# David Z, Prince Collaborator and Architect of Minneapolis Sound, Dies at 78

David Z, a longtime producer and collaborator of Prince, has died at age 78. He was a key architect of the Minneapolis sound, helping shape the funk-rock genre that defined an era. His death marks the loss of a significant figure in popular music history.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Entertainment
- [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/music/news/david-z-dead-prince-minneapolis-sound-1236826721/) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:53:19 +0000