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{{Short description|American recording engineer and record producer (1930–2021)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
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| image = Al Schmitt in 2015 at James DeFrances release party.jpg
| image = Al Schmitt in 2015 at James DeFrances release party.jpg
| caption = Schmitt at [[James DeFrances]]' red carpet premiere of [[Suit & Tie]] in [[Bel Air, Los Angeles|Bel Air]] (2015)
| caption = Schmitt at [[James DeFrances]]' red carpet premiere of [[Suit & Tie]] in [[Bel Air, Los Angeles|Bel Air]] (2015)
| background = non_performing_personnel
| birth_name = Albert Harry Schmitt
| birth_name = Albert Harry Schmitt
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1930|04|17}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1930|04|17}}
| birth_place = [[Brooklyn]], New York, U.S.
| birth_place = [[Brooklyn]], New York, U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2021|04|27|1930|04|17}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2021|04|26|1930|04|17}}
| genre =
| death_place = [[Bell Canyon, California]], U.S.
| genre =
| occupation = Recording engineer, record producer
| occupation = Recording engineer, record producer
| years_active = 1957–2021
| years_active = 1957–2021
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}}
}}


'''Albert Harry Schmitt''' (April 17, 1930 – April 27, 2021) was an American [[recording engineer]] and record producer. He won twenty [[Grammy Award]]s for his work with [[Henry Mancini]], [[Steely Dan]], [[George Benson]], [[Toto (band)|Toto]], [[Natalie Cole]], [[Quincy Jones]], and others.
'''Albert Harry Schmitt''' (April 17, 1930 – April 26, 2021) was an American [[recording engineer]] and record producer. He won twenty [[Grammy Award]]s for his work with [[Henry Mancini]], [[Steely Dan]], [[George Benson]], [[Toto (band)|Toto]], [[Natalie Cole]], [[Quincy Jones]], and others. He also won 2 Latin Grammys, and a Trustees Grammy for Lifetime Achievement.


==Biography==
==Biography==


===Early career===
===Early career===
Schmitt grew up in [[New York City]] and lived in Brooklyn until the late 1940s. He bought his first 78 at the age of 10, [[Jimmie Lunceford]]'s record "White Heat." Schmitt's favorite band was Jimmie Lunceford & His Orchestra.<ref name=":0" /> He had a younger sister and two younger brothers (Richy and Russ), both of who became audio engineers. His family was poor so some Saturdays he worked at a shop doing shoe repairs.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Al Schmitt on the record : the magic behind the music|last=Al|first=Schmitt|others=Droney, Maureen|isbn=9781495061059|location=Milwaukee, WI|oclc=1045666473|year = 2018}}</ref>
Schmitt grew up in [[New York City]] and lived in Brooklyn until the late 1940s. He bought his first 78 at the age of 10, [[Jimmie Lunceford]]'s record "White Heat." Schmitt's favorite band was Jimmie Lunceford & His Orchestra.<ref name=":0" /> He had a younger sister, Doris, and two younger brothers, Richie and Russell, both of whom became audio engineers. His family was poor so some Saturdays he worked at a shop doing shoe repairs.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Al Schmitt on the record : the magic behind the music|last=Al|first=Schmitt|others=Droney, Maureen|isbn=9781495061059|location=Milwaukee, WI|oclc=1045666473|year = 2018}}</ref>


On the weekends, Schmitt would spend time at his uncle's recording studio, [[Harry Smith Recording]] (Smith had changed his name from "Schmitt" to "Smith" because of the anti-German sentiment of the era).<ref name=":1" /> From the age of 8, Schmitt would ride the subway himself from Brooklyn to Manhattan to go to the studio.
On the weekends, Schmitt would spend time at his uncle's recording studio, [[Harry Smith Recording]] (Smith had changed his name from "Schmitt" to "Smith" because of the anti-German sentiment of the era).<ref name=":1" /> From the age of 8, Schmitt would ride the subway himself from Brooklyn to Manhattan to go to the studio.


