Biography
Snuff Garrett earned distinction as one of the music business’s most multifaceted figures, thriving simultaneously as a disc jockey, television presenter, promotion executive, A&R director, producer, arranger, and the founder of his independent publishing firm. Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1938, he first encountered the industry by lingering around neighborhood radio outlets. Mentored by broadcasters Gordon McLendon and Todd Storz, he acquired encyclopedic familiarity with pop repertoire and a sharp instinct for hits while stationed at KLIF. After spending one year in Hollywood during his teens, he returned to Texas and took on dual roles as both a disc jockey and a television host. Intent on entering the commercial side of music, he obtained a local promotion post and spent the ensuing years working relentlessly for Liberty Records. There Garrett came into his own, extending his responsibilities into production and eventually assuming leadership of the A&R department. His recordings for Gary Lewis & the Playboys, among them “This Diamond Ring,” became recognized pop standards, and over several years he shaped the label into a steady supplier of hit singles. At the summit of his influence Garrett resigned from Liberty to launch his own production and publishing company, then sold the enterprise to Warner for $2.5 million and stepped away from the industry for a time. Following several restful years he resumed production, delivering successes with Cher on “Half-Breed” and with Eddie Rabbit among others. As the 1980s began, however, Garrett withdrew from music permanently, retiring to a ranch in Arizona.
Albums