Legendary recording engineer and producer Al Schmitt passed away in April at the age of 91. Al’s 20 Grammy Awards, spanning artists such as Henry Mancini, Steely Dan, Ray Charles, Luis Miguel, Diana Krall, and Paul McCartney, make him the most Grammy-decorated engineer in NARAS history. Getting his first break while apprenticing under Tom Dowd, Al recorded Duke Ellington. Al would go on to record a truly diverse array of artists and garner over 150 gold and platinum records. He co-founded the Grammy P&E Wing, was one of the first recording engineers to shift from staff engineer to freelance (in the ‘60s), and even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! A quick search will yield many tributes for this influential and well-loved engineer. The CAS extends our condolences to Al’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Last modified: April 29, 2021
