Terry O Neill

Terrence Paul Melcher, born Terrence Paul Jorden, was an American record producer, singer, and songwriter who played a significant role in the mid-to-late 1960s California sound and folk rock movements. The only child of Doris Day and Al Jorden, he was adopted by Day's third husband, Martin Melcher. Melcher began his music career in surf acts like The Rip Chords and Bruce & Terry before moving into record production. He is widely recognized for producing the Byrds' early albums, "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!", as well as numerous hit recordings for Paul Revere & the Raiders and Gentle Soul. His career also included collaborations with Bruce Johnston and later, producing hits for The Beach Boys, including "Kokomo".

Melcher's life took a darker turn with his association with Charles Manson and his followers. He met Manson through Dennis Wilson and was initially interested in recording Manson's music and making a film about the family. However, he ultimately declined to sign Manson, leading to a rift. This rejection, and Melcher's subsequent departure from a shared residence at 10050 Cielo Drive, has been theorized by some as a motive for the infamous Tate-Labianca murders carried out by the Manson Family at that address. Melcher expressed significant fear following the murders and underwent psychiatric treatment. Later in life, he remained close to his mother, co-owning a hotel and working with her animal foundation, and continued his music production career.

Terry Melcher was a key figure in shaping the sound of 1960s California surf music. He began his career in vocal surf duets, first forming Bruce & Terry with Bruce Johnston, which produced hits like "Custom Machine" and "Summer Means Fun." He also co-created The Rip Chords, achieving a Top 10 success with "Hey Little Cobra." Melcher later joined Columbia Records, where he produced the Byrds' influential early albums, "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!," featuring their hit interpretations of Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger songs. He also worked with other notable artists such as Paul Revere & the Raiders, Wayne Newton, and Frankie Laine, and was instrumental in signing the band The Rising Sons, which included Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder. Melcher also contributed as a tambourine player on The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" album.

In 1968, Dennis Wilson introduced Melcher to Charles Manson. Melcher initially showed interest in recording Manson's music and potentially creating a film about his followers. However, after Manson auditioned, Melcher decided against signing him. This rejection, combined with Melcher moving out of the residence at 10050 Cielo Drive, has been cited by some as a potential catalyst for the Manson Family murders that later occurred at that location. Melcher was deeply affected by the events, experiencing significant fear and seeking psychiatric help. He was reportedly a frightened witness during the trial, despite assurances that Manson knew he had moved from the Cielo Drive house. Later investigations have suggested Melcher may have had more extensive contact with the Manson family than he initially disclosed.

Throughout his later career, Melcher continued to produce music, including further albums for The Byrds such as "Ballad of Easy Rider" and "Untitled." He also ventured into real estate and served as executive producer for "The Doris Day Show." Melcher released two solo albums, "Terry Melcher" and "Royal Flush." In 1988, he received a Golden Globe nomination for co-writing "Kokomo" with The Beach Boys, a song that reached number one on the charts. He remained close to his mother, Doris Day, co-owning the Cypress Inn in Carmel, California, and serving as vice president of the Doris Day Animal Foundation. He also co-produced the cable show "Doris Day's Best Friends."

“Most will find this producer's daydream sterile at best and noxious at worst but I like the song about his shrink and am fascinated by his compulsion to defend his Manson connections. With the requisite show of wealth and taste, he insists that he's only a spectator — why, he wouldn't even know about the hand jive if it weren't for Soul Train. Alternate title: It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Watching.”