Dexter Wansel, the Philadelphia-born producer, songwriter, arranger, keyboardist, and jazz-fusion visionary, has passed away at 75.
His sound helped define the sophisticated soul of Philadelphia International Records, where he worked with legends including Lou Rawls, The Jones Girls, Patti LaBelle, MFSB, and Teddy Pendergrass.
Wansel produced Teddy Pendergrass’ classic “Love TKO.” He also created his own cosmic funk universe with albums like Life on Mars, music that influenced generations of R&B, jazz, funk, and hip-hop artists.
His “Theme from The Planets” became one of hip-hop’s most sampled foundations, reaching artists from Kanye West to Kendrick Lamar.
From the Uptown Theater to Sigma Sound Studios, Dexter Wansel turned imagination into sound. His music will keep traveling, orbiting, and still teaching us forever.
Rest in peace, Dexter Wansel.
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