Smith's studio was the first independent recording studio on the East Coast. engineered sessions for [[Brunswick Records]] including with [[Bing Crosby]], and the [[The Andrews Sisters|Andrew Sisters]]. Smith was his father's brother and also Schmitt's godfather. Schmitt considers Smith one of his mentors for recording along with [[Tom Dowd]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.celebrityaccess.com/news/profile.html?id=497|title=Industry Profile: Al Schmitt|author=Larry LeBlanc|work=celebrityaccess.com|access-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref>
Smith's studio was the first independent recording studio on the East Coast, engineered sessions for [[Brunswick Records]] including with [[Bing Crosby]], and the [[The Andrews Sisters|Andrew Sisters]]. Smith was his father's brother and also Schmitt's godfather. Schmitt considers Smith one of his mentors for recording along with [[Tom Dowd]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.celebrityaccess.com/news/profile.html?id=497|title=Industry Profile: Al Schmitt|author=Larry LeBlanc|work=celebrityaccess.com|access-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref>


Smith was friends with [[Les Paul]], who became "like another uncle" to Schmitt. Schmitt and Paul remained friends for life.<ref name=":1" />
Smith was friends with [[Les Paul]], who became "like another uncle" to Schmitt. Schmitt and Paul remained friends for life.<ref name=":1" />


=== Apex ===
=== Apex ===
After serving in the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]], he began working at [[Apex Studios|Apex Recording Studios]] at the age of 19 as an apprentice. He got the job based on a recommendation from his uncle. His job was primarily assisting on engineer [[Tom Dowd]]'s recording sessions. After a few months, he was engineering small demo recordings (mono recordings at 78 rpm)<ref name=":1" />
After serving in the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]], he began working at [[Apex Studios|Apex Recording Studios]] at the age of 19 as an apprentice. He got the job based on a recommendation from his uncle. His job was primarily assisting on engineer [[Tom Dowd]]'s recording sessions. After a few months, he was engineering small demo recordings (mono recordings at 78 rpm).<ref name=":1" />


On a Saturday afternoon, Schmitt had a recording session with [[Duke Ellington]] and his Orchestra&nbsp;— not the small demo recording he was expecting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abbeyroadinstitute.nl/blog/al-schmitt-living-legend/|title=Al Schmitt: a living legend and 'just a simple analogue kind of guy'|website=Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam|language=en-GB|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref> Schmitt was the only one at the studio and couldn't get the owner or engineer Tom Dowd on the phone so he did the session in person. Schmitt said he told Ellington many times, "Mr. Ellington, I’m not qualified to do this". Ellington responded by patting him on the leg, looking him in the eye and saying, "It’s okay sonny, we are going to get through this".<ref name=":0" /> They cut three songs in four hours.<ref name=":1" />
On a Saturday afternoon, Schmitt had a recording session with [[Duke Ellington]] and his Orchestra&nbsp;— not the small demo recording he was expecting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abbeyroadinstitute.nl/blog/al-schmitt-living-legend/|title=Al Schmitt: a living legend and 'just a simple analogue kind of guy'|website=Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam|language=en-GB|access-date=February 22, 2019}}</ref> Schmitt was the only one at the studio and couldn't get the owner or engineer Tom Dowd on the phone so he did the session in person. Schmitt said he told Ellington many times, "Mr. Ellington, I’m not qualified to do this". Ellington responded by patting him on the leg, looking him in the eye and saying, "It’s okay sonny, we are going to get through this".<ref name=":0" /> They cut three songs in four hours.<ref name=":1" />
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He worked at Apex for two years until it closed.
He worked at Apex for two years until it closed.


When Apex closed, he moved to Nola Studios for a year (Tom Dowd told him of the opening) then worked at Fulton Recording. At Fulton, he worked with engineer Bob Doherty who taught him how to mix large orchestras.
When Apex closed, he moved to Nola Studios for a year (Tom Dowd told him of the opening), then worked at Fulton Recording. At Fulton, he worked with engineer Bob Doherty who taught him how to mix large orchestras.


In 1958, Schmitt moved to [[Los Angeles]] and became a staff engineer at [[Radio Recorders]] on [[Santa Monica Boulevard|Santa Monica Blvd]] in [[Hollywood]].
In 1958, Schmitt moved to [[Los Angeles]] and became a staff engineer at [[Radio Recorders]] on [[Santa Monica Boulevard|Santa Monica Blvd]] in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]].


