Producer Jack Douglas, who made albums for John Lennon, Aerosmith, Patti Smith and more, has died aged 80.
Douglas’ family announced his death in a Facebook post on Tuesday (12 May), announcing he had died on Monday night (11 May). No cause of death was given.
“He passed away peacefully on Monday night,” they wrote. “As many of you who follow him know, he produced great music, and lived a colorful life. We know that he touched many of your lives; we would love to hear more about that in the comments. He will be missed.”
In response, several bands who he produced for have paid tribute to the legendary producer. On her Instagram, Patti Smith wrote: “This is expressing gratitude to Jack Douglas for all that I learned and experienced working on PSG’s Radio Ethiopia with him. I am so sad at his passing and send my condolences to his loved ones”. Meanwhile, Yoko Ono simply wrote: Rest in Peace, Jack Douglas”.
Aerosmith also posted about Douglas, writing: “We are mourning the loss of Jack Douglas, the legendary producer whose talent and passion shaped our sound and changed our lives. Jack was a brilliant artist and collaborator who inspired us in profound ways and left an indelible mark on the entire music industry. We celebrate his life and epic career and feel so privileged to have known him and to benefit from his remarkable skill and friendship. We are heartbroken for his family, but find comfort in knowing how much he loved his life and work. We are so proud and grateful to be part of his legacy.”
Take a look at more tributes to the producer below:
We are mourning the loss of Jack Douglas, the legendary producer whose talent and passion shaped our sound and changed our lives. Jack was a brilliant artist and collaborator who inspired us in profound ways and left an indelible mark on the entire music industry. We celebrate… pic.twitter.com/fBOEFXFiov
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) May 13, 2026
I write this through tears.
Jack Douglas was my greatest mentor, one of my closest friends, and family to all of us.
For three months Jack and I lived in Scituate making an Aerosmith album together. Every morning we’d make the 25 minute drive to the studio while he told stories… pic.twitter.com/sEQIbmbhcg— Produce Like A Pro (@ProduceLikeAPro) May 12, 2026
Jack Douglas was born in New York City on November 6, 1945. Before he would go on to become an acclaimed rock producer, Douglas began his career as a gifted folk singer, working as a songwriter for Robert Kennedy’s senatorial campaign in 1964.
Shortly afterwards, he would graduate from New York’s Institute of Audio Research as part of its first graduating class. He began working at the Record Plant as a janitor, eventually working his way up to becoming an engineer. There, he would contribute to albums by Miles Davis, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick and plenty more.
As he entered the 1970s, Douglas would work on John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ album, which would result in a lifelong friendship between the pair. He would work on Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1980 record ‘Double Fantasy’, along with its intended follow-up ‘Milk and Honey’ until Lennon’s murder on December 8, 1980.
Douglas would also form a close bond with Aerosmith thanks to Alice Cooper producer Bob Ezrin, who encouraged him to become a producer. From there, Ezrin mentored Douglas while they made Aerosmith’s second album ‘Get Your Wings’ along with Cooper’s ‘Muscle of Love’.
Douglas would go on to produce numerous Aerosmith records in the 1970s, which all became multi-platinum. This included the highly successful ‘Get Your Wings’ (1974), ‘Toys in the Attic’ (1975), ‘Rocks’ (1976) and ‘Draw The Line’ (1977). Douglas would earn the moniker of the “sixth member” of Aerosmith thanks to his prolific work with the band.
He continued to work long afterwards for bands such as Zebra, Supertramp, also helming Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash‘s solo efforts.