The History of DJs

DJs have been around so long as people have needed music for parties and music-lovers have had records to spin. The first records were produced in the late 1800s. Of course, nowadays, DJs can spin using either vinyl or the songs on their computer.

Who is a disk jockey? They’re the person who picks out and plays your favorite music. You can find DJs at clubs, weddings, and private parties. Deejaying has helped to revolutionize music, especially hip hop.

The world’s first radio disc jockey was Ray Newby, of Stockton, California, who began DJing in 1909. However, the term disc jockey was not coined until 1935. The term combines the word “disc,” referring to the records and “jockey,” which is the operator of a machine.

Prior to this new era, most music on the radio was performed live. It was in 1943 that Jimmy Saville hosted a DJ dance party by playing jazz records. In the 1970s and 1980s, dance clubs began transitioning from live bands to having a DJ select the music. Also in that time period, DJs began to have increasing influence on the emerging hip-hop scene.

These days, DJs use sophisticated equipment. Each DJ needs headphones, a mixer, PA speakers, and an amplifier. If you’re looking to be a DJ, consider purchasing your PA speakers from Seismic Audio. You’ll get great quality PA speakers as a fraction of the cost.