Chris Athens, a highly respected American mastering engineer whose meticulous work shaped the sound of countless acclaimed albums across three decades, passed away on March 20, 2026. Known for his precision and musical sensitivity, Athens earned the trust of a vast array of artists and engineers, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. His career spanned from major New York studios to his own successful venture in Austin, Texas.

Athens began his distinguished career in 1992 at Sony Music Studios in New York City, where he honed his craft until 1998. During his time there, he developed a foundational understanding of audio engineering, initially working in the tape library before transitioning into mastering. This early experience laid the groundwork for his future success, allowing him to learn from talented mastering engineers and even begin cutting vinyl.

In 1998, Athens moved to Sterling Sound, one of the world's premier mastering facilities, where he served as a senior mastering engineer for 13 years. His tenure at Sterling Sound solidified his reputation as a top-tier engineer, working on a diverse range of projects and further expanding his expertise. He became known for his ability to enhance records without altering their inherent character, ensuring they translated effectively across all listening platforms.

In 2010, Athens relocated to Austin, Texas, and founded his own studio, Chris Athens Masters. This move marked a new chapter, allowing him to continue his high-level work independently, specializing in stereo mastering and Dolby Atmos mixing. His studio quickly became a go-to destination for artists seeking his renowned touch.

Throughout his career, Athens was a frequent presence at major music awards. He was a six-time Grammy Awards nominee, receiving his first nomination in 2000 for Best Historical Album for "Sony Music 100 Years: Soundtrack for a Century." His work on Drake's albums "Views" (2017) and "Scorpion" (2019), as well as the single "God's Plan," earned him multiple Grammy nominations, including for Album of the Year and Record of the Year.

Athens also achieved significant recognition at the Latin Grammy Awards, securing two Latin Grammy Awards in 2019 for Rosalía's "El mal querer" (Album of the Year and Best Engineered Album). He further added to his accolades in 2021 with a Latin Grammy for Best Engineered Album for C. Tangana's "El Madrileño." His extensive discography includes collaborations with a wide array of artists such as Mac Miller, J. Cole, The Weeknd, Childish Gambino, Aerosmith, Zach Bryan, Coldplay, Rick Ross, and Blink-182.

Chris Athens's legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to sonic excellence and his profound impact on the sound of contemporary music. He will be remembered not only for his technical prowess but also for his collaborative spirit and commitment to bringing out the best in every recording. Tributes from across the industry quickly poured in following his passing, highlighting his status as both a legendary engineer and a genuinely kind individual.