CAS Quarterly

90 S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y I N R E M E M B R A N C E W e cross paths with many people over the course of a career. Some are quick acquaintances, some become regular colleagues, while still others we are fortunate to call friends. The CAS wishes to recognize those who have worked in the industry and have recently passed on, leaving a great legacy behind them to our membership. Al Schmitt Music Engineer and Producer For detailed biographies, please visit the CAS website at CinemaAudioSociety.org Claude Riggins Production Sound Mixer Les Fresholtz CAS Career Achievement Recipient and Multiple Oscar-Winning Re-recording Mixer Re-recording mixer Les Fresholtz passed away in March. Over a nearly 30-year career, his hands were on the faders for some of the best-known films of the '70s and '80s, including Star Wars, All the President's Men, Blazing Saddles, Ghostbusters, National Lampoon's Vacation, Lethal Weapon, and Tootsie. Les was nominated for an Oscar 14 times, bringing them home for All the President's Men in 1977 and Bird in 1989. In 1995, Les was the recipient of the CAS Life Achievement Award, the precursor to today 's Career Achievement Award. The CAS extends our condolences to Les' family, friends, and colleagues. Production sound mixer Claude Riggins CAS passed away in January. Born in Marshall, Texas, Claude climbed the sound ladder in Los Angeles, working his way from cable person to boom op to production sound mixer at Universal Studios, where he was one of the first few people of color to become a sound mixer. Claude worked on many projects during his career, including Alien Nation, V, Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Simon & Simon, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. He received an Emmy nomination for his work on The Jacksons: An American Dream. Claude was always a positive presence on set and noted that his favorite set location was Hawaii for Magnum, P.I. Retiring after the series finale of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman in 1997, Claude enjoyed spending time with his family and was proud to see his great grandchildren working in the industry he loved. The CAS extends our condolences to Claude's family, friends, and colleagues. Legendary recording engineer and producer Al Schmitt passed away in April at the age of 91. Al's 20 Grammy Awards, spanning artists such as Henry Mancini, Steely Dan, Ray Charles, Luis Miguel, Diana Krall, and Paul McCartney, make him the most Grammy-decorated engineer in NARAS history. Getting his first break while apprenticing under Tom Dowd, Al recorded Duke Ellington. Al would go on to record a truly diverse array of artists and garner more than 150 Gold and Platinum records. He co-founded the Grammy P&E Wing, was one of the first recording engineers to shift from staff engineer to freelance (in the '60s), and even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! A quick search will yield many tributes for this influential and well- loved engineer. The CAS extends our condolences to Al's family, friends, and colleagues.

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