It’s "make or break" time for my documentary A LIFE IN THE DEATH OF JOE MEEK and its fundraising efforts on Kickstarter.com.

Joe Meek was the U.K.’s first independent pop/rock record producer, rising to prominence around the same time as Phil Spector in America, with his hit “Telstar.”

By the end of the 1950s, Meek was already a true pioneer—breaking away from the major recording studios and setting up shop in his home—where he perfected his distinct and visionary sounds. Throughout his career, Meek nurtured hundreds of highly important teen artists such as Jimmy Page (The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin), Steve Howe (Yes and Asia), Ritchie Blackmore (The Outlaws, Deep Purple, Rainbow), and session guitarist extraordinaire, Big Jim Sullivan—all of whom speak candidly in the documentary.

Unfortunately, due to many professional and personal struggles and tragic end to his life, Meek's contributions have only recently come to be recognized. In fact, earlier this year, Meek came in at #1 on NME's list of the 50 greatest producers of all time, and his influence has reached such artists and bands as Daft Punk, The White Stripes, Saint Etienne, Matmos, The Cramps, David Bowie, The Horrors, Broadcast, Frank Black, Ultravox, Super Furry Animals, The B-52s, The Damned, MGMT and so many others.

—Howard S. Berger