大瀧詠一

**大瀧詠一 (Eiichi Ohtaki)** was a trailblazing Japanese musician and producer who helped shape the sound of Japanese pop and rock from the 1970s onward. Starting his career as a member of the influential band Happy End, Ohtaki became known for blending Western-inspired melodies with Japanese lyricism, creating a unique "city pop" vibe that defined an era. After the band’s split, he soared as a solo artist, dropping timeless hits like *夢で逢えたら* (a groovy cover of The Monkees’ "I’ll Be True to You") and the iconic 1981 album *A Long Vacation*, a sunny, synth-driven masterpiece that remains a cultural touchstone.

Beyond his own music, Ohtaki was a wizard behind the scenes, producing classics for artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and crafting lush, nostalgic soundscapes that made him a legend in Japan’s Showa-era pop scene. Releases like *僕は天使ぢゃないよ* and his self-titled *大瀧詠一* projects showcased his playful yet sophisticated style, mixing jazz, rock, and disco with effortless cool. Even after his passing in 2013, his music keeps spinning as a joyful reminder of Japan’s retro-futuristic musical golden age.

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