*The music industry lost a visionary leader, mentor, and creative force this weekend. Herb Trawick — creator, executive producer, and co-host of the acclaimed audio-tech series Pensado’s Place, and longtime manager of Brian McKnight — passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Calabasas, California, on February 22. He was 69 years old.
A Life Defined by Creativity and Vision
A statement from Trawick’s family shared with Billboard reflects on the depth of his impact. “Herb lived a remarkable life defined by creativity, vision and a profound commitment to people and music,” the family shared. “Throughout his distinguished career, Herb brought together creativity, taste and relentless execution — a philosophy that guided his work as a manager, label executive, Broadway producer, executive producer, talent scout and advisor.”
The statement continued, “Beyond his extraordinary professional accomplishments, Herb was a beloved mentor, trusted friend and guiding presence whose generosity, wisdom and encouragement touched countless lives. He approached his work with humility and gratitude, remaining in awe of the journey and the people who inspired him along the way.”
From SOLAR Records to Brian McKnight
Born in Montreal on April 7, 1956, Trawick moved with his family to Ashland, Kentucky, in 1965. After earning a B.A. in communications from Eastern Kentucky University in 1977, he began his music industry journey as a college radio DJ before landing his first major gig as a promoter and A&R representative for Dick Griffey’s legendary SOLAR Records in Los Angeles during the early ’90s. He eventually rose to head the indie label’s marketing and promotion department.
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In 1996, Trawick pivoted to artist management, founding The Trawick Group. There, he managed 17-time Grammy nominee Brian McKnight, R&B/hip-hop quartet Portrait, and Grammy-winning recording engineer Dave Pensado, whose work spans Kelly Clarkson, Michael Jackson, and Mariah Carey.
Seven years later, Trawick partnered with Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White at Kalimba Entertainment. During this period, he produced the 2006 Broadway musical Hot Feet, a modern retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Red Shoes” featuring the music of EWF.
Creating ‘Pensado’s Place’ and a Global Community
A self-described serial entrepreneur, Trawick recognized a gap in the industry: a lack of community and resources for audio producers and engineers. That realization led him to partner with Dave Pensado in 2011 to create and executive produce Pensado’s Place, an online series and podcast where both served as co-hosts.
What began as a passion project grew into a global platform reaching audiences in more than 200 countries. The show became an essential resource for aspiring and professional audio engineers alike, featuring interviews with top industry talents and practical advice on the craft. In 2022, the series signed with Red Light Management to pursue expansion through distribution, live events, and brand partnerships.
The Dream-Making Business
When asked by Music Connection in 2024 for advice to aspiring entertainment entrepreneurs, Trawick offered words that now serve as a guiding light: “Put stock in dreaming. That’s not a wasted exercise. Imagine the unimaginable. And then figure out the process of making it real. Remember, we’re in the dream-making business.”
Beyond the Spotlight: Mentorship and Legacy
Trawick’s influence extended far beyond his executive roles. He served as a consultant for Interscope, Motown, and Def Jam Recordings, and advised Primary Wave. At the time of his death, he was actively working to break a new group called NIGI NAXION.
Deeply committed to paying it forward, Trawick served on the boards of several educational and mentorship organizations, including Girls Make Beats, 1500 Sound Academy, The Blackbird Academy, the Abbey Road Institute Miami, and the Guitar Center Music Foundation. Last September, he helmed the foundation’s fourth annual benefit gala, honoring John McBride, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis.
Honors and Recognition
Trawick’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Creative Visionary Award from the Living Legends Foundation, induction into the Technical Excellence and Creativity Hall of Fame by NAMM, and a place in The HistoryMakers archive at the Library of Congress — alongside inductees such as Barack Obama, Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy, and Maya Angelou.
Final Thoughts
Herb Trawick’s passing leaves a void in the music industry, but his legacy of leadership, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of dreams will continue to inspire generations to come. Information regarding funeral services will be announced soon.
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