Snuff Garrett

Tommy "Snuff" Garrett (Jul 5, 1938 in Dallas, TX) is name-checked on the cover of "Freak Out!" (1966) under the heading "These People Have Contributed Materially In Many Ways To Make Our Music What It Is. Please Do Not Hold It Against Them". He was a noted record producer (Liberty Records) of the 50s-70s. One of the great renaissance men of the music industry, Snuff Garrett was a successful DJ, TV host, promo man, A&R man, producer, arranger and the founder of his own production/publishing company. His hit productions with Gary Lewis & the Playboys, including "This Diamond Ring", are considered pop classics. He eventually sold his company to Warner for $2.5 million, cashing out of the industry temporarily. After a restful few years Garrett was back producing - this time scoring hits with Cher ("Half-Breed") and Eddie Rabbit, among others. As the '80s rolled around, though, Garrett finally left the music business for good, retiring to an Arizona ranch. He also worked with Peggy Lee, Eddie Cochran, Jan & Dean, Burt Bacharach, Johnny Burnette, Vikki Carr, Brian Hyland, Trini Lopez, Julie London, Manhattan Transfer, Nana Mouskouri, Leon Russell, Del Shannon, Nancy Sinatra, Tanya Tucker, Bobby Vee, and many more. He was involved in the original soundtracks of (among others) of "Every Which Way But Loose" and "Bronco Billy".