After decades of producing for legends across the music spectrum, Don Was has come full circle with his return to Detroit, the city that shaped his musical identity and launched his storied career. Born Donald Fagenson in 1952, Was grew up immersed in Detroit’s vibrant soul, jazz, and blues scene of the 1960s and ’70s, drawing inspiration from jazz icons like John Coltrane and Miles Davis, as well as local counterculture figure John Sinclair.
Was first gained prominence alongside childhood friend David Weiss when they formed Was (Not Was) in the late 1970s, crafting an eclectic sound that blended rock, disco, and beat poetry. The band, which featured notable Detroit musicians including Wayne Kramer of MC5 and jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, enjoyed commercial success with hits like “Walk the Dinosaur” before disbanding in 1993. His early musical foundation as a session bassist helped shape his approach to production and arrangement.
His career evolved dramatically as he became one of music’s most sought-after producers, earning six Grammy Awards including Producer of the Year in 1994 and Album of the Year for Bonnie Raitt‘s “Nick of Time” in 1989. Was has shaped albums for an impressive roster of artists including the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson, while also serving as president of the prestigious jazz label Blue Note Records since 2011. His appointment as president of Blue Note in January 2012 marked a significant milestone in his career as he succeeded the legendary Bruce Lundvall.
Now, Was has reconnected with his Detroit roots through the formation of the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, a collective celebrating the city’s diverse musical heritage. The group’s performances at venues like Count Basie Theatre and City Winery NYC showcase Detroit’s distinctive sound—a raw, unpretentious energy born from the city’s industrial character and working-class ethos. His work with the ensemble provides a perfect platform for sync deals that place Detroit’s signature sound in films and television. Like professional drummers who emphasize structured practice, Was instills disciplined musicianship within his ensemble while encouraging creative expression.
“Detroit’s music has always been about honesty and resilience,” Was often remarks when discussing his hometown’s influence. The Pan-Detroit Ensemble embodies this spirit, defying the city’s economic challenges with soulful performances that span genres from blues and soul to rock and jazz.
Through this latest project, Was honors the musical legacy of a city that continues to shape his artistic vision, bringing Detroit’s distinctive groove to audiences nationwide.
