that impact women's sexual health during menopause, they're also two of the most challenging things to address with a healthcare professional due to stigma. "It's not something that patients will necessarily bring up as a first comment. But I'll notice it when I'm about to prepare to do a pap test," Wijayasinghe said, adding that vaginal dryness is one of the "key symptoms" she manages at her primary care office. Vaginal dryness is one of the vaginal health symptoms included in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), an umbrella term that can also include burning and stinging (dysuria), frequent urge to urinate reccurring urinary tract infections. Some people actually notice when they transition through to menopause, an increase in Sheila Wijayasinghe Wijayasinghe explained how vaginal dryness can "make sexual activity uncomfortable and painful" and can not only impact someone's quality of life, but also the quality of relationships. In terms of libido, she says that while many people might notice a decrease in libido due to lower levels of estrogen and testosterone, others may experience the opposite; a sexual awakening. "Some people actually notice when they transition through to menopause, an increase in libido and increase in arousal because they actually feel more confident in themselves, they are free from periods, they're not worried about getting pregnant," Wijayasinghe said. Wijayasinghe said "communication is lubrication" when it comes to sexual health. Acknowledging that there are changes happening and then communicating them with your partner can "foster intimacy and lead to a better understanding of each other's needs." Candid communication with your healthcare provider is also important in finding the best course of action in treating menopausal symptoms. "It can be really scary to discuss this, but there are solutions that are available that can help improve your overall well being, your quality of life, and your sexual health," Wijayasinghe said. Wijayasinghe said lifestyle factors can also have an impact on sexual health during menopause, and urged women to add exploring new forms of intimacy to the list of ways they practice self-care. "...Exercise, proper sleep, mindfulness, relaxation techniques can all help manage stress, improve our mood, improve our self-esteem, our physical health and enhance sexual well-being," she said. "Perhaps considering exploring new avenues of intimacy, where you have a little bit of fun with it, experiment with different ways to connect sexually and emotionally." When treating GSM, Wijayasinghe outlined several treatment strategies, beginning with the simplest: Lubrication. For more targeted treatment, Wijayasinghe recommended over-the-counter water-based lubricant. "Water-based lubrications are compatible with condoms a little bit more, and they lack irritants," she noted. An alternative to drugstore lubricants are vaginal moisturizes, specifically ones that contain hyaluronic acid. "You can use every couple of days, every two to three days, which can also improve vaginal moisture and elasticity," she advised. One of the "mainstay" treatment options for, Wijayasinghe put her stamp of approval on for vaginal dryness is topical estrogen therapy. "This is a form of menopause hormonal therapy — local estrogen therapy for the vagina," she said. "The treatment is delivered directly to the vagina in the form of creams, rings, or tablets that is very effective. "It helps to replenish estrogen levels locally, it feeds the vaginal tissue, and improves vaginal health." Other treatment options include systemic menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT), which is available in the form of a patch or oral mediation and can alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. Wijayasinghe said it can also help with vaginal elasticity and lubrication, to make sexual activity more "comfortable and enjoyable." "It does carry risks, including a slightly increased risk of breast cancer and stroke,"Wijayasinghe cautioned. "Systemic hormonal therapy is really made on an individual basis, considering your personal health history and the severity of your symptoms." Many individuals may need to combine MHT with topical estrogen therapy to see the best results. In addition to medications and MHT, Wijayasinghe suggested visiting a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic health. "Even investing in one or two sessions can be very helpful," she said. "Pelvic floor physios are a wealth of knowledge around the pelvic floor and pelvic floor dysfunction, and they can provide exercises and techniques to relax and strengthen pelvic floor muscles that can help reduce pain." Sex therapy or counselling may be helpful for those who are being psychologically impacted by their physical changes. "If sex hurts, it can be really something that can continue in a cycle and make it difficult to engage because your body's expecting it to get hurt," she said, adding that speaking with a counsellor or therapist can help manage anxiety.
