National Dj Day

A DJ in front of a glowing turntable, wearing headphones and rocking a fresh street style outfit in a vibrant nightclub setting.. — National dj day illustration

Throw on your headphones, turn up the volume and pull out your mixtape. It's time to salute the unsung heroes of the party, the masters of beat juggling – yes, you've guessed it, it's National DJ Day! On this day, the internet is spinning more than just the decks, it's spinning wild facts and trivia about our beloved disc jockeys!

When is Dj Day?

It's national dj day on the 20th January.

A Spin Down Memory Lane

Our data spins us back to Jan 20, 2016, which holds the record for most DJ Day mentions with 10373 online mentions! It seems this day had everyone dropping beats, we can only imagine the epic dance-offs!

The Beat of the Internet

Our heroes of the party scene don't just keep us grooving all night long, they've captured the heart of the internet too. National DJ Day doesn't just celebrate those who have the sickest scratches and drops, but those who had the courage to press 'play' on that first track, in front of a crowd, however big or small.

Everybody's a DJ

Let's face it, we've all had our DJ moments: curating the perfect road trip playlist, toeing the perfect balance at a friend's party, or those shower concerts (we see you). So, on this day, wear your headphones with pride and keep your DJ dreams alive, as the internet sings its praises for you, the unsung DJs of everyday life.

History behind the term 'Dj'

1970

Birth of disco

In the 1970s, a new genre of music called disco emerged, characterized by upbeat rhythms and groovy beats. This vibrant style of music quickly gained popularity, and discotheques started to spring up in cities around the world. These nightclubs featured DJs who played vinyl records to keep the partygoers dancing all night long.

1971

DJ Jimmy Savile introduces the term

Jimmy Savile, a British radio DJ, introduced the term 'DJ' to the public during his BBC Radio 1 show in 1971. He used the term to refer to the person who selected and played music on the radio or at clubs. This abbreviation became widely adopted and popularized around the world.

1976

Hip-hop revolution and DJs as artists

The emergence of hip-hop music in the mid-1970s brought DJs to the forefront of the music scene. DJs like Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa played a crucial role in shaping the genre by using turntables as instruments. They pioneered techniques like scratching, beat juggling, and break mixing, transforming DJs into artistic performers.

1988

Technological advancements and digital DJing

With the introduction of digital technology and the rise of compact discs (CDs), DJs started to transition from vinyl records to digital formats. Companies like Pioneer and Technics developed professional DJ equipment that allowed DJs to manipulate music digitally. This opened up new creative possibilities and expanded the role of DJs in the music industry.

2000

Electronic dance music and DJ superstardom

The 2000s witnessed the rise of electronic dance music (EDM) and the global popularity of DJs. Festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival became massive events, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to witness superstar DJs perform on extravagant stages. DJs like David Guetta, Tiësto, and Avicii achieved international fame and became household names.

Did you know?

Did you know the first disco DJ was actually a guy named Francis Grasso in the late 1960s? He pioneered beat matching, slip-cuing and scratching long before your favorite super star DJ did!