May 23, 2024

GRAMMY Award-Winning Audio Engineer Douglas Granger Beem, 71, passed away on May 23, 2024, surrounded by family after a battle with glioblastoma.

Douglas, better known as Granger, was raised in Pocatello, Idaho, by the late Ivan and Jackie Beem. From a young age, Granger displayed an exceptional talent for music.

He played drums and percussion throughout high school and became known (but not necessarily appreciated) for his suspenseful drum roll accompaniments to local golf games.

After high school, Granger toured the West as a drummer and percussionist in the band’s Pacific Cross and Star. While performing with Star, he met his future wife, Diane. There are conflicting accounts of who did the courting, but the two formed an instant and lifelong love for each other.

Soon after marrying Diane, Granger was awarded a scholarship to the University of Miami’s School of Music, where he double majored in music business and studio engineering. His studies led him to a three-decade career as a sought-after audio engineer with Doppler Studios in Atlanta. There, “Lean, Mean Granger Beem” engineered the audio you’ve heard in countless commercials, movies, broadcasts and more.

Just before retiring, Granger had the honor of recording President Jimmy Carter for the audio version of his book A Full Life. As the ultimate career highlight, Granger was awarded a GRAMMY for his work on the project in 2015.

Granger was immensely proud of his children Niles (Mary and grandson Alex) and Jarek (Chuck). He loved them dearly and appreciated the joy they brought to his life. He is also survived by his sister Teresa and brother Leigh (Cindy and daughter Jenny).