Production Manager, Audio Engineer, Producer and Director of Music with 30+ years of experience leading live show sound, studio recording, and multi-artist musical productions. Known for high-quality output, fast, crucial decision-making, and maintaining strong relationships with A-list artists, major venues, and corporate teams.

Louis McKay III

Production Manager, Audio Engineer, Producer and Director of Music with 30+ years of experience leading live show sound, studio recording, and multi-artist musical productions. Known for high-quality output, fast, crucial decision-making, and maintaining strong relationships with A-list artists, major venues, and corporate teams.

Available to hire

Production Manager, Audio Engineer, Producer and Director of Music with 30+ years of experience leading live show sound, studio recording, and multi-artist musical productions. Known for high-quality output, fast, crucial decision-making, and maintaining strong relationships with A-list artists, major venues, and corporate teams.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert

Work Experience

Production Manager & Front of House Audio Engineer at Stephanie Mills (The Queen’s tour alongside Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle)
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Managed sound, lighting, stage setup, and artist security for a multi-artist concert tour. Served as Front of House engineer producing professional show audio. Created and set up stage plots and backline equipment, instructing venue monitor engineers and crew. Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, monitored production costs, and identified cost-savings opportunities.
Entertainment Consultant at Major Productions LLC
July 1, 2024 - Present
Consults with the CEO to ensure high professional quality of cruise ship guest entertainers and headlining bookings. Works with artists to guarantee successful and engaging performances. Helps build promotional packages and show concepts, supporting entertainer selection and performance execution.
Recording Engineer / Studio CEO at The Ultimate Listen Productions
January 1, 2021 - Present
CEO of a professional recording studio delivering top-quality recording, mixing, and mastered digital outputs. Built a custom studio with high-end outboard gear and collaborated with electronic technicians to develop bespoke sound. Managed client bookings, scheduling, invoicing, and account management; provided mastered recordings in digital formats. Received endorsement from HEIL SOUND for microphone quality.
Corporate Director of Music at B.B. King Blues Clubs at Sea / Holland America Cruise Line
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2021
Auditioned, hired, and formed multiple bands for onboard entertainment across eight ships. Selected, arranged, taught, and conducted musical performances for the B.B. King Blues Club at Sea. Produced and directed the headlining show 'Live from Beale Street' for HAL cruises, including lighting details and high-quality sound engineering. Installed full band and production, engineered technical cues, coordinated with onboard production teams and managers, and supported budget oversight, policy/procedure improvements, and corrective actions as needed. Worked closely with Holland America President Orlando Ashford.
Corporate Director of Music / Head Audio Engineer at B.B. King Blues Club
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2013
Mixed high-quality sound for headlining artists and house bands. Analyzed data and customer feedback to identify improvement opportunities. Coordinated with other departments to maintain smooth workflow, assisted in developing departmental goals and objectives, and hired and managed schedules for specialty bands across B.B. King locations. Contributed to projects and club maintenance to support safety and guest enjoyment.
Production Manager / Front of House Audio Engineer at John Legend
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2007
Oversaw full production operations for international venues, including scheduling, sound, lighting, equipment, and artist requests. Coordinated across departments to ensure smooth production flow. Assisted musicians, managers, crew, and performers with personal needs and made quick production decisions during unforeseen challenges. Served as Front of House audio mixer. Coordinated travel documents and international customs forms for overseas tours and managed shipping/handling of wardrobe cases and music backline equipment.
Front of House Audio Engineer at The Bar-Kays / United We Funk
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2007
Mixed professional indoor and outdoor concerts and operated professional audio mixing consoles. Managed production audio for live performances, delivering high-quality sound in large venue settings.
Production Manager / Front of House Audio Engineer at Al Green
January 1, 2001 - December 31, 2007
Advanced show production coordination for touring performances. Scheduled sound, lighting, equipment, and venue security; managed Front of House and monitor mixing. Oversaw stage plots and backline setup, instructing venue monitor engineers and crew. Collaborated with venue production and stage managers to deliver successful concerts. Monitored production costs and identified cost-savings opportunities.
CEO at Platinum Ear Productions Studio
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2005
CEO of a successful studio for music production, recording, mixing, and mastering. Created tracks and recorded/mixed/mastered for local and established artists. Recorded voice tags for Isaac Hayes and recorded Larry Dodson of the Bar-Kays.
Sales Associate at Musitron Music Store
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1998
Sales associate for musical instruments, PA systems, and recording equipment. Provided product knowledge and assisted customers with instrument and equipment selection.
Informative Sales Associate at Strings & Things Music Store
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1994
Assisted customers with musical instrument and equipment recommendations, proactively helping with purchase decisions based on customer needs and preferences.
Record Producer / A&R Representative at Mega Jam Records
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1991
Discovered and developed new artists, approved all final studio mixes, and achieved five Billboard chart placements with in-house artists.

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Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment