Shep Pettibone
Shep Pettibone, born Robert E. Pettibone, Jr. on July 10, 1959, in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, is a renowned American DJ, record producer, remixer, and songwriter. Emerging in the 1980s, Pettibone became one of the most prolific figures in the music industry, especially known for his work in the house and dance-pop genres. He gained early recognition through his collaboration with Arthur Baker on Afrika Bambaataa & the Jazzy 5's "Jazzy Sensation" and his role as an in-house mix engineer for Prelude Records.
Pettibone was instrumental in creating innovative "mastermixes" for New York's KISS FM, which became so popular that Prelude Records released them commercially. His unique approach to remixing, which involved deconstructing tracks and reassembling them into extended, dancefloor-ready versions, made him a sought-after remixer for major artists. He worked with icons such as Madonna and George Michael, contributing to their success during the late 1980s.
In 1990, Pettibone co-wrote and co-produced Madonna's hit "Vogue," which led to a legal dispute with Warner Music over royalty payments. Despite leaving the music industry in the mid-1990s, Pettibone's influence remains significant, as evidenced by the release of "Shep Pettibone: The Classic 12" Master-Mixes," a comprehensive box set celebrating his career. Today, he operates the Empress Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey.