The singer-songwriter and record producer worked with Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and other A-listers
Singer‑songwriter and producer Bryan Loren, who worked alongside stars such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sting, and more, has died at the age of 58.
The announcement was made by his long‑time friend Shana Mangatal, who shared the news on Facebook. No cause of death has yet been made public, reports the Express.
Posting a series of photographs showcasing their decades‑long friendship, Mangatal wrote: “This is sad news to share. My dear friend – extraordinarily talented music producer Bryan Loren – has passed away… Rest easy, B. Thank you for the decades of memories, the laughter, the stories, and the music.”
Loren, affectionately known in the industry as The Wiz, began his career remarkably early, entering the professional music world at just 15.
He teamed up with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, to form an incredibly creative partnership, penning The Simpsons’ 1990 chart-topper ‘Do the Bartman’ together. Jackson remained uncredited because it might have breached his exclusive deal with Sony Records.
The pair joined forces once more the following year in 1991, when he contributed to Jackson’s album Dangerous, which has sold 32 million copies worldwide.
“Michael would often drive to Bryan’s house in Woodland Hills and record music in his basement studio,” Shana reflected in her Facebook tribute. “I remember they even spent a Thanksgiving together – just two guys, laughing, creating, talking about girls, cartoons, and life.
“Bryan wrote and played every instrument on Do The Bartman for The Simpsons. Bryan and MJ bonded because they were both young musical geniuses who loved nerdy things.”
Bryan first made his mark as a session musician before spending time with the funk outfit Fat Larry’s Band and later joining the vocal trio Cashmere.
He launched his solo career with a self‑titled album in 1984, a project he wrote, performed, produced, mixed and engineered entirely on his own. The record yielded the singles Lollipop Luv and Do You Really Love Me?, the latter enjoying a 17‑week run on the charts.
His second album, Music from the New World, followed in 1992 and included To Satisfy You, notable for featuring Michael Jackson on backing vocals. Jackson had originally passed on the track during the Dangerous sessions, but agreed to contribute once Loren decided to keep it for himself.
