Roy Thomas Baker, Producer of Queen, The Cars, and Foreigner, Dead at 78

​Roy Thomas Baker, the legendary British record producer renowned for his groundbreaking work with Queen and The Cars, has passed away at the age of 78. He died on April 12, 2025, at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born on November 10, 1946, in Hampstead, London, Baker began his music career at just 14 as a second engineer at Decca Studios. He quickly rose through the ranks, working with iconic artists such as David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. His collaboration with Queen began in the early 1970s, leading to the production of their first four albums, including the seminal A Night at the Opera, which featured the epic "Bohemian Rhapsody".​

Baker's innovative production techniques, characterized by intricate vocal layering and ambitious arrangements, helped define the sound of 1970s and '80s rock. Beyond Queen, he produced The Cars' first four albums, crafting hits like "Just What I Needed" and "My Best Friend's Girl." His extensive portfolio also includes work with Journey, Foreigner, Yes, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, and The Smashing Pumpkins .

In the 1980s, Baker served as Senior Vice President of A&R at Elektra Records, where he was instrumental in signing major acts like Metallica and 10,000 Maniacs . He continued to influence the music industry well into the 2000s, producing albums for The Darkness and The Smashing Pumpkins,.

Baker is survived by his wife, Tere Livrano Baker, and his brother, Alan Baker . His visionary contributions to rock music have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring generations of musicians and producers.