Don Was: From Creating Dead & Co. to Producing Devo and The Rolling Stones. #63
Episode 63 Recap
Elmo Lovano sits down with the legendary producer, musician, bandleader, and the president of Blue Note Records, Don Was. Recorded live from Don’s home studio, the episode is an inspiring exploration of creativity, philosophy, and the unseen forces that make music truly extraordinary. We unlock a whole lotta info in this one. For musicians, fans, and anyone curious about the mind behind some of the world’s greatest records, this episode is a must-listen.
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About Don Was
Don Was is more than a music producer; he’s a pivotal figure whose fingerprints are on the works of icons like the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Iggy Pop, John Mayer, The B-52’s, and countless others. Since 2012, he’s also served as the president of Blue Note Records, stewarding the legacy and future of one of jazz’s most storied labels. Don’s journey is as fascinating as his discography—balancing artistry, executive leadership, and a continued passion for playing music.
Capturing Lightning in the Studio
Early in the episode, Elmo asks Don what it’s really like to be in a Rolling Stones session. Don describes these sessions as group conversations—joyful, spontaneous, and deeply collaborative. Rather than simply “locking in” with one player, the Stones volley musical ideas back and forth, creating an exhilarating interplay where the “lightning” truly strikes. For Don, the magic isn’t just technical mastery; it’s a natural, unforced exchange that can’t be manufactured.
Key Quote:
“You could make a good record without lightning striking the room. But good is the enemy. You don’t want to be good—it’s got to be great, man. It’s got to get under people’s skin.”
The Art of Being a Creative Vessel
Elmo presses Don for traits that set musical greats apart—those who consistently tap into inspiration. Don’s answer is both humble and profound: often, the most influential artists don’t know where their ideas come from; they’re vessels for something larger. He recounts Bob Dylan telling him, “I didn’t really write [Gates of Eden]… it came from somewhere else. I was just transcribing.” Don finds that same sentiment echoed by legends like Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards.
Key Insight:
For Don, the greatest art flows through the artist “from another place.” The work lies in being open, present, and receptive to that creative force.
From Producer to President: The Blue Note Journey
Don’s appointment as president of Blue Note marked his first “real job”—at 58 years old. He shares that he never viewed making or producing music as a job, but as a calling. The role came with new challenges—learning profit and loss statements, answering emails, balancing administrative work with creative pursuits.
Despite initial reservations, Don saw the value in having a working musician lead the label. Universal Music Group recognized that keeping a creative at the helm helps bridge the gap between artists and the business side, preserving authenticity and supporting artists’ unique strengths.
Leadership Philosophy:
“The thing that makes [an artist] different from everybody else is not a problem for you—it’s their strength. That’s their superpower.”
Balancing Artistry with Executive Demands
Elmo and Don dig into the practicalities of juggling studio work, touring, and running a major label. Don’s approach? “Whatever you’re doing, be 100 percent in that moment. Be there.” He discusses using his mornings on the road to handle business and Zoom calls, then switching into performance mode when it’s time to play.
He draws inspiration from legends like Frank Sinatra, who balanced movies, recording sessions, and stage shows through sheer presence and focus.
The Blue Note Legacy: Honoring the Past, Championing the Future
A deep dive into Blue Note’s ethos reveals Don’s reverence for the label’s legacy and his commitment to evolution. Instead of curating a museum of classic jazz, Don seeks to keep Blue Note a living, creative organism. He credits the label’s enduring relevance to its willingness to sign artists who master the fundamentals, then push genre boundaries—just as Monk, Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, and now Robert Glasper or Domi & JD Beck have done.
On Glasper’s ‘Black Radio’:
“I knew that day this was going to be influential. I didn’t understand how influential. I think it’s as influential a record as ‘Bitches Brew.’”
Legendary Collaborations: The Stones, Dylan, and The B-52’s
Don shares behind-the-scenes stories about producing for the Rolling Stones, playing in sessions described as “relaxed and jocular,” with each member sparking creative ideas in the others. He highlights the importance of humility as a producer, recalling painful lessons—like the moment he realized he’d dismissed an idea from Bob Dylan without giving it a chance.
He also details the creation of the B-52’s’ “Love Shack”—a song that began as a 35-minute jam distilled down to a classic hit, proof that magic can spring from unlikely beginnings.
Staying True to Yourself: Don’s Own Band and Musical Roots
Don closes the episode reflecting on forming his own band—the Don Was Detroit All Stars. Driven by a belief that an artist’s quirks are their superpower, he gathered Detroit friends and focused on making music authentic to their shared experience and roots. The result is a band that channels the true feel of Detroit, from John Lee Hooker to The White Stripes.
Final Thoughts: Presence, Passion, and Purpose
Throughout the episode, Don reiterates that real fulfillment in music (and life) isn’t found in accolades, big venues, or industry power—it’s in the moments when you lose yourself in genuine creative flow, when love and passion outweigh the trappings of success.
Closing Note:
Whether you’re a lifelong musician or a music lover, Don’s wisdom is a testament to the value of authenticity, vulnerability, and presence—a reminder that the greatest art comes from those who dare to be themselves, channeling something bigger into the world.
Listen to the full episode of “Go With Elmo” for more inspiring stories and musical insight from Don Was and Elmo Lovano.
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