(CelebrityAccess) Chauncey “Chick” Crumpacker, 91, a three-time Grammy-nominated producer and executive for RCA Victor known for recruiting Elvis Presley away from Sun Records, reportedly died March 12.
Crumpacker died in his sleep of natural causes, according to Billboard. He had led a long and diverse career, although 57 years of it was under the helm of RCA. He began in the A&R department in 1953 in New York City and played a key role in bringing Presley to the label, then touring with the icon. He attempted to bring Johnny Cash to the label but was unsuccessful because RCA wouldn’t back his play, according to Billboard.
He moved on to producing and working with artists like Chet Atkins, Harry Nilsson, Eartha Kitt and Harry Belafonte. His daughter Caroline told Billboard that career highlights include listening to Leonard Bernstein introduce the score of “West Side Story” on piano at his Manhattan apartment for RCA scouts and executives. Apparently, Crumpacker also tried to get RCA to back the musical but was again met with opposition.
After 50 years of working at RCA, the exec received a plaque reading, “78s, 45s, LPs, 8 Tracks, Cassettes, Compact Disks and DVDs. You’ve been a part of the greatest sound developments of the 20th century. Producer, Promoter, Author, A&R Executive, Composer and Archivist. Your Talent knows no bounds. Knowing you is a pleasure. Working with you is a dream come true. Thanks for making history.”
h/t Billboard