In 1963, he moved to [[RCA Records|RCA]] in Hollywood as a staff engineer,<ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=al-schmitt-mn0000933071 |tab=biography |pure_url=yes}} |title=Al Schmitt Biography |first=Ed |last=Hogan |publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]] |work=[[Allmusic]] |access-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref> the first engineer hired for the studio.<ref name=":0" /> While at RCA he engineered albums for [[Henry Mancini]], [[Cal Tjader]], [[Al Hirt]], [[Rosemary Clooney]], [[Liverpool Five]], [[The Astronauts (band)|The Astronauts]], [[Sam Cooke]] ("[[Bring It On Home to Me]]," "[[Cupid (Sam Cooke song)|Cupid]]," "[[Another Saturday Night]]") in 1961. He also did a lot of [[Film score|motion picture scoring work]] for [[Alex North]] and [[Elmer Bernstein]]. In addition, Schmitt worked with [[Jascha Heifetz]]'s "Million Dollar Trio", which comprised Heifetz himself, [[Arthur Rubinstein]] on the piano, and [[Gregor Piatigorsky]] or [[Emanuel Feuermann]] on cello. Schmitt once stated that "Mr. Heifetz was very temperamental in the Studio." He has also stated that Heifetz would have angry fits during recording sessions. Schmitt also engineered the recording sessions held at RCA Hollywood for [[Elvis Presley]]'s first post-army motion picture for [[Paramount Pictures]], titled [[G.I. Blues]]. These recording sessions were held on April 27–28, 1960.
In 1960, he moved to [[RCA Records|RCA]] in Hollywood as a staff engineer,<ref>{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=al-schmitt-mn0000933071 |tab=biography |pure_url=yes}} |title=Al Schmitt Biography |first=Ed |last=Hogan |publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]] |work=[[Allmusic]] |access-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref> the first engineer hired for the studio.<ref name=":0" /> While at RCA he engineered albums for [[Henry Mancini]] ("[[Moon River]]"), [[Cal Tjader]], [[Al Hirt]], [[Rosemary Clooney]], [[Liverpool Five]], [[The Astronauts (band)|The Astronauts]], [[Sam Cooke]] ("[[Bring It On Home to Me]]," "[[Cupid (Sam Cooke song)|Cupid]]," "[[Another Saturday Night]]") in 1961. He also did a lot of [[Film score|motion picture scoring work]] for [[Alex North]] and [[Elmer Bernstein]]. In addition, Schmitt worked with [[Jascha Heifetz]]'s "Million Dollar Trio", which comprised Heifetz himself, [[Arthur Rubinstein]] on the piano, and [[Gregor Piatigorsky]] or [[Emanuel Feuermann]] on cello. Schmitt once stated that "Mr. Heifetz was very temperamental in the Studio." He has also stated that Heifetz would have angry fits during recording sessions. Schmitt also engineered the recording sessions held at RCA Hollywood for [[Elvis Presley]]'s first post-army motion picture for [[Paramount Pictures]], titled [[G.I. Blues]]. These recording sessions were held on April 27–28, 1960.


===From the mid-1960s to 2020===
===From the mid-1960s to 2020===
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Other career highlights include engineering both [[Frank Sinatra]] [[Duets (Frank Sinatra album)|Duets]] [[Duets II (Frank Sinatra album)|albums]], [[Ray Charles]]' ''[[Genius Loves Company]]'' and some of [[Diana Krall]]'s albums. Much of his work in his last years was with producer [[Tommy LiPuma]]. He also recorded [[Sammy Davis, Jr.]], [[Natalie Cole]], [[Thelonious Monk]], [[Elvis Presley]], [[Tony Bennett]], [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], [[Michael Jackson]], and many others.
Other career highlights include engineering both [[Frank Sinatra]] [[Duets (Frank Sinatra album)|Duets]] [[Duets II (Frank Sinatra album)|albums]], [[Ray Charles]]' ''[[Genius Loves Company]]'' and some of [[Diana Krall]]'s albums. Much of his work in his last years was with producer [[Tommy LiPuma]]. He also recorded [[Sammy Davis, Jr.]], [[Natalie Cole]], [[Thelonious Monk]], [[Elvis Presley]], [[Tony Bennett]], [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], [[Michael Jackson]], and many others.


In 2014, Schmitt worked on [[Bob Dylan]]'s album, ''[[Shadows in the Night]]'', which was released on January 30, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxo6dUjnwlA&t=1m31s|title=Al Schmitt Pt. 1/8 - Bob Dylan's 'Shadows in the Night'/'Fallen Angels'|last=Stephen Peeples|date=January 4, 2015|access-date=November 14, 2016|via=YouTube}}</ref>
In 2014, Schmitt worked on [[Bob Dylan]]'s album, ''[[Shadows in the Night]]'', which was released on January 30, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxo6dUjnwlA&t=1m31s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Pxo6dUjnwlA |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Al Schmitt Pt. 1/8 - Bob Dylan's 'Shadows in the Night'/'Fallen Angels'|last=Stephen Peeples|date=January 4, 2015|access-date=November 14, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


He also worked on the [[Samsung]]'s ''Over the Horizon'' telephone [[ringtone]] theme of 2015 as a recording/mixing engineer.
He also worked on the [[Samsung]]'s ''Over the Horizon'' telephone [[ringtone]] theme of 2015 as a recording/mixing engineer.


