Wanna Jam? Phil Spector Gets Perks in 'Sensitive' Prison Unit

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posted: 41 DAYS AGO

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North Kern State Prison

This unexpected mug shot showing a bald Phil Spector was taken on June 5.

Incarcerated music producer Phil Spector has been assigned to a "sensitive needs facility" at a California prison where he'll get his own cell and special privileges like possible jam sessions with fellow inmates while he serves time for murdering an actress at his mansion.

The special unit is usually designated for cons that need protection from other inmates, often after dropping out of a gang. But prison official Stephen Smith said on Tuesday that Spector was probably moved there because of his fame.

"Mr. Spector is high notoriety," Smith said, according to the LA Times. Other famous inmates in the past at the facility include Robert Downey Jr. and 'Prison Break' actor Lane Garrison.

Spector is serving 19 years to life for the death of struggling actress Lana Clarkson in 2003. He arrived at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corvoran on Monday.

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North Kern State Prison

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The "sensitive needs" area comes with its perks, like the ability to make requests for items in his cell. His wife, Rachelle, has said he "wants a TV and an iPod or something like that for listening to music - and he would like to be able to receive e-mail."

The man who crafted the famous "Wall of Sound" for artists like The Righteous Brothers and the Ronnettes will even get to flex his musical muscle while behind bars. Inmates in his unit are allowed to play musical instruments and officials say that Spector could put together a prison band if he wanted.

"The facility he is on now, there are a bunch of inmates that have instruments and they all play together on the exercise yard," Smith said.

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2009-06-24 09:23:09

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