Jon Fausty

Jon Evan Fausty (February 20, 1949 – September 29, 2023) was an American multiple Grammy Award-winning sound and recording engineer best known for his work on some of the most successful Latin albums ever recorded.^{[1] [2]}

Fausty's career spanned over six decades. He designed studios, produced and engineered recordings throughout the United States, Canada, Cuba and Europe ^[3]- both in studio and live performances.

Early career

Born in Westchester, New York, of Russian and Hungarian Jewish ancestry, Fausty “helped shape the sound of Latin music.” ^[4] Fausty originally wanted to be a radio disc jockey but became interested in sound engineering after a chance visit in 1960 to Mirasound Studios in Manhattan. The engineers allowed him to watch and learn. His first job was at Groove Sound studios where he became Wiley C. Brooks' assistant. After Brooks left, Fausty became the chief engineer at 18 years old. He remained at Groove Studios for one year.

His first Latin recording was for the Cesta All-Stars at Groove Sound. New to Latin music and Latin instruments, he thought that he had botched the recording. He next went to Delta Studios, where he recorded jingles and commercials – and this is where he honed his skills. While at Delta, he recorded an album with Willie Rosario, Charlie Palmieri and Manique. These recordings allowed him to learn the “mathematics” of the salsa sound (clave & tumbao).^[5]

Later career

After a chance meeting with Larry Harlow at a friend's jam session, Harlow would later call Fausty and ask him to audition at Good Vibrations Sound Studios (formerly RKO Sound Studios) which was owned by Fania Records. Out of approximately 40 candidates Fausty was hired. Fausty was instrumental in fitting the studio with the latest technology including a retractable ceiling designed specifically to isolate the percussion sections from interfering with other aspects of the recording.^[6]

Fausty recorded with Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Johnny Pacheco, La Sonora Ponceña, Roberto Roena, Cheo Feliciano, the Lebrón Brothers, Ismael Miranda, Larry Harlow, Típica 73, Fania All-Stars, Bobby Valentin, Javier Vazquez, Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez, Mon Rivera, Tommy Olivencia, Caco, Mongo Santamaría, Lalo Rodríguez, Simon Perez, Rocky Pagan, Joe Cuba, Puerto Rico All Stars, La Lupe, Diego Melon, El Gran Combo, Willie Rosario, Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez, Jerry González, Eddie Palmieri, Kip Hanrahan, Jack Bruce, Milton Cardona, Roberto Torres, Conjunto Classico, Daniel Ponce, Los Van Van, David Burn, Angel Canales, Christie Mcfol, Astor Piazzolla, Justo Betancourt, Johnny Ventura, Louie Ramirez, Bobby Rodriguez, Papo Vázquez, Munequitos de Matanzas, Tito Puente, Hilton Ruiz, Bronx Horns, Orlando Valle, Paquito D'Rivera, Yomo Toro, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Chucho Valdés, Manny Oquendo, Puerto Rican Power, Grupo Niche, Chico O'Farrill, George Benson, Jack Bruce, Vocal Sampling, Tito Nieves, Fernando Villalona, Víctor Manuelle, Luis "Perico" Ortiz, Los Vacillos, Esau Delgado, Angel Melendez, Machito Rivera, Ralphy Leavitt amongst others.^[7]

Fausty had thousands of recordings ^[8] of which 18 have been awarded Grammy Awards. He won Grammys with Chucho Valdés, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Marc Anthony.^[7]

Death

Fausty died on September 29, 2023, in Tampa Florida at the age of 74.^[9]

Selected discography

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jon Fausty.

• Jon Fausty at AllMusic
• Jon Fausty discography at Discogs
• Jon Fausty at IMDb