===Capitol Records===
===Capitol Studios===
Since moving to Hollywood, Schmitt almost exclusively worked at [[Capitol Studios]], with occasional sessions at [[Ocean Way Recording|United Recording Studios]] and [[EastWest Studios]], formerly Western Recording. He made an advertisement for [[AMS Neve]]'s 88R console at Capitol's Studio A, which currently holds an 88R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/18/local/me-capitol18 |title=Capitol fears for its sonic signature |first=Bob |last=Pool |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 18, 2008}}</ref>
Since moving to Hollywood, Schmitt worked almost exclusively at [[Capitol Studios]], with occasional sessions at [[Ocean Way Recording|United Recording Studios]] and [[EastWest Studios]], formerly Western Recording. He appeared in an advertisement for [[AMS Neve]] that featured the Neve 88R console at Capitol's Studio A.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/18/local/me-capitol18 |title=Capitol fears for its sonic signature |first=Bob |last=Pool |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 18, 2008}}</ref>


Schmitt also appeared on the online internet television series "Pensado's Place", hosted by [[Dave Pensado]] and Herb Trawick. During one of the segments he mentioned that his favorite microphone was the [[Georg Neumann|Neumann]] U 67 tube (valve) condenser microphone, and explained that he used it on numerous sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pensadosplace.tv/2013/05/30/episode-117-engineer-and-producer-al-schmitt/ |title=Engineer and Producer Al Schmitt |work=Pensado's Place |access-date=July 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729190900/http://www.pensadosplace.tv/2013/05/30/episode-117-engineer-and-producer-al-schmitt/ |archive-date=July 29, 2014}}</ref>
Schmitt also appeared on the online internet television series "Pensado's Place", hosted by [[Dave Pensado]] and Herb Trawick. During one of the segments he mentioned that his favorite microphone was the [[Neumann U 47|Neumann U 67]] tube (valve) condenser microphone, and explained that he used it on numerous sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pensadosplace.tv/2013/05/30/episode-117-engineer-and-producer-al-schmitt/ |title=Engineer and Producer Al Schmitt |work=Pensado's Place |access-date=July 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729190900/http://www.pensadosplace.tv/2013/05/30/episode-117-engineer-and-producer-al-schmitt/ |archive-date=July 29, 2014}}</ref>


===Death===
===Death===
Schmitt died on April 27, 2021, aged 91.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://bestclassicbands.com/al-schmitt-obituary-producer-engineer-4-27-211/|title = Al Schmitt, 23x Grammy Award-Winning Producer-Engineer, Dies|last = Tamarkin|first = Jeff|date = April 27, 2021|accessdate = April 27, 2021|work = Best Classic Bands}}</ref>
Schmitt died in Bell Canyon, California, on April 26, 2021, aged 91.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://bestclassicbands.com/al-schmitt-obituary-producer-engineer-4-27-211/|title = Al Schmitt, 23x Grammy Award-Winning Producer-Engineer, Dies|last = Tamarkin|first = Jeff|date = April 27, 2021|accessdate = April 27, 2021|work = Best Classic Bands}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Al Schmitt, Maestro of Recorded Sound, Is Dead at 91|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/30/arts/music/al-schmitt-dead.html|last=Sandomir|first=Richard|work=The New York Times|date=April 30, 2021|accessdate=April 30, 2021}}</ref>


== Production discography ==
== Selected Production discography ==
* ''[[Jazz Suite on the Mass Texts]]''&nbsp;— [[Paul Horn (musician)|Paul Horn]], composed and conducted by [[Lalo Schifrin]] ([[RCA Victor]], 1965)
* ''[[Jazz Suite on the Mass Texts]]''&nbsp;— [[Paul Horn (musician)|Paul Horn]], composed and conducted by [[Lalo Schifrin]] ([[RCA Victor]], 1965)
* ''[[After Bathing at Baxter's]]''&nbsp;— [[Jefferson Airplane]] (1967)
* ''[[After Bathing at Baxter's]]''&nbsp;— [[Jefferson Airplane]] (1967)
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==Awards and honors==
==Awards and honors==
During his career, Schmitt recorded and mixed more than 150 [[Gold Album|Gold]] and [[Platinum album]]s.<ref name="Walsh">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gsEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Al+Schmitt+has+been+many%22&pg=PA47|title=Al Schmitt four decades of Grammy hits|last=Walsh|first=Christopher|date=July 13, 2002|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|pages=47, 58, 60}}</ref>
During his career, Schmitt recorded and mixed more than 150 [[Gold Album|Gold]] and [[Platinum album]]s.<ref name="Walsh">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gsEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Al+Schmitt+has+been+many%22&pg=PA47|title=Al Schmitt four decades of Grammy hits|last=Walsh|first=Christopher|date=July 13, 2002|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|pages=47, 58, 60}}</ref>


