Ted Templeman

Ted Templeman (born October 24, 1944) is a producer and multi-instrumentalist originally from Santa Cruz, California. He found some early success in the music industry with a group called Harpers Bizarre, before their break-up in 1969. He then decided to focus on recording other artists, producing records for The Doobie Brothers, Van Morrison, Captain Beefheart, Carly Simon, Montrose, and many more.

His work with Montrose and Sammy Hagar foreshadowed a major turning point in Templeman’s career. After seeing a live performance by Van Halen in 1977, he convinced Warner Bro.s Records to sign the up-and-coming group. He proceeded to produce their first six LPs—all classic projects in the hard rock field. A stand-out moment for cult Van Halen fans is found on 1981’s “Unchained,” where Templeman can be heard during the song’s bridge, saying:

Come on, Dave, gimme a break…

Ironically, he did not produce Van Halen’s 1986 album, 5150, after they broke up with David Lee Roth and replaced him with Hagar. Instead, Templeman produced Roth’s next two solo projects: 1985’s Crazy from the Heat and 1986’s Eat ‘Em and Smile.

After Van Halen’s notorious falling out and regrouping, Templeman continued with his illustrious career; producing such albums as Eric Clapton’s 1985 post-rehab project, Behind The Sun, and Aerosmith’s “comeback” record, Done With Mirrors. Van Halen brought him back on board for their third project with Hagar, 1991’s For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. He went on to produce for more artists, including Joan Jett and John Cale, among others.