News

I was saddened to hear of the untimely death of David Smith, vice-president of audio engineering and R&D at Sony Music Studios in New York. David, who was 55, died Saturday June 17, at the home of his mother on Long Island.

I had been acquainted with David since he had given me a tour of Sony's Manhattan facility in the early 1990s. He had always been generous with his time, constructively critiquing my recordings, and giving me demonstrations of Sony's DSD technology.

David had a long association with the Audio Engineering Society's New York Section, having served on its Executive Committee and been its Chairman in years past. A funeral was held last Tuesday morning at a church in Roslyn, Long Island, and, according to Jerry Bruck’s obituary, which had been emailed to AES members last week, "One of those present commented that he 'doubted that any recording was being done in the New York area' that day, since he estimated the attendance at the service and reception that followed at well over a hundred of David's friends and colleagues in the recording industry. Given that there was less than a day for the news of David's passing to circulate, the turnout was a remarkable testament to one of the best-liked and most-respected members of the engineering community."

In lieu of flowers, a fund in David's name is being established and a memorial is being planned by Sony Music Studios, to be held in July. David is survived by his mother, two sisters, and a brother.

"He will be sorely missed by all" was how Jerry Bruck’s email ended. Amen to that sentiment.