Legendary Songwriter and A&R Executive Dana Meyers Found Deceased in Pasadena Home
PASADENA, Calif. — July 28, 2025
Dana Meyers, a celebrated songwriter, producer, and longtime figure in the soul and R&B music community, was found unresponsive in his Pasadena apartment on Sunday. He was 73.
Meyers, born April 15, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio, rose to prominence during the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming a key contributor to the “Sound of Los Angeles Records” — better known as SOLAR Records. He played a critical role in crafting the smooth funk and dance-infused soul music that came to define the era, collaborating closely with producer Leon Sylvers III.
According to authorities and local media reports, Meyers had not been seen in public since hosting a well-attended reunion picnic for SOLAR Records and Soul Train alumni the previous weekend. Neighbors and friends expressed concern after several days passed without communication, but the latest update claims that he was in distress and passed during a hospital visit.
Meyers’ legacy in the music industry is deeply rooted in his work with SOLAR Records’ most iconic acts. He was instrumental in writing and arranging a string of chart-topping singles and album cuts for artists such as The Whispers and Shalamar. His compositions helped define a golden era of Los Angeles soul and R&B, blending tight vocal harmonies with upbeat grooves and synthesized funk elements.
The Whispers, one of the most successful vocal groups under the SOLAR banner, recorded several hits co-written by Meyers. His songwriting contributions helped solidify the group’s commercial success during the early 1980s. Similarly, his work with Shalamar — known for its dance-floor anthems and smooth, stylish aesthetic — played a central role in elevating the group to international stardom.
Beyond his songwriting talents, Meyers was known in the industry as a meticulous arranger and thoughtful mentor. His transition into Artist & Repertoire (A&R) management allowed him to guide younger generations of talent. For the last several years, he served in that role for SOLAR RecordsUK, the label’s revived and rebranded international branch. In this position, he maintained ties to the label’s founding ethos while expanding its reach across the Atlantic.
“He understood what made a song stick — the feeling, the groove, the truth in the lyrics,” said one colleague on social media. “He never stopped believing in the power of soul music.”
Meyers’ last public appearance was the aforementioned reunion picnic, which drew former artists, producers, dancers, and executives who had once been part of the vibrant SOLAR and Soul Train scenes. Attendees shared photos and videos on social media, celebrating a day filled with music, storytelling, and community. Many expressed gratitude for Meyers’ role in organizing the event and described him as being in good spirits, laughing and sharing memories with old friends.
Reactions to the news of his passing have been swift across social media, particularly from within the Black music community, with numerous artists and fans reflecting on his quiet but profound influence. Some noted that his name may not be widely known to the casual listener, but his songs — and the feelings they evoked — have long been part of the cultural fabric.
Meyers began his musical journey in his hometown of Dayton, a city known for producing a rich lineage of funk and soul talent. His career later brought him to Los Angeles, where he found a creative home at SOLAR, whose innovative approach to artist development and sound curation made it one of the most influential independent labels of its time.
In addition to his work behind the scenes, Meyers occasionally recorded and performed as an artist, with several tracks achieving cult status among fans of classic R&B and boogie funk. His layered production style, ear for melody, and commitment to authenticity earned him respect from both his peers and the artists he supported.
As a fledgling entertainer, back in the late 60s and early 70s, he performed with Dayton singing groups, The Emeralds, 
the 4 Corners, the Bad Bunch, Platypus, Lakeside and a bunch of start-up bands. I even had a chance to sing alongside him in a Los Angeles club, where he broke out his signature AXE, the Auto-Harp.
As an A&R manager, Meyers was known for encouraging innovation while preserving musical integrity. Under his guidance, several new projects for SOLAR RecordsUK were in development, reflecting a continued commitment to showcasing talent rooted in tradition but forward-looking in sound.
Dana Meyers leaves behind a daughter, a grandchild and a legacy that spans nearly five decades, marked by a devotion to music that moved people — whether through love ballads, dance tracks, or socially conscious songwriting. In a world of changing trends and fleeting fame, he remained a steady force behind the scenes, crafting moments that mattered.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced. Colleagues, family, and fans are expected to gather in the coming days to honor a man whose songs — and spirit — left an indelible imprint on the sound of a generation.