Please enter a minimum of 2 characters to search.
Please enter a minimum of 2 characters to search.
Memorial Keepers(1)
They manage this memorial. Contact or join
Cari Jordan
Chris' wife's long-time friend
Chris Athens
1964 - 2026
1964 - 2026
In Loving Memory of Chris Athens
Renowned mastering engineer Chris Athens passed away in March 2026 in Austin, Texas, at the age of 61.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Chris became one of the most respected mastering engineers in the industry, known for his clarity, musicality, and consistency. He earned the trust of artists across genres and around the world, helping shape the final sound of iconic recordings by artists including The Beastie Boys, Drake, Rosalía, Jay-Z, and Coldplay. His work was recognized with multiple Grammy nominations and wins.
Born in Stony Point, New York, Chris carried that unmistakable New York edge, sharp, funny, deeply kind, and headstrong. A natural storyteller with a big presence, he made people feel seen, heard, and genuinely loved, connecting easily with people from all walks of life. He built his career from scratch with grit, instinct, and a deep love for what he did.
Chris married the woman of his dreams, Judith Krant, and built a deep and lasting life with her. Over more than 15 years of marriage, they made their home in Austin, where they raised their children, James and Ellis, and created a home filled with family, friends, great food, and music. There, he also built his state-of-the-art mastering studio, a space where his love of sound and relentless attention to detail came to life in the music he helped bring to its final form for artists.
Chris leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, and a profound absence in the lives of those who knew and loved him. If you would like to support his family during this time, contributions can be made to the Chris Athens Family Support Fund: hthttps://www.gofundme.com/f/the-chris-athens-family-support-fund
Details for a Celebration of Life will be shared here when available.
Create an event page to coordinate a gathering in honor of Chris
Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Chris’s life with a heartfelt message.
Robert Webber
Mr A, YODA, Dr Athens, Mr C a true brother to me. He was a solid piece of person. Chris and I met as busboys in Valley Cottage, NY when we were both 15 years old and our lives threaded in and out ever since. Chris was always a touchstone of profound importance for me. He and I grew into men together. He turned me on to Marvin Gaye, Prince, Peter Gabriel, and countless other musical artists. His passion was always music. We shared endless escapades in our youth eventually becoming roommates first in Nyack and eventually NYC. Watching him work his way through Sony Music and finding himself a mentor and champion within that organization was inspirational. Chris went on to capture three GRAMMYs of his own for his hard earned mastery. Through the decades we drifted in and out of frequent interaction but whenever we reconnected it was back to the brotherhood we shared. I hold the distinct honor of being the person that introduced Judi and Chris. I remember vividly his immediate desire to have her be by his side. It took some time but he did manifest that reality and it was wonderful to witness their union as one of his best men. Lucky for me, the A Clan settled in Chelsea so visiting with them and now baby James was a frequent pleasure until they rerooted themselves to Austin and soon after baby Ellis arrived. During Covid I headed west and moved onto The Athens Compound and lived in their new SPARTAN trailer. Chris was on the mend from prior medical issues and we got to spend a few weeks together as a family. I am so grateful for that time. My heart aches for Judi, James, and Ellis. I miss you my brother.
Castaway
My condolences to Chris and his family! His work was perfect, magical, and excellence. I appreciated the the fact that his rates was affordable to up and coming independent artist and you was able to get the same quality as a billboard charting artist! Rest In Power Chris Athens!!! Sincerely, Castaway!
JB
Condolences to the family and friends! Your going to be truly missed! the confidence i'd have for my mixes to be lifted into a class of it's own was unmatched by any other engineer. Rest In Heaven.
Kenneth McCarthy
What is your favorite memory shared with Chris?
Driving his neighbors crazy with our excessively loud volumed garage band. Yes, real amplified music -no iPhone version. Lots of Gin and Vodka tonics, clubbing in NYC Danceteria, Cat Club, The Ritz, Paladium, avoiding the police and living as fast as humanly possible in the go-go 80’s. Many fond memories. Sincerest, deepest, and most heartfelt condolences to his lovely wife and beautiful children. KMC🤘🏼🤘🏼
GunDei pronounced Gandhi
My condolences to the family. It was an honor to have collaborated on a few indie project with the legendary Chris Athens 🙏🏾
Cari Jordan
What lesson(s) did Chris teach you?
IDK if it's how to lighten up, have rockstar energy, or keep perspective, but the time he showed up to a highly anticipated dinner party at Buddakan NYC in a track suit was everything.
Copyright © 2026 Keeper Memorials, All rights reserved.