Brown's work with George Benson, Boney James, Patti Austin and the late Luther Vandross, among others, has earned him two Grammys and dozens of number-one hits.

NPR: Jazz Guitarist Paul Brown and 'The City'

The Englishman was impressed on overhearing Vandross improvising a line from his song Young Americans and invited him to sing backing vocals on the album of the same name.

BBC: Obituary: Luther Vandross

He had uncanny instincts and made an art out of the "Duets" concept, pairing Sinatra with U2 frontman Bono, Luther Vandross and other younger artists, Bennett with McCartney and Barbra Streisand, and Charles with Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison.

WSJ: Grammy-Winning Producer Phil Ramone Dies at 79