Michael Stevens, Emmy-winning producer of The Kennedy Center Honors and a creative force on such shows as HBO’s We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration, the docudrama Thurgood and the AFI’s The American Film Institute Salutes specials, has died at age 48. Stevens was the son of director George Stevens, Jr.

Mark Shimmel, Talent Producer at Dick Clark Productions, wrote the following tribute the beloved producer/writer/director:

I’ve worked closely with Michael Stevens for many years.

Michael’s great producing skills became such a key component of having the Kennedy Center Honors welcome a new generation of artists. We worked closely together on a tribute from Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey to Led Zeppelin, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and many others. Michael was extraordinarily gifted at finding the balance between the great Rock & Roll spirit of the Honorees and in the manner benefitting the stature of the esteemed Kennedy Center.

To all the great artists who will one day be rewarded as a Kennedy Center Honoree, it is truly a shame that you will not have Michael Stevens to produce your segments.

RCA's Pentatonix, who worked with Stevens when they performed at the Kennedy Center, sent this video greeting:

If you worked with Michael and would like to add your own remembrance, please feel free to email us.