He won more [[Grammy Awards]] than any other engineer or mixer. He was the first person to win both the [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Grammy]] and [[Latin Grammy Award|Latin Grammy]] for Album of the Year. He won his first [[Grammy Awards of 1963|Grammy in 1963]] for engineering the ''[[Hatari!]]'' soundtrack by [[Henry Mancini]]. The song "[[Moon River]]" and its [[Breakfast at Tiffany's: Music from the Motion Picture|associated album]] won two [[Grammy Awards of 1961|Grammy awards in 1961]] as well as an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] for [[Academy Award for Best Original Song|Best Song]] with its appearance in the film ''[[Breakfast at Tiffany's (Soundtrack)|Breakfast at Tiffany's]]''. He was awarded two Latin Grammy Awards in [[Latin Grammy Awards of 2000|2000]] including [[Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]]. In [[Grammy Awards of 2005|2005]] he won five Grammys for his work on [[Ray Charles]]' ''[[Genius Loves Company]]'', including Album of the Year, setting the record for most Grammys won by an engineer or mixer in one night. In 2006, he was given the Grammy Trustees [[Grammy Trustees Award|Lifetime Achievement Award]].
He won more [[Grammy Awards]] than any other engineer or mixer. He was the first person to win both the [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Grammy]] and [[Latin Grammy Award|Latin Grammy]] for Album of the Year. After being Grammy nominated for his work on the film ''[[Breakfast at Tiffany's (Soundtrack)|Breakfast at Tiffany's]]'' (1961), he won his first [[Grammy Awards of 1963|Grammy in 1963]] for engineering the ''[[Hatari!]]'' score by [[Henry Mancini]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Sandomir|first=Richard|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/30/arts/music/al-schmitt-dead.html|title=Al Schmitt, Maestro of Recorded Sound, Is Dead at 91|work=The New York Times|date=April 30, 2021|access-date=April 30, 2021}}</ref> He was awarded two Latin Grammy Awards in [[Latin Grammy Awards of 2000|2000]] including [[Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]]. In [[Grammy Awards of 2005|2005]] he won five Grammys for his work on [[Ray Charles]]' ''[[Genius Loves Company]]'', including Album of the Year, setting the record for most Grammys won by an engineer or mixer in one night. In 2006, he was given the Grammy Trustees [[Grammy Trustees Award|Lifetime Achievement Award]].


In 2014, Schmitt was awarded a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/walk-of-fame-2015-honorees-revealed-1201223538/ |title=Hollywood Walk of Fame 2015 Honorees Revealed |first=Jordyn |last=Holman |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=June 19, 2014 |issn=0042-2738}}</ref> The star recognizes his contribution to the music industry and is located at 1750 N. [[Vine Street]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkoffame.com/al-schmitt|title=Al Schmitt {{!}} Hollywood Walk of Fame|website=www.walkoffame.com|access-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/al-schmitt/|title=Al Schmitt|website=latimes.com|access-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref>
In 2014, Schmitt was awarded a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/walk-of-fame-2015-honorees-revealed-1201223538/ |title=Hollywood Walk of Fame 2015 Honorees Revealed |first=Jordyn |last=Holman |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=June 19, 2014 |issn=0042-2738}}</ref> The star recognizes his contribution to the music industry and is located at 1750 N. [[Vine Street]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkoffame.com/al-schmitt|title=Al Schmitt {{!}} Hollywood Walk of Fame|website=www.walkoffame.com|access-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/al-schmitt/|title=Al Schmitt|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref>


