THE RIVKIN BROTHERS

Brothers Bobby and David Rivkin (now Bobby and David Z) are two St. Louis Park-bred musicians, each distinguished in their own right. Their brother Stephen E. Rivkin is a film editor and producer with a long list of films to his credit.

David Rivkin was associated with three major Twin Cities bands.  After three years in a folk duo called the Dynamics, he spent four years with the Chancellors, who had huge local hits with “Little Latin Lupe Lu,” “Yo Yo,” and “So Fine.” In 1965 David left the Chancellors to join the High Spirits. In late 1968, David moved to join Stillroven, which, by that time, had already recorded their hits “Hey Joe” and “Little Picture Playhouse.” He did record an album for A&M with the group, however, which may or may not have seen the light of day. David went on to prosper in the music business as a songwriter, session musician, record promoter, producer and engineer, both locally and nationally. In 2008, David was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Read more about David Z on Wikipedia.  There is also an in-depth interview with him in the November 1977 edition of the Insider.

Born Robert Rivkin in 1956, Bobby Z played drums for Prince and the Revolution from 1978 to 1987. Also a successful producer and songwriter, Bobby has worked with influential artists such as Boy George, Aswad, Manhattan Transfer, Alexander O’Neal, Eric Leeds, Colin Hay (Men at Work), Jonny Lang, George Thorogood, Wendy and Lisa, Garrison Keillor and others. Bobby has been a National Trustee with The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys) in 2000. In 2008, Bobby was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Read more on him on Wikipedia.

Brother Stephen E. Rivkin is a respected film editor and producer, most notably on the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Read more about him on imdb, wikipedia, and the New York Times.

Growing up in St. Louis Park, the Rivkins lived at 3725 Glenhurst and went to Brookside School.