The big-haired music producer Phil Spector is to sit trial for murder in Los Angeles today.

Spector is accused of shooting actress Lana Clarkson at his mansion. Spector's defence claims it was suicide.

Spector has already been tried once, but the trial was halted after the jury failed to reach a decision.

The producer is famous for his pioneering multi-track recording techniques, often referred to as his "Wall of Sound". He produced a string of hit records with the bands working for him, including The Beatles (he produced both the "Let It Be" album and Lennon's "Imagine") and, most famously, The Ronettes. Their hit "Be My Baby" (click to watch), co-written as well as produced by Spector, was declared the greatest pop record ever made by Beach Boy Brian Wilson.

However, Spector has also been dogged by contoversy, famously forcing Leonard Cohen to record at gunpoint, and making the Ramones record the opening chord for "Rock and Roll High School" for eight hours until it was perfect.

Nowadays he is more notorious for wearing outlandish wigs.

The trial is expected to last four months.

Posted In Latest Music News, Oct 30 2008. Words - Josh