[[Don Was]], [[Joe Walsh]], and [[President (corporate title)|president]]/[[CEO]] of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Leron Gubler were speakers at Schmitt's Star Unveiling Ceremony.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://variety.com/2015/music/spotlight/al-schmitt-walk-of-fame-watch-1201569137/ |title=Watch: Al Schmitt Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame |first=Andrew |last=Barker |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=August 13, 2015 |issn=0042-2738}}</ref> Gubler declared that August 13 would be designated 'Al Schmitt Day' in Hollywood. Although Natalie Cole and [[Paul McCartney]] were unable to attend the ceremony, both released statements that were read by Gubler at the ceremony.
[[Don Was]], [[Joe Walsh]], and [[President (corporate title)|president]]/[[CEO]] of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Leron Gubler were speakers at Schmitt's Star Unveiling Ceremony.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://variety.com/2015/music/spotlight/al-schmitt-walk-of-fame-watch-1201569137/ |title=Watch: Al Schmitt Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame |first=Andrew |last=Barker |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=August 13, 2015 |issn=0042-2738}}</ref> Gubler declared that August 13 would be designated "Al Schmitt Day" in Hollywood. Although Natalie Cole and [[Paul McCartney]] were unable to attend the ceremony, both released statements that were read by Gubler at the ceremony.


He was inducted into the [[TEC Awards#TEC Awards Hall of Fame|TEC Awards Hall of Fame]] in 1997.<ref name=":1" />
He was inducted into the [[TEC Awards#TEC Awards Hall of Fame|TEC Awards Hall of Fame]] in 1997.<ref name=":1" />
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===Grammy Awards===
===Grammy Awards===
{{incomplete list|date=April 2021}}
<ref name="grammy">{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=al+schmitt&title=&year=All&genre=All |title=Past Winners Search |publisher=[[Grammy Award]] |access-date=December 12, 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="grammy">{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=al+schmitt&title=&year=All&genre=All |title=Past Winners Search |publisher=[[Grammy Award]] |access-date=December 12, 2011}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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| 2010
| 2010
| Best Jazz Vocal Album
| Best Jazz Vocal Album
| ''[[Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee Bridgewater]]''
| ''[[Eleanora Fagan (1915–1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee Bridgewater]]''
| [[Dee Dee Bridgewater]]
| [[Dee Dee Bridgewater]]
|-
|-
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*{{IMDb name|1491056}}
*{{IMDb name|1491056}}
*{{YouTube|id=lxbVBTkkABw|title="Al Schmitt talks about the Neve 88R"}}
*{{YouTube|id=lxbVBTkkABw|title="Al Schmitt talks about the Neve 88R"}}
*[https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/al-schmitt Al Schmitt Interview] NAMM Oral History Library (2011)
*[https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/al-schmitt Al Schmitt Interview] at [[NAMM Oral History Program|NAMM Oral History Collection]] (2011)
* {{Find a Grave|226104232}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:American audio engineers]]
[[Category:American audio engineers]]
[[Category:Early Recording Engineers (1930-1959)]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Latin Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Latin Grammy Award winners]]

Revision as of 16:49, 28 March 2024

Al Schmitt
Schmitt at James DeFrances' red carpet premiere of Suit & Tie in Bel Air (2015)
Schmitt at James DeFrances' red carpet premiere of Suit & Tie in Bel Air (2015)
Background information
Birth nameAlbert Harry Schmitt
Born(1930-04-17)April 17, 1930
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedApril 26, 2021(2021-04-26) (aged 91)
Bell Canyon, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Recording engineer, record producer
Years active1957–2021
LabelsCapitol
Websitealschmitt.com

Albert Harry Schmitt (April 17, 1930 – April 26, 2021) was an American recording engineer and record producer. He won twenty Grammy Awards for his work with Henry Mancini, Steely Dan, George Benson, Toto, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones, and others. He also won 2 Latin Grammys, and a Trustees Grammy for Lifetime Achievement.

Biography

Early career

Schmitt grew up in New York City and lived in Brooklyn until the late 1940s. He bought his first 78 at the age of 10, Jimmie Lunceford's record "White Heat." Schmitt's favorite band was Jimmie Lunceford & His Orchestra.[1] He had a younger sister, Doris, and two younger brothers, Richie and Russell, both of whom became audio engineers. His family was poor so some Saturdays he worked at a shop doing shoe repairs.[2]

On the weekends, Schmitt would spend time at his uncle's recording studio, Harry Smith Recording (Smith had changed his name from "Schmitt" to "Smith" because of the anti-German sentiment of the era).[2] From the age of 8, Schmitt would ride the subway himself from Brooklyn to Manhattan to go to the studio.

