That was then. Today is less important.
Plus....what are people "learning" to do to actually be a "record producer"? Most are basing on their marketing skills to sell their ear of r a hit (whatever that means today). Yet......it's the ones who just do what the hell they love doing without a record producer who later get credited as someone who is valid to produce a hit.......then they **** IT UP by overdoing it trying to be a "record producer".
Times have truly changed. True they are needed.....this may be the wrong section for it though. lol!