Herb Trawick Woodland Hills, CA Death, Obituary – Visionary Music Executive and Bridge-Builder, Dies at 68
Woodland Hills, CA – Herb Trawick, a revered music executive, innovative producer, and beloved connector within the industry, passed away this morning. He was 68.
Born in Montreal, Quebec on April 7, 1956, Trawick’s family moved to Ashland, Kentucky, where his journey in communications began. After earning his degree from Eastern Kentucky University, he embarked on a brilliant career that would see him become a quiet titan of the business.
Trawick’s acute ear and strategic mind propelled him through the ranks of Solar Records in the 1990s, eventually leading to influential consulting roles with powerhouse labels like Interscope, Motown, and Def Jam. His legacy as a talent developer is cemented by his early work with artists such as Brian McKnight, Robin Thicke, and Tyrese Gibson. He founded The Trawick Group in 1996 and later became a partner at Kalimba Entertainment.
Yet, what made Herb Trawick truly special extended beyond boardrooms. He was a bridge-builder in an industry often defined by walls. He didn’t just work in rooms; he fostered community within them. This innovative spirit shone through in his diverse projects: producing the Broadway musical *Hot Feet*, co-creating the influential YouTube series *Pensado’s Place*, and most recently, joining the board of the Guitar Center Music Foundation.
His professional accolades, including the Living Legends Foundation’s Creative Visionary Award and an induction into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame, spoke to his respected expertise. But the tributes flowing from across the music world speak more profoundly to his character—his generosity, mentorship, and immense heart.
Herb Trawick is survived by his partner, Aretha Crout. The industry has lost not only a brilliant executive but a foundational connector whose impact will resonate for years to come.
