Paul A. Rothchild

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Lore & Background

Rothchild established himself in the Los Angeles music scene by the mid-1960s, living in a Laurel Canyon house on Lookout Mountain that hosted many future superstars. He produced a demo for Crosby, Stills & Nash that helped secure their recording contract. Rothchild was known for his meticulous approach to recording, but contrary to some claims, he did not originate a 'LEDO' concept, and there is no widely documented account of him convincing Joni Mitchell to produce her own work. According to Nash's autobiography Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life, the experience with Rothchild convinced Crosby, Stills and Nash that they did not need a producer.

In Their Own Story

In late 1964, Rothchild discovered Paul Butterfield and his band. His first attempt at recording them was shelved until the 1990s, but a later effort resulted in their self-titled debut. He also produced East-West, one of the most influential albums of the 1960s and the first example of acid rock. Later, he worked extensively with engineers Bruce Botnick, John Haeny, Fritz Richmond, and William Gazecki. In the 1970s, Rothchild produced the soundtrack for Oliver Stone's film The Doors and appeared in a small role as himself, played by Canadian actor Michael Wincott. He also produced the soundtrack album for Bette Midler's film The Rose, which was loosely based on Janis Joplin's life.

Reader's Guide

Paul A. Rothchild is best known for producing the first five albums by the Doors. He did not produce their last album with Jim Morrison, L.A. Woman, because he withdrew from production after disagreeing with the group over the band's musical direction. His discography includes work with John Sebastian, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Paxton, Fred Neil, Tom Rush, the Lovin' Spoonful, Tim Buckley, Love, Clear Light, Rhinoceros, and Janis Joplin. For Joplin, he produced her final LP Pearl and her only no. 1 single, "Me and Bobby McGee," written by Kris Kristofferson. In the 1970s, he also produced the first two albums for the Tampa band Outlaws for Arista Records, as well as albums for Bonnie Raitt and Elliott Murphy.

Did You Know?

• His production style was so intense that it convinced Crosby, Stills & Nash to produce their own work.
• He produced Janis Joplin's only no. 1 single, 'Me and Bobby McGee'.
• Rothchild was portrayed by Michael Wincott in Oliver Stone's film The Doors.
• The Paul Butterfield Blues Band members, whom Rothchild produced for their first two albums, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.