National DJ Day

National DJ Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to DJs. These professionals are integral participants in any major musical and celebratory events where someone is needed who is well-versed in music and modern equipment that provides high-quality sound. Celebrated annually on January 20th.

History

DJs are responsible for the correct operation of all musical equipment. They can also create tracklists for events, and many of them write their own compositions that light up any party. Today, DJs can be found both at live performances (where they use “turntables” to change the sounds of compositions, transforming them) and in clubs or on the radio.

Initially, DJs just played vinyl records. A real revolution in DJ art occurred with the musical experiments on the radio by 16-year-old Ray Newby in 1909. He studied to be an engineer and was well-versed in wireless communications. However, the word “DJ” appeared only a quarter of a century later. A radio commentator used it to describe radio announcer Martin Block. Since then, the term DJ has been firmly rooted in society.

Jimmy Savile was the first DJ to use turntables in his performances. In 1947, the Whiskey a Go Go nightclub hosted a disco, which is known in DJ history as the first disco with a personal DJ.

Interesting facts

• Alan Freed is one of the most popular DJs in the world, known by the nickname “Moon Dog”.
• Thanks to DJs, the dance form known as breakdancing emerged. Without their “chopped” music, breakdancing might not have developed as it did.
• DJs must always stay up-to-date with the latest music trends and find obscure tracks that can still ignite the dance floor.

How to celebrate

Attend a National DJ Day party and enjoy the performance of the DJs. Learn more about how turntables and other DJ equipment work. Discover which musical compositions are currently at the peak of popularity.

Share information about the holiday on social media. Discuss with other users your experiences attending events with DJs.

When is National DJ Day in 2025?

National DJ Day is observed on January 20 each year.

Observations