- DeejayDj
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DeejayDj Birth name Edward Lee Leftwich Also known as DeejayDj Born 1962 (age 48–49) Origin Los Angeles, California
United StatesGenres House
Deep house
Rhythm and blues
DiscoOccupations Disc jockey
Producer
MusicianInstruments Drum, Percussion, Turntable, CDJ, Sampler Years active 1978 – present Labels Elevated House Website http://www.deejaydj.com/ DeejayDj (born Edward Lee Leftwich in 1962) is an American DJ, producer and Musician. In the early 1990s he helped popularize House Music on the west coast of the United States.[1] He is best known for his international work in the nightclub and lounge bar scene.
Contents
Early years
Leftwich was brought up in Los Angeles, California where he gained an interest in music and disc jockeying techniques from a young age. His early musical influences were rooted in Rhythm and Blues, Funk and Disco.
As a young amateur disc jockey, he later went on to perform in several talent contests at Venice Beach, Redondo Beach and Centinela Avenue Park. In 1978 KDAY radio station selected Leftwich, as the first youth DJ to open the Budweiser Superfest concert at the Los Angeles Coliseum. His creativity and showmanship before an audience of more than 35,000 catapulted him into a select group of up and coming disc jockeys.
Career
DeejayDj took his stage name from a tragic event involving the death of his longtime best friend. In memory of Jaylin Dee Woods, Leftwich combined his friends first and middle names then added the letters DJ at the end. DEEJAYDJ
His career as a professional began in 1979, when he opened for Shalamar’s BIG FUN tour in Los Angeles, California. After building up a reputation in Los Angeles, he traveled throughout the United States becoming popular for playing soulful and uplifting dance music. Towards the end of the 1980s, DeejayDj had performed overseas and worked for a diverse range of artists, including Quincy Jones, Carlos Santana, Prince and Madonna.
DeejayDj's skills were advanced by opening tours, disc jockey residences and traveling abroad, but it was the east coast of the United States experiences that greatly influenced his career. Through a relative returning from Chicago, DeejayDj was exposed to a new genre named House Music. He found inspiration in the music and shortly after learning its Chicago and New York origins;[2][3] traveled to the east coast numerous times learning the music, synthesis and editing techniques. While studying promotions in New York and from Robert Williams the Legendary Warehouse owner in Chicago; he was taken under tutelage by legendary disc jockeys Frankie Knuckles, Farley Keith and David Morales.
DeejayDj often speaks of the humbling opportunity of learning from those DJs. His quote: "They are not just nightclub DJs, producers, turntablists or musicians, they encompass all aspects"
The House Music movement was spreading fast and everywhere;[4] but in the early 1990s access to and promotions of the material was still limited on the west coast of the United States due to its origin base on the east coast. DeejayDj’s close links with disc jockeys on the east coast of the United States provided him with a unique network to new releases.
In 1994, DeejayDj radio jockeyed Sunset Boulevards House ‘n’ Effect, which was the first of its kind in Los Angeles airing Friday and Saturday nights. The program was hugely popular for exposing new music genre, fads and trends specifically House Music. His efforts to promote House Music in the 1990s alongside of artists such as Doc Martin, Thomas White, Mark Farina, Jay-J and DJ Dan are acknowledged for playing an influential role at bringing House Music to the west coast of the United States.[5]
Current Affairs
DeejayDj's signature performances of sexy, soulful, funky and seductive music continues to draw clubbers worldwide.[6][7] His musical style, showmanship and ability to layer complex polyrhythms, has maintained his status as one of the influential DJs in the world. His willingness to perform at even the smallest venues, are both respected and viewed upon as being genuinely dedicated to electronic music globalization. In June 2011 he confirmed the release for a two part installment CD entitled Facets; it is expected to be released in Spring 2012. DeejayDj and French producer Antione Barrett are also currently working on a soundtrack to the coming musical film Just Wanna Dance.
Personal & Philanthropy
DeejayDj is an active member of various charity organizations, from the streets of Los Angeles to Africa. Most noted involvements are UNICEF, CARE, World Food Program and CURE.
In 2007 he established a non-profit organization entitled BoogieEvents. The organization was founded to support youth talent ventures, and to promote One Love in the nightclub environment. The introduction of BoogieEvents, pursues his continued advocacy for electronic music globalization, including the preservation of Disco. This advocacy was also challenged in 2007, when DeejayDj and fellow BoogieEvents board members promoted a dance event in Norway.[8] In the small community of Nordfjordeid, Norway; the event was received with strong skepticism by prominent local leaders.[9] BoogieEvents used the opportunity to advocate artistic freedoms, and to challenge common stereotypes associated with electronic music.
As an active member in global artist development networks, he is known as one of the strongest advocates for Artistic Rights, including his attempts to pay homage to legendary DJs and musicians before him.
Awards & Credentials
- 2010-2011 CNN Impact Your World "Artist Contributor Award"
- 2008-2009 Nike, Inc. Hands-Up “Electronic Music Winner”
- 2007-2008 Amsterdam’s Checkmark “International Finalist”
- 2006-2007 NBC Entertainment Awards “1st Round Old School Winner”
- 1996-1997 ACPA Sony Crowd Pleasers Award “Winner”
- 1995-1996 Pioneer DJ Choice “Philadelphia Regional Finalist”
- 1988-1990 Kellogg Community Performance Award “Winner”
- 1983-1985 Venice Beach Summer Mix “Coors Advanced Finalist”
- 1980-1981 Knotts Berry Farm Youth Award "Winner"
- 1978-1979 KDAY Radio Youth Challenge "Budweiser Superfest Finalist"
References
- ^ http://www.laweekly.com/2002-12-12/music/we-used-to-dance
- ^ http://www.globaldarkness.com/articles/history_of_chicago_house.htm
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EznncXgJqyU
- ^ http://pitchfork.com/features/articles/6204-from-the-autobahn-to-i-94/
- ^ http://www.laweekly.com/2002-12-12/music/we-used-to-dance
- ^ http://www.meieriet.no/files/File/Roynda/roynda_febr.pdf
- ^ http://www.respectisburning.com/edi
- ^ http://www.bt.no/meninger/kommentar/nyberg/article351733.ece
- ^ http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_sogn_og_fjordane/1.2105234
External links
Categories:- 1962 births
- American DJs
- African American musicians
- Musicians from California
- People from Los Angeles, California
- Living people
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