#10 Al Schmitt

Today's guest is the late, legendary American recording engineer and record producer Al Schmitt.

He began hanging around record studios in the 1930s (one of his first jobs was working with Duke Ellington) and he continued working in them as engineer or producer until the 2020s. The roll call of musicians he's worked with is mind-blowing: Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Steely Dan, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Madonna, Elvis Costello & Michael Jackson to name but a few. The word legend is bandied about but Al is, beyond doubt, a bona fide legend. He recorded or mixed over 150 gold and platinum albums. He won 22 Grammy's, more than any other engineer or mixer. He even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He shares his 70+ years of experience of working in the industry and some of the many life lessons he learned in his life in this conversation.

Not only a great a great success, Al was also a wonderful man, generous with others in the industry, kind to animals, a good friend. He sadly passed away in 2021 after recording this conversation, but I offer this episode, with the blessing of his wife Lisa, as a tribute to him, his life and career.

He was one of the all time greats in his field - and an engaging and frank conversationalist to boot!

This is well worth a long listen.

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