Jay Willis is a highly skilled studio engineer and mastering expert whose career has been marked by his contributions to numerous iconic projects across the music industry. Known for his precision and innovative techniques, Willis worked at Precision Lacquer, a renowned mastering and lacquer cutting studio in Hollywood, California, established in 1979. His expertise in audio mastering and lacquer cutting, including the use of Direct Metal Mastering (DMM), ensured exceptional sound quality for countless records.
Willis’s work spans a wide range of genres and artists, including collaborations with Eurythmics on their acclaimed album Be Yourself Tonight. He served as an assistant engineer on tracks such as “There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)” and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves,” helping to refine and enhance the duo’s innovative sound. His credits also include projects with legendary artists like Aretha Franklin (Who’s Zoomin’ Who?), Marvin Gaye (Dream of a Lifetime), Barbra Streisand (The Broadway Album), and Pink Floyd (Learning to Fly), showcasing his versatility and dedication to excellence.
