Foley is the reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to film, video, and other media in post-production to enhance audio quality. These reproduced sounds can be anything from the swishing of clothing, squeaky doors and breaking glass.

Well, what do you know? Growing up in California in a small town called Pasadena, before we really knew, we were Foley Artists, back in the 70’s on El Soreno Street. 

When my brother and I were young we would record stories on cassette tapes, and boy did we have fun being creative! We would create the sounds used to help set the scene, and atmosphere of our stories by using our voices, and objects we’d gather together placing them on the floor around us while we sat alongside them, so we could have easy access to them quickly choosing and grabbing them to make the sounds we needed. Screeching doors, creeping hard wood floors, rocking chairs, dripping water, fluttering sounds, crunching noises, clashing, clanging, clicking, banging, animal sounds and more!  

Our dog Benji the Basenji, and our cousins dog Skippy would also take part in our joy of creating sound affects while lounging by our side when recording. Although, being one of the sounds used wasn’t their intention, sooner or later they’d disappear, and that was a sign to us, that they’ve had enough of being plucked, popped and poked or a quick tail tug to get them to squeal, bark or growl. Yes, we loved our dogs, but we were silly and young. Smh.

These story cassettes were our creative outlet and also a form of entertainment once completed. We’d sit and listen to them and laugh, share with friends and family, and we would often be very surprised at how awesome they were. We did a good job. Grinning and looking at each other with approval and rolling on the floor laughing. We were proud, and we’d listen to them over and over again, engaging in conversation about how we could have done this or that better. This was the beginning of my Foley skills. 

Oh but wait! Some would beg to differ that Jack Donovan Foley is the inventor of sound effects made with voices and stuff. I don’t think the skill is anything he invented. Many, like my brother and I have a natural innate ability and a gift of mimicking sound, and that isn’t something that is invented by a single person, but is done through the ability to think and hear and creatively do. 

So…needless to say, Mr. Jack Donovan Foley has a story, and a place in movie making history. I applaud him for his contribution, and all the talented artists who now work in this special craft.