February 20, 1949 – September 29, 2023

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Jon Fausty passed away on Sept. 29, 2023 at the age of 74.

He was born on Feb. 20, 1949 in New York and originally wanted to be a disc jockey.

In 1960 Fausty became interested in becoming an engineer; he spent a year working at Groove Studios when he was 18.

He gained experience at Delta Studios, recording commercials and jingles along with a Latin album with Willie Rosario, Charlie Palmieri and Manique; that was his real beginning.

After meeting and being hired by Larry Harlow, Fausty became the most important recording engineer for salsa and Latin music.

In his career, John Fausty worked on 3-4,000 recordings that resulted in 16 Grammy Awards, contributing to the albums of a who’s who of Latin music in addition to George Benson and Jack Bruce, staying active into 2022.

Here is singer Chivirico Davilla on his 1973 recording of the ballad “Cómo Fue,” accompanied by vibes and an orchestra, and engineered by the legendary John Fausty.

-Scott Yanow

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