John M. Chowning (/ˈtʃaʊnɪŋ/; born August 22, 1934, in Salem, New Jersey) is an American composer, musician, discoverer, and professor best known for his work at Stanford University, the founding of CCRMA – Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics in 1975 and his development of the digital implementation of FM synthesis and the digital sound spatialization while there.

In 1974, Stanford University licensed the discovery to Yamaha,[4] with whom Chowning worked in developing a family of synthesizers and electronic organs.

The DX7 was used on a host of popular songs throughout the 1980s, including Prince's When Doves Cry, A-ha's Take on Me, George Michael’s Careless Whisper, Tina Turner's The Best, Sade’s Smooth Operator, as well as many of Brian Eno's productions, and numerous other hits.

[6] Another important aspect of Chowning's work is the simulated motion of sound through physical space,[7] whose algorithm was developed during the decade between 1962 and 1972.

[8] This period coincides with his initial years at Stanford University, first as a graduate student and later as assistant professor, an exceptional historical period during which he build a series of important collaborations with Leland Smith, Max Mathews, Manfred R. Shroeder, Karlheinz Stockhausen, David Poole, Andy Moorer, who all had influence in different ways in the development of his spatialisation algorithm.

The Korean War had begun by the time he graduated, and instead of enlisting, Chowning auditioned for the Navy School of Music in Washington DC, which led to him performing in an 18-piece band on a Mediterranean aircraft carrier.