Don Was

Date of Birth: September 13, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Don Was is an acclaimed American musician, record producer, and bassist, born Don Edward Fagenson. He gained prominence as the co-founder of the 1980s funk-rock band Was (Not Was), known for their eclectic style and hits like “Walk the Dinosaur” and “Spy in the House of Love.” Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Don’s musical journey began in his teenage years, where he was influenced by the city’s rich musical heritage. In addition to his work with Was (Not Was), Don Was has an illustrious career as a record producer. He has worked with an array of artists across various genres, including the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and Willie Nelson. His production work on Bonnie Raitt’s album “Nick of Time” earned him a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1990. Don Was is also known for his role as the president of the jazz label Blue Note Records, a position he has held since 2012. Under his leadership, Blue Note has continued to thrive, maintaining its legacy as one of the most influential jazz labels in history.

5 Interesting Facts about Don Was

1. Don Was co-founded the band Was (Not Was) with his childhood friend David Weiss, who goes by the stage name David Was.

2. He won the 1990 Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical.

3. Don Was has produced multiple albums for the Rolling Stones, including “Voodoo Lounge” and “A Bigger Bang.”

4. He directed and produced the documentary film “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” about Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

5. In addition to his music career, Don Was has served as a judge on the music competition show “The Next Great American Band.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Don Was

1. “Music is the one thing in my life that has never let me down.”

2. “Producing is about creating a comfortable environment for artists to express themselves.”

3. “You can’t fake soul. It’s either there or it isn’t.”

4. “I’m grateful for every opportunity to make music and to help others make the best music they can.”

5. “Jazz is the ultimate expression of human creativity and freedom.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Don Was’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Don Was has two children, a son named Anthony Fagenson, who is also a musician and a member of the band Eve 6, and a daughter named Eve Was, who is involved in the arts.