Bill Szymczyk has had an interesting career, producing some huge records in the 70's, then recently emerging from retirement to record again with the Eagles and some younger artists: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Szymczyk

What a heartening thread.

My bread and butter has been in managing record producers (and songwriters) for many years and I've seen first hand the peaks and troughs of their careers.

It really is as simple as their last record defining how hot (or not!) they are. Obviously, when they have a long term career and many successful records behind them then they are less susceptible to one dodgy album tarnishing their reputation. And, some of the legends talked about here do still make great records. Trevor Horn in the UK is rightly a legend and still turns out amazing work now and again.

I also have experience with some guys whose stock has dropped as they've gotten older and the work has dried up. What's so frustrating in that scenario is that when you do get them a gig and they get in the studio with a new young band, their skills are way, way better than those of the young gun mavericks and they can still cut it.

Maybe the industry is missing out on a lot of wise experience!

Anyone know the current whereabouts of Sandy Roberton, who managed many top producers? He started as half of Rick and Sandy, who I produced. I bumped into him a few years ago.