Norman Smith, Engineer for the Beatles/Pink Floyd, Dies at 85
Norman "Hurricane" Smith, who was an engineer for every Beatles recording session from 1962 through 1965, went on to produce Pink Floyd's first three albums, and had his own # 5 hit in early 1973 with "Oh Babe, What Would You Say"...
www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/arts/music/07smith.html?ref=arts
"Oh babe" is one of the great cheezeball '70s OHWs. An amazing career.
He attended last year's NY BeatleFest (first time) and even performed his hit song! From the Fest for Beatles Fans website:
NORMAN ‘ HURRICANE’ SMITH, the Beatles original engineer from the beginning through 1965’s Rubber Soul, died on March 3rd, at the age of 85. What a treat it was to have him as our Special Guest, just last year at our NY METRO FEST, where we exclusively world premiered his book,
John Lennon Called Me Normal. In late 1972, he had a Number One song (that he wrote) with "Oh Babe, What Would You Say" which he performed, impeccably on our stage with Liverpool. If you were there, you know it was a very special moment. It is a sad day in the Beatles world of music. Our condolences go out to his wife, Eileen, and his family.