Phil Spector has died today whilst serving 19 years to life in a California prison for the 2003 shooting of actress Lana Clarkson. He had a history of firearms offences and violence against women.

While an official cause of death has yet to be ascertained, reports say the 81-year-old died of Covid-19.

Famed for his Wagnerian 'Wall of Sound', Spector started out singing his own hits as part of The Teddy Bears - he was just 21 when his composition, 'To Know Him Is To Love Him', topped the US charts - and went on to notch up numerous '60s hits as the producer of The Ronettes, The Crystals, The Beach Boys and Ike & Tina Turner. After briefly retiring, he returned to the spotlight as producer of The Beatles' Let It Be album, and then went on to helm solo George Harrison and John Lennon records, and releases by Leonard Cohen and The Ramones.

Here's some of the reaction to the news:

This is Lana Jean Clarkson, the actress Phil Spector murdered. pic.twitter.com/SpjJPm2OHS

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 17, 2021

For those mourning the loss of Phil Spector, please don't forget my friend Lana Clarkson he murdered. A photo I took of her in the Hollywood Hills circa 1990. pic.twitter.com/mZUmKHDJy8

— Kevin Abosch (@kevinabosch) January 17, 2021

Lana Clarkson (April 5, 1962 – February 3, 2003) pic.twitter.com/LSXkeBgq6h

— Dave Haslam (@Mr_Dave_Haslam) January 17, 2021

Rolling eyes at all the journos deliberately downplaying Phil Spector being a murderer in their headlines, so everyone pints this out while linking to their articles resulting in lots of clicks.

— LILYALLEN2.0 (@lilyallen) January 17, 2021

RIP Phil Spector. A genius irredeemably conflicted, he was the ultimate example of the Art always being better than the Artist, having made some of the greatest records in history based on the salvation of love while remaining incapable of giving or receiving love his whole life.

— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) January 17, 2021

When we went to Phil Spector's house in the 70s he came to the door holding a bottle of diet Manischewitz wine in one hand and a presumably loaded 45 automatic in the other. Long story. I thought he was nuts.

— Chris Stein (@chrissteinplays) January 17, 2021

Murderer/ music producer Phil Spector just died at the age of 81... I will never understand how those gifted with music in their souls can’t hear music of the heart. My thoughts are with the family of Lana Clarkson, the actress he murdered. He pulled a gun on 4 women before her.

— Nitin Sawhney (@thenitinsawhney) January 17, 2021