Smith's studio was the first independent recording studio on the East Coast, engineered sessions for Brunswick Records including with Bing Crosby, and the Andrew Sisters. Smith was his father's brother and also Schmitt's godfather. Schmitt considers Smith one of his mentors for recording along with Tom Dowd.[1]

Smith was friends with Les Paul, who became "like another uncle" to Schmitt. Schmitt and Paul remained friends for life.[2]

Apex

After serving in the U.S. Navy, he began working at Apex Recording Studios at the age of 19 as an apprentice. He got the job based on a recommendation from his uncle. His job was primarily assisting on engineer Tom Dowd's recording sessions. After a few months, he was engineering small demo recordings (mono recordings at 78 rpm).[2]

On a Saturday afternoon, Schmitt had a recording session with Duke Ellington and his Orchestra — not the small demo recording he was expecting.[3] Schmitt was the only one at the studio and couldn't get the owner or engineer Tom Dowd on the phone so he did the session in person. Schmitt said he told Ellington many times, "Mr. Ellington, I’m not qualified to do this". Ellington responded by patting him on the leg, looking him in the eye and saying, "It’s okay sonny, we are going to get through this".[1] They cut three songs in four hours.[2]

He worked at Apex for two years until it closed.

When Apex closed, he moved to Nola Studios for a year (Tom Dowd told him of the opening), then worked at Fulton Recording. At Fulton, he worked with engineer Bob Doherty who taught him how to mix large orchestras.

In 1958, Schmitt moved to Los Angeles and became a staff engineer at Radio Recorders on Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood.

In 1960, he moved to RCA in Hollywood as a staff engineer,[4] the first engineer hired for the studio.[1] While at RCA he engineered albums for Henry Mancini ("Moon River"), Cal Tjader, Al Hirt, Rosemary Clooney, Liverpool Five, The Astronauts, Sam Cooke ("Bring It On Home to Me," "Cupid," "Another Saturday Night") in 1961. He also did a lot of motion picture scoring work for Alex North and Elmer Bernstein. In addition, Schmitt worked with Jascha Heifetz's "Million Dollar Trio", which comprised Heifetz himself, Arthur Rubinstein on the piano, and Gregor Piatigorsky or Emanuel Feuermann on cello. Schmitt once stated that "Mr. Heifetz was very temperamental in the Studio." He has also stated that Heifetz would have angry fits during recording sessions. Schmitt also engineered the recording sessions held at RCA Hollywood for Elvis Presley's first post-army motion picture for Paramount Pictures, titled G.I. Blues. These recording sessions were held on April 27–28, 1960.

From the mid-1960s to 2020

In 1966, Schmitt left RCA and became an independent producer. He produced albums for Jefferson Airplane, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Yarborough, Jackson Browne and Neil Young. In the mid 1970s he began spending more time engineering again, recording and mixing artists from Willy DeVille to Dr. John.

Other career highlights include engineering both Frank Sinatra Duets albums, Ray Charles' Genius Loves Company and some of Diana Krall's albums. Much of his work in his last years was with producer Tommy LiPuma. He also recorded Sammy Davis, Jr., Natalie Cole, Thelonious Monk, Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and many others.

In 2014, Schmitt worked on Bob Dylan's album, Shadows in the Night, which was released on January 30, 2015.[5]

He also worked on the Samsung's Over the Horizon telephone ringtone theme of 2015 as a recording/mixing engineer.

Capitol Studios

Since moving to Hollywood, Schmitt worked almost exclusively at Capitol Studios, with occasional sessions at United Recording Studios and EastWest Studios, formerly Western Recording. He appeared in an advertisement for AMS Neve that featured the Neve 88R console at Capitol's Studio A.[6]

Schmitt also appeared on the online internet television series "Pensado's Place", hosted by Dave Pensado and Herb Trawick. During one of the segments he mentioned that his favorite microphone was the Neumann U 67 tube (valve) condenser microphone, and explained that he used it on numerous sources.[7]

Death

Schmitt died in Bell Canyon, California, on April 26, 2021, aged 91.[8][9]

Selected Production discography

Awards and honors

During his career, Schmitt recorded and mixed more than 150 Gold and Platinum albums.[10]

He won more Grammy Awards than any other engineer or mixer. He was the first person to win both the Grammy and Latin Grammy for Album of the Year. After being Grammy nominated for his work on the film Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), he won his first Grammy in 1963 for engineering the Hatari! score by Henry Mancini.[11] He was awarded two Latin Grammy Awards in 2000 including Album of the Year. In 2005 he won five Grammys for his work on Ray Charles' Genius Loves Company, including Album of the Year, setting the record for most Grammys won by an engineer or mixer in one night. In 2006, he was given the Grammy Trustees Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2014, Schmitt was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[12] The star recognizes his contribution to the music industry and is located at 1750 N. Vine Street.[13][14]

Don Was, Joe Walsh, and president/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Leron Gubler were speakers at Schmitt's Star Unveiling Ceremony.[15] Gubler declared that August 13 would be designated "Al Schmitt Day" in Hollywood. Although Natalie Cole and Paul McCartney were unable to attend the ceremony, both released statements that were read by Gubler at the ceremony.

