Buffy Sainte-Marie Third Husband: Meet Jack Nitzsche

Buffy Sainte-Marie, the renowned Canadian-American singer-songwriter, has made a lasting impact on the music industry and the world of Indigenous advocacy.

Her life’s journey has been characterized by her resilience, creativity, and commitment to her art. In this article, we explore her relationship with her third husband, the accomplished musician and composer, Jack Nitzsche.

Jack Nitzsche was a figure of significant influence in the music world, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. Known as the right-hand-man of legendary producer Phil Spector, Nitzsche played a pivotal role in creating some of the era’s most iconic music.

His talents extended into various facets of the industry, including work with prominent artists such as the Rolling Stones and Neil Young. Beyond that, he made a significant mark in the realm of film scores, contributing to movies like “Performance,” “The Exorcist,” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

It was in this rich tapestry of music and creativity that Jack Nitzsche’s path crossed with Buffy Sainte-Marie. Their partnership extended beyond personal life into their professional careers.

Together, they co-wrote the famous song “Up Where We Belong.” This collaboration earned them considerable recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1983. The song’s success became a milestone in their creative journey together.

However, their personal relationship, while marked by creative collaboration, took a toll on Buffy Sainte-Marie. She has characterized her marriage to Jack Nitzsche as an abusive and controlling relationship, leading her to leave their Los Angeles home out of concern for her and her son’s safety.

This challenging period was also associated with a perceived stagnation in her career, which she partly attributes to Nitzsche’s influence. Despite the hardships she endured during that time, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s resilience prevailed.

Tragically, Jack Nitzsche’s life was cut short. In the year 2000, he passed away at Hollywood’s Queen of Angels – Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. His death was attributed to cardiac arrest, a condition exacerbated by a recurring bronchial infection.