Jay David Saks, Esteemed Producer, Passes Away at 79
Jay David Saks: A Legendary Record Producer with a Multifaceted Legacy – The renowned record producer Jay David Saks, who passed away last month, leaves behind a remarkable and distinctive legacy that beautifully intertwines the realms of classical music and Broadway cast albums. His illustrious career began with a stint as a member of a “one-hit-wonder” group that achieved a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the early spark of his musical talent and creativity.
Final Farewell: Remembering Jay David Saks – Saks passed away on November 16 at the age of 79 due to complications related to Parkinsonism. His death was publicly confirmed by Peter Gelb, the general manager of The Metropolitan Opera, marking the end of an era for those who admired his contributions to the music industry.
Grammy Achievements: A Testament to Musical Excellence – Throughout his prolific career, Saks garnered a staggering total of 13 Grammy Awards between 1983 and 2014, showcasing his versatility with eight awards for classical music and five for his esteemed work on Broadway cast albums. His achievements highlight his significant impact on both genres, making him a revered figure in the music landscape.
Outstanding Contributions to Opera: A Grammy Legacy – Saks was honored with the prestigious Best Opera Recording award four times, all for his exceptional collaborations with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus. His acclaimed recordings include masterpieces such as Verdi: La Traviata, Adams: Doctor Atomic, Wagner: Der Ring Des Nibelungen, and Adès: The Tempest, solidifying his status as a maestro in the world of opera.
Broadway Brilliance: Celebrating Musical Show Albums – Saks celebrated success in the realm of musical theater as well, winning the Best Musical Show Album award five times for his remarkable contributions to iconic cast albums from productions such as Into the Woods, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, and revivals of Guys and Dolls, Chicago, and Gypsy. His work has left a lasting impact on Broadway, influencing future generations of artists.
Daytime Emmy Wins: Recognition for Excellence in Performing Arts – In addition to his Grammy accolades, Saks was recognized with two Daytime Emmys for his outstanding contributions to Great Performances at the Met. He received awards for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Any Area of the Performing Arts – Audio in 1983 and 1984, further highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts.
Early Life and Musical Foundations: Jay David Saks – Born in New York City, Saks spent his formative years in The Bronx, where he was inspired by a rich cultural environment. His older sister, Toby Saks, was a talented cellist, which likely influenced his own musical journey and passion for the performing arts.
From Psychedelic Pop to Industry Success: The Balloon Farm – In the 1960s, Saks showcased his musical prowess as the bass guitarist for The Balloon Farm, a group that achieved a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1968 with their psychedelic pop/rock song, “A Question of Temperature.” His time with the band paved the way for future successes in the music industry. Notably, fellow band member Mike Appel went on to manage Bruce Springsteen and co-produced his first three albums, illustrating the band’s significant influence on the music scene.
Education and Musical Training: Juilliard and Mannes – Saks pursued formal music education at the prestigious Juilliard School, followed by further studies at the Mannes College of Music, where he graduated in 1970. His rigorous training laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the music industry, equipping him with the skills necessary to excel as a producer and audio engineer.
Engineering Excellence: A Career in Audio Production – As an audio producer, Saks made significant contributions while working with major labels including CBS Masterworks, RCA Red Seal, Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), and Sony BMG Music Entertainment. He was responsible for engineering and mastering hundreds of titles, showcasing his exceptional technical skills and understanding of sound production, which played a crucial role in shaping the music we know today.
Metropolitan Opera Partnership: A Historic Collaboration – Beginning in 1980, Saks forged a remarkable partnership with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, recording and producing more than 1,600 of its telecasts, radio broadcasts, and live HD transmissions. His dedication to capturing the essence of opera through innovative recording techniques has left an indelible mark on the art form.
A Grammy Contender: Nominations and Recognition – Over his expansive career, Saks was nominated for an astonishing 53 Grammys from 1977 to 2018, achieving at least one nomination in 30 different years. Notably, he was nominated 10 times for Classical Producer of the Year, a testament to his consistent excellence in the field, although he never won in that particular category. His nominations reflect his dedication and impact on the music industry.
Diverse Nominations: Celebrating Broadway and Beyond – In addition to his five Grammy wins for cast show albums, Saks received nominations for a variety of productions including Starting Here, Starting Now, Anything Goes, Assassins, Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!, Ragtime the Musical (for two different recordings), Cabaret, Fosse, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Man of La Mancha, Avenue Q—The Musical, and The Color Purple. This diverse range of nominations underscores his versatility and profound influence across multiple genres.
Film and Television Contributions: Acknowledging Outstanding Works – Saks was also nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a motion picture, television, or other visual media for Fantasia/2000, showcasing his ability to contribute to significant projects across various mediums. His work reflects a deep understanding of the interplay between music and visual storytelling, enhancing the overall experience for audiences.
Primetime Emmy Nomination: Recognition in Television – In 2007, Saks received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a variety or music series or special as an audio producer for PBS’ The Magic Flute (Great Performances at the Met). This nomination highlights his continued excellence in sound production, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.
Passion for Running: Jay David Saks’ Personal Pursuits – In addition to his professional accomplishments, Saks was an avid runner who participated in one of the earliest New York City marathons. His dedication to fitness and endurance reflects his commitment to pursuing challenges, both personally and professionally, illustrating a well-rounded character.
A Loving Legacy: Remembering Jay David Saks – Jay David Saks is survived by his loving wife, Linda Saks; their two sons, Jeremy Saks and Greg Saks; and three cherished grandchildren, Bo Saks, May Li Saks, and Ben Saks. His family, along with countless fans and colleagues, will continue to honor his memory and contributions to the world of music.
