David Z, the Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter David Rivkin, dies at 78, according to multiple music industry outlets. Over a career spanning decades, Rivkin worked with a range of prominent artists. Reports note collaborations with Etta James and other major acts, including Fine Young Cannibals, the Jets, Jonny Lang, and Jody Watley. His credits also include contributions to hits widely recognized on major charts. Billboard highlights Rivkin’s involvement with the Hot 100-topping songs “Funkytown” and “She Drives Me Crazy,” while Rolling Stone similarly describes his role in helping shape notable recordings. Both outlets associate Rivkin with work connected to Prince’s early career, characterizing him as a producer who helped craft Prince’s early music. Details about the circumstances of his death were not included in the provided excerpts. The reports collectively portray Rivkin as an experienced producer with work across pop, R&B, and rock, with multiple high-profile collaborations and commercially successful releases.