Bohemian Rhapsody producer Roy Thomas Baker dies at 78

Bohemian Rhapsody producer Roy Thomas Baker, who worked with Queen, Journey, and the Cars, dies at age 78.

Roy Thomas Baker, the legendary music producer behind Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” died on April 12 at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He was 78. His death was confirmed by his spokesperson, Bob Merlis, who stated that the cause was not immediately clear.

Baker rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, producing for major rock acts including the Cars, Journey, Mötley Crüe, and Foreigner.

His most iconic contribution came with Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the nearly six-minute track that defied radio conventions and became one of rock’s most celebrated songs. In a 2005 interview with The New York Times, Baker called the song “ageless,” noting that its genre-blending nature made it timeless. “We didn’t know it was going to be quite that big,” he said, “but I thought it was going to be a hit.”

Before rising to fame in the studio, Baker got his start in the London music scene. He was born on November 10, 1946, in Hampstead, England, and began his career in 1963 as a second engineer at Decca Studios. There, he worked alongside noted producers Gus Dudgeon and Tony Visconti. Over the years, he contributed to recordings by David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, the Moody Blues, and T. Rex, and served as chief engineer on classics like “All Right Now” by Free and “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” by T. Rex.

Baker first encountered Queen while working for Trident Studios, where the band was recording demo tapes. He went on to produce their first four albums. His work with the Cars also earned widespread acclaim, including hits such as “Just What I Needed” and “My Best Friend’s Girl.”

Baker’s influence spanned decades, helping to shape the sound of classic rock across two continents. He is survived by his wife, Tere Livrano Baker, and his brother, Alan Baker.