Ellis Sorkin

Ellis Sorkin’s early exposure to music came through his family’s connection to Herb Alpert, but his own curiosity and drive launched his career. At 14, watching a recording session fueled his fascination with the craft of engineering. An apprenticeship arranged by his father in 1973 set Ellis on a path that saw him working with legends like Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, and Quincy Jones at the storied A&M Studios. His expertise and connections within Los Angeles’ recording scene led him to create Studio Referral Service in 1980, a pioneering business that helped artists and filmmakers find the perfect studio for their projects. Over the years, Ellis has facilitated sessions for artists like Thomas Dolby and Nirvana, but it’s the lifelong friendships and the remarkable music they’ve produced that remain his proudest achievements.