Remembering Audio Engineer Par Excellence Ed Cherney: 1950-2019

Like so many in the pro audio community, SonicScoop was saddened to learn of the passing of GRAMMY-winning engineer Ed Cherney on October 22, at age 69. The cause was cancer, according to a Facebook post by his wife Rose Mann-Cherney.

Rest in peace: Ed Cherney

Ed Cherney had garnered universal respect from his colleagues, thanks to a platinum career that saw him work with music’s elite including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Sting, and many, many more. Based out of LA’s famed The Village Studios, he was a five time GRAMMY nominee and four-time winner, plus an Emmy win in 2015.

In the intimate circle of elite pro audio producers and engineers, Cherney was an undisputed inspiration. This tribute to him in Billboard by Melinda Newman demonstrates the scope and depth of the admiration felt for him industrywide, with memories provided by the likes of Don Was, Al Schmitt, and Ann Mincieli.

Eminently affable and approachable, Cherney was quick to share his wisdom and did so generously, gracing SonicScoop’s pages many times. Most notably, Mark Hermann’s interview with Cherney, “Cross-Country View: Ed Cherney on L.A, NYC, and Career Quality Control,” was so filled with insight that we selected it specifically to kick off the New Year on January 1, 2012.

It’s a Q&A well worth a re-read. Cherney’s warmth is evident throughout, filled with quotes that are as humble as they are inspiring. One of our favorites comes early on, when he says, “You walk into a studio, a bell goes off and you know that’s what you want to do. But I don’t think anyone has a natural ability to just be able to go in and make a great recording or mix. You have to learn how to do it, and typically, by trial and error. And a lot of error. (laughs).”

Of course, Ed Cherney’s success was no accident. His career is testament to the truth that you can be as talented as you are kind and still make it clear to the top. Now that’s something to aspire to— in audio and absolutely everywhere else.

–        David Weiss

Please note: When you buy products through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission.