Influential Producers


I've always found it interesting how much a producer can influence the sound of an artist. The right synergy between the two can make a good artist great and really shape the creative process. A few influential producers come to mind: John Levanthal (Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn), Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams), Tommy Lipuma (Diana Krall). Sometimes I shop recordings by looking for producers who have worked with some of my favorite artists--it doesn't always guarantee a great recording but it helps narrow things down as the producers mark is usually evident no matter which artist is involved. Anyone else look at the credits and see patterns?
128x128dodgealum
Chris Thomas (Roxy Music, Pretenders) and Roy Thomas Baker (Cars) come to mind as producers that maximized the potential of artists that they produced
"very different than my view of Lanois, for example, who I think is one of the very best ever"

+1
Glad folks are chiming in...a few more came to mind since my OP. How about Nigel Godrich's production work with Beck (Sea Change) and Radiohead (OK Computer)...two of my favorite LPs for sure and each with a similar feel. Also, Gary Pacoza's work with Alison Krauss and Kelly Willis (Easy)...very similar recording style applied to these artists with great results. Also remembering Glyn Johns work as well (Ethans dad right?). I agree Vhiner...I am always checking the mastering engineer as well. More often than not Doug Sax shows up on great sounding recordings.
Dodgealum,

I second every single producer you mentioned. Just mentioning them is sending me on a search for more of their work. ;-)
Nile Rodgers has produced some fine albums with a bit of a signature sound.