Werman's journey in the music industry began in the early 1970s when he joined Epic Records as a promotions manager. He quickly rose through the ranks and displayed an exceptional understanding of the industry, earning him a promotion to the position of vice president of artists and repertoire (A&R) in 1976. This role allowed him to work closely with various artists and nurture their talent.
In the late 1970s, Werman's career took an exciting turn when he transitioned into music production. He displayed a keen ear for emerging rock subgenres and worked extensively with hard rock and heavy metal bands, helping shape their sound and capturing their raw energy in the studio. Werman's expertise in understanding the nuances of these genres made him a sought-after producer.
During the 1980s, Werman played a pivotal role in the success of several iconic bands. One of his notable collaborations was with
Dokken
, a popular American heavy metal band. Werman produced their breakthrough album, "Tooth and Nail" (1984), which featured hit tracks like "Just Got Lucky" and "Alone Again." The album's success propelled Dokken into the mainstream, solidifying their place in the heavy metal scene.
Werman's production credits also include working with Junkyard, a hard rock band known for their bluesy sound and gritty attitude. He produced their self-titled debut album, "Junkyard" (1989), which garnered positive reviews and spawned hits like "Hollywood" and "Simple Man." Werman's ability to capture Junkyard's raw energy and authenticity contributed to the album's success.
Another iconic band that benefited from Werman's production expertise was
Mötley Crüe
. He produced their critically acclaimed album, "Shout at the Devil" (1983), which helped propel the band to international stardom. The album, with its hard-hitting tracks like "Looks That Kill" and "Shout at the Devil," established Mötley Crüe as one of the leading acts in the glam metal scene.
Werman's work extended beyond these notable collaborations. He also worked with
Ted Nugent
, producing his album "Penetrator" (1984), and
Twisted Sister
, producing their album "Stay Hungry" (1984). His contributions to these projects helped elevate the bands' careers and solidify their place in the music industry.
Throughout his career, Werman's production style was characterized by his ability to capture the raw energy and distinct characteristics of the bands he worked with. He had a knack for enhancing their sound while staying true to their artistic vision. His meticulous attention to detail and creative input earned him the respect and admiration of artists and industry professionals alike.
Although Werman's prolific production career primarily thrived during the 1980s, his impact on the music industry remains influential to this day. His work with numerous hard rock, heavy metal, and glam rock bands helped shape the sound of an era and left an indelible mark on the genre. Tom Werman's contributions as a music producer continue to inspire and resonate with fans and artists alike, solidifying his legacy in the history of rock music.
