Hewlett Harbor native, music producer Jim Steinman, 73

Posted

He was the composer of the songs for the rip-roaring 1977 debut album by Meatloaf “Bat Out of Hell” that was produced by Todd Rundgren featuring the iconic song "Paradise by the Dashboard Light"and was an acclaimed song composer for artists such as Air Supply, Celine Dion and Bonnie Tyler. Hewlett Harbor native James Richard “Jim” Steinman died on April 19, according to the Associated Press. He was 73.   

Born on Nov. 1, 1947 in New York, New York. Steinman graduated from Hewlett High School in 1965 and attended Amherst College.

He  wrote the book, music and lyrics for “The Dream Engine” as a senior at college. Steinman also provided music for a puppet show called “Ubu.” His song “Happy Ending” appeared on the album “Food of Love.” He also wrote the music and co-wrote the script for the musical “Rhinegold.” Steinman and Meat Loaf worked together on the album that was finally released by Cleveland International Records. “Bat Out of Hell” was an immediate success in Australia, the United Kingdom, and then in the United States.

The film, “A Small Circle of Friends,” included an orchestral score composed by Steinman. He is also credited as music producer of every selection of Tyler’s album “Faster Than the Speed of Night.” Later, Steinman co-wrote and co-produced the track “More” for the album “Vision Thing” by The Sisters of Mercy.

In the 2003, he was executive producer for the MTV television film “Wuthering Heights.” A decade later, Steinman announced that he would be working with Meat Loaf on three new songs on their album “Brave and Crazy.” The record was released in 2016 composed of various new songs.

Steinman continued to showcase his talent in 2017 as his “Bat Out of Hell The Musical” opened in the Manchester Opera House.