256: The Making of Ringo (and Goodnight Vienna) with Bill Schnee

Fifty years on, Ringo’s third solo album (or first, as he counted it in 1977) remains a stunning achievement, not just for the near-Beatles reunion but also on its own musical merits. With Richard Perry in the producer’s chair, an array of talent was rallied in support of the beloved ex-Beatle, resulting in something greater than the sum of its parts. At Perry’s side was engineer Bill Schnee, who’d worked with him on hits by artists like Streisand, Nilsson, Carly, Leo Sayer and many others. Schnee has penned a memoir, Chairman at the Board, detailing a career that began with Three Dog Night and encompassed artists ranging from Steely Dan and Neil Diamond to Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Schnee has been a mixer/remixer, engineer and producer in support of the rich soundtrack of life for anyone enjoying music during the 70s and 80s and beyond.

Bill was there at the right place and the right time to take full advantage of his gifts and creativity. His book is rich with stories, and in this conversation, we discuss his work with all four ex-Beatles, mostly but not entirely in support of Ringo.

Check out his website – https://www.billschnee.com/

This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/satb for 10% off your first month of treatment.

4 thoughts on “256: The Making of Ringo (and Goodnight Vienna) with Bill Schnee”

  1. Thanks Bill, your following your passions and adventures were awesome to behold… really inspiring. Thanks for another great interview and awesome clips. The one of John in command doing a vocal track was facinating and also scary to imagine being on the other end of that. Bill never choked though.

  2. Thanks Bill, your following your passions and adventures were awesome to behold… really inspiring. Thanks for another great interview and awesome clips. The one of John in command doing a vocal track was facinating and also scary to imagine being on the other end of that. Bill never choked though.

  3. tupa condorquanqui

    “how did that rock your world”?

    This podcast interview was great. Insightful, aside from the incorrect slang reference Robert Rodriguez towards Bill Schnee.

    Robert, Rock your world is usually reserved for women alluding to sexual pleasure. Urban slang doesn’t sit well with academics. But it sure makes for interesting listening.

  4. tupa condorquanqui

    “how did that rock your world”?

    This podcast interview was great. Insightful, aside from the incorrect slang reference Robert Rodriguez towards Bill Schnee.

    Robert, Rock your world is usually reserved for women alluding to sexual pleasure. Urban slang doesn’t sit well with academics. But it sure makes for interesting listening.

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