Terry Manning, the Mastermind Behind Stax Records’ Memphis Sound, Passes Away at 77
Terry Manning, a prominent music producer and recording engineer who played a crucial role at Memphis’ Stax Records during a pivotal era in popular and rhythm-and-blues music, passed away after accidentally falling at his residence. He was 77 years old. His passing on March 25 was verified by his spouse. according to Relix .
Notably associated with the Memphis studio, where numerous hit records were produced by artists like Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T. & The MG's, Al Green, and Sam & Dave, among others from the 1960s and 1970s, Manning was an essential part of the production team behind The Staple Singers. He contributed significantly to iconic tracks such as "Respect Yourself" and "I'll Take You There," both released under the Stax label. His signature style involved blending the distinctive Memphis soul sound with elements of rock and pop music. This approach not only defined much of his production but also facilitated pioneering cross-cultural partnerships between white and black performers in their early stages.
He proceeded to work at another legendary studio in the city, Ardent, where Big Star's influential 1972 self-titled debut was produced. #1 Record It was documented (Manning, who developed a friendship with vocalist Alex Chislon, contributed keyboard work and backup vocals besides handling production). This involvement was also acknowledged on Led Zeppelin’s records (most notably, Led Zeppelin III ), ZZ Top (which includes 1983's Eliminator , resulting in hit singles like "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs"). Other notable artists include George Thorogood and Joe Cocker. During the 1980s, Manning relocated to London where he frequently worked at Abbey Road Studios. Later, in 1992, Chris Blackwell, who founded Island Records, reached out to Manning for help revitalizing his Compass Point Studios located in Nassau, Bahamas. It was here that musicians such as Shania Twain, Shakira, and Lenny Kravitz recorded some of their biggest hits.
Manning extended his influence beyond music production by founding a specialized audio firm named Lucas Engineering. This venture focused on producing premium-quality microphones along with various professional-grade equipment. In addition to this, Manning nurtured another passion: photography. His interest in capturing moments dates back to his time at Stax Studios, where he documented numerous notable figures visiting both the recording space and the associated retail outlet. One poignant photograph captures Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., just one day prior to his tragic assassination near a local Memphis hotel in 1968. Other celebrities immortalized through Manning’s lens include Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Dusty Springfield, and Kravitz.
Manning was raised in El Paso, Texas, where he spent much of his time playing guitar and collaborating with local artists, one of whom was his friend Bobby Fuller, known for "I Fought the Law." Later, he relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, and soon found himself working at Stax—a young record company established in 1957 by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. By the end of ten years since they started their venture into the music industry, Stax had secured a distribution partnership with Atlantic Records in 1965. This alliance paved the way for significant mainstream recognition through Otis Redding, leading to breakthroughs for performers such as Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, along with songwriters and performers like Isaac Hayes. As 1970 approached, Hayes became the most successful artist under the Stax banner thanks to his hit album. Hot Buttered Soul That release, which sold over 3 million copies, was succeeded by the soundtrack for 1971. Shaft , which would earn Hayes an Academy Award.
As Stax continued to establish itself as the Motown of the South, the label’s artists were thrust into the spotlight with their performance at WattStax—the renowned all-star concert held in 1972 and later released as a documentary film in 1973—where Manning took on the role of music supervisor. Frequently hailed as the West Coast equivalent of Woodstock for African American audiences, this movie was eventually archived in the Library of Congress.
In 1970, Manning put out a solo record. Home Sweet Home , which was recorded at Ardent Studios and released under Stax's Enterprise label — a sought-after collectible nowadays. Over the years, he has occasionally created new music, such as an album paying homage to Bobby Fuller. West Texas Skyline , released in 2013.
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