A Queen legend has tragically died.
Tributes are pouring in on social media following the sad news, with one fan penning: “Sad to hear this. Legend is overused, but not in this case.”
Another adds: “It’s a tremendous loss.”
“RIP sir, your touch on music was crucial to my childhood. And to this day, your records are a HUGE part of my life. Be at peace knowing your legacy lives on,” a third writes.
Somebody else says: “His contribution to what is my – and that of many others’ – favorite all-time song (‘Bohemian Rhapsody’) should never be overlooked nor underestimated.”
Music producer Roy Thomas Baker worked closely with the band Queen and was the man behind some of their greatest hits.
The 78-year-old produced five of their albums, including 1975’s ‘A Night at the Opera,’ which features the two Grammy nominations and Grammy Hall of Fame track ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
The single took to the top of the charts worldwide, even though their record label, EMI, initially refused to release it as a six-minute single because it was deemed too long.
In a 2005 New York Times interview, Baker discussed the success of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
He said: “I thought it was going to be a hit. We didn’t know it was going to be quite that big. I didn’t realize it was still going to be talked about 30 years later.”
Not only did he work with Queen, but Baker also produced music for many other influential musicians, including David Bowie, Guns N’ Roses, Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, The Rolling Stones, Free, Journey, Yes, and the Smashing Pumpkins.
He also worked on four albums for The Cars in the 1970s and 80s, and worked on the production of Mötley Crüe’s debut studio album ‘Too Fast for Love.’
Baker’s death was confirmed by his spokesperson, Bob Merlis, who announced the star had died on April 12 at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Queen’s guitarist, Brian May, has paid tribute to English producer.
Alongside photos of the music producer, he wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Roy Thomas Baker. Roy played a huge part in the production of so much QUEEN music in the early days.”
May added: “I regret slipping out of touch latterly with Roy. I suppose life moves at such a pace these days that we imagine there will be plenty of time to rekindle a friendship, and then suddenly, one day, it’s too late.
“Thank you, Roy, for all the great work you did for us, and all the fun we had. Rest in Peace. Bri.”
Baker’s cause of death has not yet been announced.