| Junior Vasquez | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Donald Mattern |
| Born | 24 August 1946, Philadephia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Occupation | DJ, remixer |
| Years active | 1980s-present |
| Associated acts | Madonna Duran Duran |
| DJ / Remixer | |
Junior Vasquez (born 1946) is an American DJ and remixer, who is co-founder of the Sound Factory dance club and his remixes include "White Lines" by Duran Duran.
Biography[]
Born Donald Mattern in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, his career began in fashion illustration and design, but later decided upon life as a DJ. While working as a clerk at a New York record store he made the acquaintance of record producer Shep Pettibone, and slowly his DJ work began to build a reputation on the strength of his appearances at small clubs and house parties.
As the 1980s progressed, Vasquez honed his skills, gaining a trademark of bass-heavy house beats with a seemingly endless supply of obscure samples. In 1989 he co-founded the Sound Factory in Manhattan's Chelsea district.
During the six years of its existence, the Sound Factory was among New York's top night spots. The club catered to an ethnically diverse, primarily gay crowd and launched Vasquez to stardom. Most notable among the high-profile celebrities often in attendance was Madonna, who later asked Vasquez to remix several of her records. He also wrote and mixed material for the artists including Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Lisa and John Mellencamp.
As a solo artist, Vasquez was responsible for such club hits as "X", "Get Your Hands off My Man" and "Nervaas." In early 1995, the Sound Factory closed in the wake of community complaints.
A selection of remixes[]
- "Beautiful Life" - Ace of Base
- "Salala" - Angelique Kidjo featuring Peter Gabriel
- "Krazy in Luv" - Beyoncé
- "If U Seek Amy - Britney Spears
- "Come On Home" - Cyndi Lauper
- "White Lines" - Duran Duran
- "Melody Of Love" - Donna Summer
- "All My Heart" - Irene Cara
- "Too Far" - Kylie Minogue
- "Bedtime Story" - Madonna