How DJing Started: A Musical Revolution
March 5, 2025
Long before neon lights illuminated dance floors and DJs became the stars of music festivals, the art of DJing had humbler beginnings. The term “disc jockey” first emerged in the 1930s, a catchy way to describe radio personalities who played recorded music on air. Their primary purpose? To entertain and connect. In a world where live bands dominated the music scene, these early DJs were pioneers, offering audiences the revolutionary experience of hearing curated playlists at the twist of a dial. From spinning vinyl records to announcing weather updates, they were the original curators of vibe and information.
By the 1940s, DJing began to branch out from the airwaves to the party scene. Enter Jimmy Savile, widely credited as one of the first DJs to play recorded music for a live audience. He launched the world’s first DJ dance party by playing jazz records in the upstairs function room of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds in Otley, England. Armed with a pair of turntables and an ear for rhythm, Savile hosted dance parties where he mixed tracks seamlessly, creating a continuous flow of music that kept people moving. The main purpose of the DJ at this stage was clear: to energize the crowd and keep the dance floor alive. No longer confined to the passive role of a jukebox, the DJ became an active architect of atmosphere.
Fast forward to the 1970s, and DJing exploded into a cultural phenomenon with the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx. Visionaries like Kool Herc elevated the craft by using turntables to isolate and loop the “breaks” in funk and soul tracks, giving rise to breakdancing and the iconic scratch technique. Around the same time the underground House music scene began in Chicago. It was created by DJs who wanted to create a new type of dance music and a safe space for marginalized communities. In the 70’s & 80’s DJs like Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy experimented with new ways to mix records combing disco, funk, and electronic beats. DJs evolved into performers, taking center stage and driving entire subcultures. Their purpose expanded, transforming from mere entertainers to tastemakers and cultural innovators. They weren’t just playing music; they were crafting experiences, shaping movements, and defining an era.
Today, DJing is an art form, but its roots remind us of its essential purpose: connection. Whether spinning at a 1930s radio station or headlining Coachella, DJs exist to bridge the gap between music and emotion, creating shared moments of joy, energy, and belonging. Their journey from radio pioneers to global superstars is a testament to the power of music to unite us all. In the end, no matter the technology or trends, the heart of DJing remains the same: it’s all about the people and the power of a great beat.