He was inducted into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame in 1997.[2]

In June 2014, he won the Pensado Giant Award.[16] In September 2014, he received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.[17]

Grammy Awards

[18]

Year Category Title Note
1962 Best Engineering Contribution – Other Than Novelty And Other Than Classical Hatari! Henry Mancini
1976 Best Engineered Recording – Non-Classical Breezin' George Benson
1977 Best Engineered Recording – Non-Classical Aja Steely Dan
1978 Best Engineered Recording – Non-Classical "FM (No Static at All)" Steely Dan
1982 Best Engineered Recording – Non-Classical Toto IV Toto
1991 Best Engineered Album – Non-Classical Unforgettable… with Love Natalie Cole
1996 Best Engineered Album – Non-Classical Q's Jook Joint Quincy Jones
1999 Best Engineered Album – Non-Classical When I Look in Your Eyes Diana Krall
2000 Album of the Year Amarte Es Un Placer Luis Miguel
Pop Album Amarte Es Un Placer Luis Miguel
2001 Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical The Look of Love Diana Krall
2002 Best Jazz Vocal Album Live in Paris Diana Krall
2004 Best Surround Sound Album Genius Loves Company Ray Charles
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical Genius Loves Company Ray Charles
Best Pop Vocal Album Genius Loves Company Ray Charles
Album of the Year Genius Loves Company Ray Charles
Record of the Year "Here We Go Again" Norah Jones & Ray Charles
2006 Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group The Ultimate Adventure Chick Corea
2008 Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Still Unforgettable Natalie Cole
2010 Best Jazz Vocal Album Eleanora Fagan (1915–1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee Bridgewater Dee Dee Bridgewater
2012 Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Kisses on the Bottom Paul McCartney
2013 Best Surround Sound Album Live Kisses Paul McCartney

References

  1. ^ a b c d Larry LeBlanc. "Industry Profile: Al Schmitt". celebrityaccess.com. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Al, Schmitt (2018). Al Schmitt on the record : the magic behind the music. Droney, Maureen. Milwaukee, WI. ISBN 9781495061059. OCLC 1045666473.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. ^ "Al Schmitt: a living legend and 'just a simple analogue kind of guy'". Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
  4. ^ Hogan, Ed. "Al Schmitt Biography". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  5. ^ Stephen Peeples (January 4, 2015). "Al Schmitt Pt. 1/8 - Bob Dylan's 'Shadows in the Night'/'Fallen Angels'". Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2016 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ Pool, Bob (June 18, 2008). "Capitol fears for its sonic signature". Los Angeles Times.
  7. ^ "Engineer and Producer Al Schmitt". Pensado's Place. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  8. ^ Tamarkin, Jeff (April 27, 2021). "Al Schmitt, 23x Grammy Award-Winning Producer-Engineer, Dies". Best Classic Bands. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  9. ^ Sandomir, Richard (April 30, 2021). "Al Schmitt, Maestro of Recorded Sound, Is Dead at 91". The New York Times. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  10. ^ Walsh, Christopher (July 13, 2002). "Al Schmitt four decades of Grammy hits". Billboard. pp. 47, 58, 60.
  11. ^ Sandomir, Richard (April 30, 2021). "Al Schmitt, Maestro of Recorded Sound, Is Dead at 91". The New York Times. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  12. ^ Holman, Jordyn (June 19, 2014). "Hollywood Walk of Fame 2015 Honorees Revealed". Variety. ISSN 0042-2738.
  13. ^ "Al Schmitt | Hollywood Walk of Fame". www.walkoffame.com. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  14. ^ "Al Schmitt". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  15. ^ Barker, Andrew (August 13, 2015). "Watch: Al Schmitt Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame". Variety. ISSN 0042-2738.
  16. ^ "Pensado Awards". Pensado's Place. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  17. ^ Edwards, Margot (August 25, 2014). "Multiple Grammy-Winner Al Schmitt to Receive Honorary Doctorate". Berklee College of Music. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  18. ^ "Past Winners Search". Grammy Award. Retrieved December 12, 2011.

External links

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