Member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and Local 1000 (Nongeographic), John hails from the Bronx, New York. His father Juan Acosta was a percussionist from Cuba who worked as a touring musician with Latin jazz greats such as Tito Puente and Celia Cruz. In California. John began his recording career working as a composer, guitarist, producer and engineer for artists on Warner Brothers, DreamWorks, Geffen, BMG, Elektra, and Capitol Records. His work as a musician lead to his work with Local 47, advocating for musicians’ rights.

John has served as an International Executive Board member of the AFM since July 2016, and also serves as president on the Music Fund of Los Angeles Board of Directors. John Acosta served as president of Local 47 from January 2015 to January 2021, representing over 7,000 professional musicians in the southern California area.