John F. Kraus; Grammy-Winning Recording Engineer

John F. Kraus, 79, a Grammy-winning recording engineer and manager for Capitol Records. During his 35 years with the Hollywood-based recording company, Kraus helped develop “the Capitol sound.” He worked with such artists as Julian “Cannonball” Adderly, the Beach Boys, Roy Clark, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Tennessee Ernie Ford, the Four Freshmen and Judy Garland. He also recorded the voices of Jackie Gleason, Merle Haggard, Peggy Lee, the Lettermen, Dean Martin, Lou Rawls, the Kingston Trio and John Williams. Kraus was frequently nominated for Grammys in the best engineered recording category, and won in 1960 and 1961. As recording manager, he was responsible for maintaining state-of-the-art recording studios and equipment for Capitol. Kraus was also active for half a century in the ham radio community. On Nov. 21 in Sherman Oaks.