Departures of note

David "Z" Rivkin, born March 25, 1948, was a Minneapolis‑based music producer, engineer, and songwriter who became a central figure in the development of the "Minneapolis sound" in the late 1970s and 1980s. He first gained prominence engineering Prince's early demo tapes and later contributed to several of Prince's albums, helping shape the artist's distinctive blend of funk, rock, and synth‑driven pop.

Rivkin also co‑wrote and performed on Lipps Inc.'s 1980 worldwide hit "Funky Town," which topped the U.S. charts and became an enduring dance classic. Throughout his career he produced and engineered recordings for a diverse roster of artists, including Etta James, Fine Young Cannibals, The Jets, and Jonny Lang, earning a Grammy Award for his production work.

Beyond the studio, Rivkin was known for his innovative use of drum machines, loops, and sampling, influencing the production aesthetics of 1980s popular music. He remained active in the industry into the 2020s, splitting his time between Minneapolis and Los Angeles. He died on August 2, 2026, at the age of 78.