Arif Mardin, the Deputy Chairman of Atlantic Records, producer and composer, has been elected the “Producer of the Year” for 7 times at the Grammy Awards. A wealth of musicians like Rod Stewart, Bee Gees, Bette Midler, Diane Ross, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Phil Collins and, most recently, Norah Jones worked with Arif Mardin in the production of their albums – a genuine record of success that earned him over 40 Gold and Platinum Record Awards. Arif Mardin, was awarded the NARAS Award (National Recording Academy of Arts and Sciences) in February 2001 for his contributions in the industry. Arif Mardin studied on a Quincy Jones grant at the Berklee College of Music where he has also worked as an instructor for one year and was granted the “Honorary Doctorate” degree.

Mardin died at his home in New York on June 25, 2006.