Bernard Besman
Bernard Besman (October 8, 1912 – January 10, 2003) was an influential American record producer and distributor, known for his significant contributions to urban blues music. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Besman moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1926, where he began his musical career as a pianist and bandleader. After World War II, he transitioned into the record business, co-founding Pan American Record Distributing and later establishing Sensation Records in 1948.
Besman is best remembered for his work with blues legend John Lee Hooker. He produced Hooker's first recording session, which included the hit single "Boogie Chillen'." Besman's innovative recording techniques, such as amplifying Hooker's guitar and creating echo effects using a toilet bowl, helped define Hooker's distinctive sound. Besman also co-wrote some of Hooker's songs, although Hooker disputed Besman's creative involvement.
Despite his brief tenure in the record industry, Besman's impact was substantial, particularly in shaping the sound of Detroit blues. He moved to California in the early 1950s and subsequently left the record business. Bernard Besman passed away in Los Angeles, California, in 2003.
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