Peter Asher Documentary Review: From Pop Star to Record Producer
8 reported
A review of the documentary "Peter Asher: Everywhere Man" describes the film as a lightly engaging memoir built around Asher's autobiographical stage show. The documentary, directed by Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine, features clips of Asher performing at the Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco. The review notes that the film is well worth seeing but is somewhat infatuated with its subject in a boomer-centric way. Peter Asher was one-half of the 1960s British pop duo Peter and Gordon before becoming a powerful record producer in the 1970s. The review details Asher's early life, his connection to Paul McCartney through his sister Jane, and his later career producing artists like James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. The review also mentions that Mike Myers used Peter Asher as a key inspiration for the character Austin Powers.
What’s reported
Peter Asher was born in 1944 and grew up in a prosperous London family; his father was the endocrinologist who identified and named Munchausen syndrome, and his mother was a professional oboe player.
Asher formed a bond with Gordon Wally at Westminster School, and they began singing together, landing a weekly gig at the Pickwick Club.
Asher's sister Jane began dating Paul McCartney in April 1963, and McCartney eventually moved into the Asher family townhouse.
McCartney gave Asher the song "A World Without Love," which Peter and Gordon recorded and made a hit.
Asher later worked as head of A&R at Apple Records, brought in James Taylor, and produced Taylor's first album.
Asher produced Linda Ronstadt's records, including "You're No Good" and "Heat Wave."
In 1977, Asher appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone along with Taylor and Ronstadt.
The documentary reveals that Mike Myers used Peter Asher as a key inspiration for Austin Powers.
Key figures
Peter Asher: subject of the documentary, former pop star and record producer
Daniel Geller: co-director of the documentary
Dayna Goldfine: co-director of the documentary
Gordon Wally: Asher's singing partner in Peter and Gordon
Jane Asher: Peter's sister, actress, and former girlfriend of Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney: Beatles member who gave Asher songs and lived with the Asher family
James Taylor: singer-songwriter produced by Asher
Linda Ronstadt: singer produced by Asher
Mike Myers: comedian who used Asher as inspiration for Austin Powers
Sources: Variety
