We’re extremely saddened by the passing of Terry Howard, longtime engineer to Ray Charles and great friend to M-Audio®. We met Terry in 2003, when he approached us with a vision for integrating digital technology into Ray Charles’ traditional analog workflow. Over the years, the relationship deepened into a true partnership. Terry often stopped by the office to talk shop, as well as provide valuable input for our product team.

Terry demonstrated an interest in audio and electronics at a very young age. He started recording live bands as a teenager, and went on tour with The Ramones and Heart at age 17. He moved to Los Angeles in the early ‘80s, where he worked with Merle Haggard, Fleetwood Mac, Barbara Streisand, Duran Duran, and Johnny Mathis. He met Ray Charles in 1985, and in 1988 took on the full-time responsibility of archiving his master recordings and engineering his music. Terry was nominated for his first Grammy® Award in 2000, and won three Grammys in 2005 for his work on Charles’ Genius Loves Company.

Beyond his deep technical expertise, creative talent, and passion, we will always remember Terry’s warmth, character, and humor. The recording industry has lost one of its greats. Terry, we will miss you.