Interview with Al Schmitt, June 3, 1999

Project: Chasing Sound Oral History Project

Interview Summary

In this interview, Susan Schmidt Horning talks with music producer and audio engineer Al Schmitt. He begins by discussing why he left RCA Records to become an independent audio engineer. He talks at length about his work with Jefferson Airplane, Eddie Fisher, and Glenn Yarborough. He then discusses his background in radio and the duties of a music producer, including sourcing material for musicians. Schmitt then talks about producing a hit song and delves into the topic of musical censorship. Finally, Schmitt ends the interview by talking about fellow audio engineers Mitch Miller and George Avakian.

Interview Accession

2016oh237_chase067

Interviewee Name

Al Schmitt

Interviewer Name

Susan Schmidt Horning

Interview Date

1999-06-03

Interview Keyword

Schmitt, Al Miller, Mitch Avakian, George RCA Records Buffalo Springfield (Artist) Crosby, Stills, and Nash (Artist) Jefferson Airplane (Artist) Music Producers Recording

Interview LC Subject

Sound--Recording and reproducing Sound--Recording and reproducing--History Sound recording industry Sound recording industry--History Sound recordings Music Schmitt, Al Miller, Mitch Jefferson Airplane (Musical group) Yarbrough, Glenn, 1930-2016 Fisher, Eddie Record labels

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

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All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

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MLA: APA: Chicago:

Schmitt, Al Interview by Susan Schmidt Horning. 03 Jun. 1999. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

Schmitt, A. (1999, June 03). Interview by S. S. Horning. Chasing Sound Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.

Schmitt, Al, interview by Susan Schmidt Horning. June 03, 1999, Chasing Sound Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

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Persistent Link for this Record: https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt7wwp9t4m7b