Music First : Darryn Jones [Chicago] - Labour Day Eve

Chicago-based DJ who started in the mid-80s, deep into Modern Soul, Rare Disco, Boogie and other obscure styles. Early on, Darryn Jones was drawn to music with his uncles and older brothers. His first influences in music were Funk, Blues, Jazz and anything that didn't get radio play. From there, Darryn became intrigued by the sounds of WBMX's Hot Mix 5 sprinkled with house legends, Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy. In 1983 and 1984, Darryn began his deejaying craft of rare grooves by buying records from any place and anyone he could. Darryn continued his quest in the art up to 1987, then stepped away for some years. He never gave up the search for the black gold which turned out to be perhaps a blessing in disguise.

On his return in 2006
“Yes my early music influence came at the hands of my oldest brother record collection! He had so many different genres of music it kept me eager to listen. Motor Booty Affair by Parliament was the tune I remember most because it was my debut record as a DJ in grammar school. It was my first and last record of that day! I remember when my turn came to play my records. I was excited and couldn’t wait to drop the needle to the groove. It turned out that the lyrics were just a little too much for my teachers ears to handle. She jumped up, ran over snatched the record off and said YOU can’t play anymore records! I knew then that funk was for me.” STW