Joe Meek

Joe Meek (April 5, 1929–February 3, 1967) was a pioneering British record producer and composer who is now acknowedged as one of the world's first independent producers. His most famous work was on the

Joe Meek (April 5, 1929–February 3, 1967) was a pioneering British record producer and composer who is now acknowedged as one of the world's first independent producers. His most famous work was on the Tornados hit Telstar (1962), which would become the first song by a British act to hit #1 in the US charts.

Robert George Meek was born in Newent, Gloucestershire. A stint in the Royal Air Force as a radar operator, spurred a life-long interest in electronics and outer space. From 1953 he worked for the Midlands Electricity Board. He used the resources of his company to develop his interest in electronics and music production, including acquiring a disc-cutter and producing his first record.