Prince Associate and Producer David Z Dies at 78
Grammy-winning producer and musician David “Z” Rivkin, known for his work with Prince and his role in shaping the Minneapolis sound, has died at 78.
In short
- Grammy-winning producer and musician David “Z” Rivkin, known for his work with Prince and his role in shaping the Minneapolis sound, has died at 78.
Grammy-winning producer, engineer and musician David “Z” Rivkin, a longtime Prince associate who helped shape the Minneapolis sound, has died at 78, according to his brother, Bobby “Z” Rivkin.
David Z worked on Prince’s early demo recordings and engineered several of the artist’s albums. His career also included work on Lipps Inc.’s 1980 hit “Funkytown,” as well as collaborations with Fine Young Cannibals, the Jets and blues-rock musician Jonny Lang.
The producer’s work placed him among the figures associated with the development of the Minneapolis sound, the blend of funk, rock, pop and electronic music closely linked to Prince and other artists from the city. Bobby Z, Prince’s longtime drummer, confirmed his brother’s death in the report published on August 3, 2026.
