Ron Fair: discovering and producing the world’s most famous music artists

An in-depth conversation reflecting on a trailblazing career

This week is our ‘Special Guest’ episode, where host Chris Wright brings you intimate one-to-one interviews with key people in media, business, politics, and beyond. In this episode, Chris is joined by Ron Fair, the Grammy award-winning record producer, songwriter, and A&R executive.

This conversation kicks off with Ron discussing his early career in England, with Chris Wright taking the young Ron under his wing and helping him sign some of the best 80s bands who went on to produce some of the biggest tracks.

Ron delves into the story behind his discovery of ‘Go West,’ and shares that they had been passed on four times for being too similar to Wham! He touches upon the moment he first heard the band’s demo and decided to sign them, and describes the irony of Go West’s success in the UK after being snubbed by UK record labels and eventually signed by him – an American.

Ron describes the moment that he first met Christina Aguilera when she was just 16 years old. He explains how other producers had turned down her demo and describes how one song caught his attention which then led to the singer shooting to number one – becoming the executive producer of her first five albums.

The conversation then moves on to the Grammy award-winning musical group ‘Black Eyed Peas.’ Ron touches upon producing the group’s debut single, “Where is the Love?” with Justin Timberlake and Will.I.Am, and reveals that it was written in 20 minutes. He goes on to discuss how the Black Eyed Peas were shot into stardom after being the opening act on Christina Aguilera’s and Justin Timberlake’s “The Justified & Stripped Tour”. He explains the group not being advertised as the opening act actually worked in their favour.

All this and much more in this week’s Wright on the Nail!

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com