David May, Grammy-Winning Producer and Warner Music Executive, Passes Away at 68
The esteemed industry veteran is remembered for his celebrated work alongside musical icons like Madonna and Alanis Morissette.
David May, an accomplished two-time Grammy Award winner and long-standing executive at Warner Music Group, died on April 13 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 68. According to official representatives, the cause of death was natural causes.
Throughout his illustrious career, May was distinguished by his sharp creative vision, technical mastery, and an innate ability to breathe new life into archival projects through innovative audio mastering techniques.
His impressive portfolio included collaborations with a diverse array of legendary talent, such as Led Zeppelin, George Harrison, Metallica, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, and Stevie Nicks. His work spanned everything from intimate studio recordings to high-stakes live arena productions.
May’s first Grammy victory arrived in 1998 for his work on the concert film Jagged Little Pill, Live by Alanis Morissette. He secured his second Grammy in 2008 for his contribution to Madonna’s The Confessions Tour. His reputation for excellence in long-form video production was further cemented by his 2007 nomination for Madonna’s I’m Going To Tell You A Secret.
Reflecting on his journey, May began his path in the 1970s as a recording engineer at Pasha Studios before famously getting his start in the mailroom at Warner Records. Recognizing his exceptional ear for talent and production, the label eventually tapped him to consult on key Madonna projects—a move that sparked his ascent through the ranks.
From 1987 to 2010, May became a fixture at Warner Records and Rhino Entertainment, where he expertly managed A&R and video projects. In 2010, he pivoted to independence, founding Delixandra Music, a boutique consulting firm that collaborated with major players including Universal Music Group and the Iconic Artists Group.
Beyond his technical achievements, May was a dedicated songwriter and artist in his own right, securing placements for his original compositions in various television series, including American Horror Story and The Sinner.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Alex and Devin.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Young Musicians’ Foundation in Los Angeles or Siloam Health in Nashville, both of which serve marginalized communities, or to a charitable cause of your choosing.
