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Legendary Engineer John Hampton Passes

Grammy-award-winning engineer and music producer John Hampton, known for his work with The White Stripes, Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughn, and The Replacements, passed away on December 12 after a long battle with cancer. He was 61.

Two-time Grammy-winning engineer John Hampton. Photo: Jhamptone.com
Memphis, TN (December 15, 2014)—Grammy-award-winning engineer and music producer John Hampton, known for his work with The White Stripes, Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughn, and The Replacements, passed away on December 12 after a long battle with cancer. He was 61.

Hampton’s career began in 1977 when he joined Memphis’ Ardent Studios, where he initially worked night shifts, and climbed the ranks at the studio, eventually becoming part owner. In a 2007 interview with the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Hampton noted he started working at Ardent after reading about the facility’s role in a Led Zeppelin album.

“I was a big Led Zeppelin fan and when Zeppelin’s third record came out, on the back it said ‘Mixed at Ardent Studios—Memphis, TN.’ I kind of made up my mind at that point: I want to work at that place,” Hampton said in the 2007 interview.

During his tenure at Ardent, Hampton worked with the Gin Blossoms, Travis Tritt, Marty Stewart, Little Texas, Tanya Tucker, Aaron Trippin, Rhett Akins and more. Hampton won two Grammy awards, one for his work with The White Stripes in 2006, and again in 2007 with the Raconteurs.

Pro Sound News Editor In Chief, Frank Wells, took to Facebook to comment on the passing of his friend. “John was very unique, very intelligent and very entertaining. He had a totally distinctive nature, quirky and great fun. And SO talented,” Wells wrote. “He was an infrequent client at Masterfonics in my years there, but we were thrilled when he did come round. Our paths have crossed infrequently over the past several years, but it was a joy to see his always smiling face when we did have occasion to meet again.”

Hampton is survived by his wife, Robin Robinson, and his sons Daniel, Ples, Nathan, and Cody. Plans for a memorial service have not been announced yet.

Ardent Studios

www.ardentstudios.com

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