David Z Rivkin, a producer, engineer, and musician who played a significant role in developing the Minneapolis music scene, died in a hospital in Burbank, California. He was 78. His brother Bobby Z Rivkin, who served as Prince’s drummer in Prince & the Revolution, confirmed the death, stating that complications from an infection were the cause.
Rivkin’s career spanned multiple decades and genres. He earned two Grammy Awards for producing work with Etta James and received a nomination for co-producing Fine Young Cannibals’ 1989 hit “She Drives Me Crazy.” Throughout his career, he collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Gram Parsons, Elvis Costello, Al Green, Angelique Kidjo, and Buddy Guy. He also contributed to Lipps Inc.’s 1980 track “Funky Town” and worked with acts such as the Jets and Jonny Lang.
Rivkin’s professional relationship with Prince became particularly notable after meeting the artist in 1976 at age 18. Following their initial collaboration on demo recordings, Prince expressed strong confidence in Rivkin’s abilities, leading to an extended working relationship. Rivkin contributed to Prince’s recordings over the years, including work on live recordings that were later incorporated into Prince’s acclaimed “Purple Rain” album and film.
Before returning to Minneapolis in 1974 to learn engineering, Rivkin had worked as a staff songwriter at A&M Records in Los Angeles, where he collaborated with various musicians and contributed guitar work to recordings by artists such as Billy Preston and Rev. James Cleveland. His early career also included guitar work on regional hits during the 1960s.
Rivkin is survived by his two brothers and four children: Charley, Amy, Josh, and Shelby, as well as two grandchildren.
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