R.I.P. Reggie Lucas, Madonna producer and songwriter

Jazz guitarist and music producer Reggie Lucas died on May 21st; the news was confirmed by his daughter Lisa Lucas. He was 65.

Lucas was best known for his work with legendary Miles Davis and for producing the majority of Madonna’s self-titled debut album; but he also worked with artists such as Lou Rawls, the Four Tops, Roy Ayers, and Stephanie Mills.

Reginald Grant Lucas was born and raised in New York City; he was just 18 when he was asked to join Miles Davis’ band following a brief audition. While playing in Davis’ band, he met James Mtume, who became his songwriting and production partner. Mtume and Lucas produced music for Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, among others. Their song “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” written and produced for Stephanie Mills, earned them the Grammy award for Best R&B Song in 1981. Lucas would go on to produce much of Madonna’s 1983 debut, and also wrote her hits “Borderline” and “Physical Attraction”.