Don Was

Don Edward Fagenson, known professionally as Don Was, was born on September 13, 1952. He is a multifaceted American musician, record producer, and filmmaker, whose career spans several decades and genres. Since 2011, he has held the prestigious position of president at the renowned jazz label Blue Note Records, further solidifying his influence in the music industry.

Was gained prominence in the 1980s as a member of the band Was (Not Was), showcasing his talents as a bassist and songwriter. His production work has garnered him six Grammy Awards, including the coveted Album of the Year in 1989 for Bonnie Raitt's acclaimed album, Nick of Time, and Producer of the Year in 1994.

In addition to his production accolades, Don Was has made significant contributions to film and television. He produced and directed the documentary I Just Wasn't Made for These Times in 1995, which explored the life of Brian Wilson and won the Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco Film Festival. His work as a film composer earned him the British Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1994 for the film Backbeat, and he received an Emmy Award in 2014 for Outstanding Music Direction for The Beatles: The Night That Changed America.

Throughout his illustrious career, Was has produced records that have collectively sold close to one hundred million albums for a diverse array of artists, including legends like The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Elton John. His musical journey continued as he toured with Bob Weir's Wolf Bros from 2018 until Weir's passing in 2026, further demonstrating his enduring legacy in the music world.