Terry Manning, Key Architect of Stax Records’ Memphis Sound, Dies at 77

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I’m deeply saddened to share that I’ve lost a cherished figure in my musical journey – Terry Manning. Known for his remarkable work as a music producer and recording engineer at the iconic Stax Records in Memphis, he played a significant role during a pivotal era of pop and R&B. Tragically, he passed away on March 25 following an accidental fall at home, leaving us all at the age of 77. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by his wife, as reported by Relix.

As a die-hard music enthusiast, I’ve always been proud to associate myself with the legendary Stax Records in Memphis – the studio that echoed with the soulful tunes of icons like Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T. & The MG’s, Al Green, and Sam & Dave, among others from the ’60s and ’70s. Being part of the Stax production team for the extraordinary Staple Singers was an honor. We collaborated on timeless hits like “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There.” My unique blend of Memphis soul, rock, and pop in my productions paved the way for groundbreaking collaborations between white and Black musicians, marking a significant milestone in music history.

After that, he continued his career at yet another renowned city studio, Ardent. This is where Big Star’s groundbreaking 1972 debut album “#1 Record” was produced (Manning, who formed a friendship with singer Alex Chilton, contributed on keyboards and backing vocals, in addition to production). Later, he was given credit for albums by acts such as Led Zeppelin (specifically, Led Zeppelin III), ZZ Top (including 1983’s Eliminator, which produced the hit singles “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs”), George Thorogood and Joe Cocker, among others. In the 80s, he shifted base to London, spending time at Abbey Road Studios. In 1992, Island Records founder Chris Blackwell approached him with an offer to rejuvenate his Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas. It was here that Shania Twain, Shakira, and Lenny Kravitz would record some of their most successful projects.

Stepping beyond the confines of traditional settings, Manning established Lucas Engineering, a premium audio company specializing in top-tier microphones and other professional equipment. Additionally skilled as a photographer, he honed this talent during his time at Stax where he documented an array of personalities visiting the studio and record store. Among those he captured on film were notable figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., taken just a day before his assassination in 1968 at a motel near Memphis, as well as Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Dusty Springfield, and Kravitz.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Manning developed a passion for playing guitar and performing music with local musicians, including his friend Bobby Fuller, best known for “I Fought the Law”. Later on, he shifted to Memphis, Tennessee, where he found himself at Stax Records, a label just starting out in 1957 by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. Over time, Stax, which struck a distribution deal with Atlantic Records in 1965, experienced significant success with artists like Otis Redding, paving the way for acts such as Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave, as well as songwriters like Isaac Hayes. As we moved into 1970, Hayes emerged as Stax’s top-selling artist with his album “Hot Buttered Soul”, which sold over 3 million copies. This was followed by the soundtrack to “Shaft” in 1971, which won Hayes an Oscar.

As Stax was growing more recognized as the Motown of the southern region, the label’s artists would shine at WattStax – a 1972 all-star concert and subsequent 1973 concert film. Manning played the role of music supervisor for this event, often compared to the Black Woodstock of the west coast. The movie has since been archived in the Library of Congress.

In 1970, Manning put out his first solo album titled “Home Sweet Home,” which was produced at Ardent Studios and distributed by Stax’s Enterprise label – a highly sought-after item among collectors nowadays. Over the years, he has occasionally delved back into music creation, such as the tribute album to Bobby Fuller, named “West Texas Skyline,” that was released in 2013.

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2025-03-28 03:24