Entertainment: Al Schmitt, renowned sound engineer for Ray Charles and Paul McCartney, dies at 91

By ew
april 28, 2021

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Al Schmitt, a recording engineer who worked with some of the greatest names in the music industry, died on Monday at 91. His family confirmed the news on Schmitt's official Facebook page.

Al Schmitt standing in front of a laptop computer: Maury Phillips/WireImage Al Schmitt in a recording studio

"Al Schmitt's wife Lisa, his five children, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren would like his friends and extended recording industry family to know that he passed away Monday afternoon, April 26," the family wrote in a statement. "The world has lost a much loved and respected extraordinary individual, who led an extraordinary life. The most honored and awarded recording producer/engineer of all time, his parting words at any speaking engagement were, 'Please be kind to all living things.' Loved and admired by his recording colleagues, and by the countless artists he worked with, from Jefferson Airplane, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Dr. John, Natalie Cole and Jackson Browne to Bob Dylan — and so many more — Al will be sorely missed. He was a man who loved deeply, and the friendships, love and admiration he received in return enriched his life and truly mattered to him. A light has dimmed in the world, but we all learned so much from him in his time on earth, and are so very grateful to have known him."

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Al Schmitt standing in front of a laptop computer: Al Schmitt in a recording studio

On Twitter, performers like Michael Buble, Michael Bolton, and former Beach Boys member Brian Wilson all paid tribute to Schmitt, posting memories and photos of their friend.

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"Thank you for your kindness, your compassion, the memories, and the music," Buble wrote, while Bolton posted, "Remembering and recognizing the great recording engineer Al Schmitt, Legendary for his gifts in the studio, Beloved for the human being he has always been."

Thank you for your kindness, your compassion, the memories, and the music. #AlSchmitt pic.twitter.com/YDets3hkqu
— Michael Bublé (@MichaelBuble) April 28, 2021

Remembering and recognizing the great recording engineer Al Schmitt, Legendary for his gifts in the studio, Beloved for the human being he has always been. Love and respect, MB ???????? pic.twitter.com/gwYbRr2hEi

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even if the SV Meppen has sold in acute danger to the top runner Hansa Rostock expensive, did not jump out for the eleven of coach Rico Schmitt. The EMSLÄNDER acted brave against the cogge, but had to be beaten in the detention time with 2: 3. Exciters The SVM was the free-kick whistle, which led to the last minute gate through Philip Doorpit. © Imago Images with passion on and next to the place Meppens Christoph Hemlein acted against Hansa Rostock - annoyance over the referee inclusive.

— Michael Bolton (@mbsings) April 27, 2021

I feel bad about Al Schmitt passing. Al was an industry giant and a great engineer who worked with some of the greatest artists ever, and I’m honored to have worked with him on my Gershwin album.
Love & Mercy, Brian pic.twitter.com/5CdvdTgocr
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) April 27, 2021

Schmitt started his career at Apex Recording Studios in New York when he was only 19, working with sound engineer Tom Dowd. One of his first solo sound engineering sessions came when he worked with Duke Ellington and His Orchestra. Schmitt eventually moved to Los Angeles to work for RCA before he started independently producing music for some of music's greatest artists.

Schmitt earned at least 20 Grammy wins for his work with acclaimed artists such as Paul McCartney, Steely Dan, and Ray Charles — more than any other sound engineer in history. He was also the recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

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