DJ First Lady
Happy Wednesday, Golden Divas & Divos!
Let’s get this hump day started with the ‘House Music’ anthem, “Move your Body,” by Marshall Jefferson. This post is all about House Music and ‘First Lady,’ the female DJ who put it on the map for women.
Although house music is a new genre to some listeners, its impact has been felt globally for nearly 40 years now. House music has been a staple of the dance music community, especially with ‘The Chosen Few’ festivals in Chicago.
So, unless you have been living under a rock for four decades and have never heard of ‘House Music,’ let me introduce, reintroduce, or say, let’s catch you up to speed so you can join this extraordinary interview today.
Personally, this genre of music is excellent for dancing and working out, and it will set you free; hence, ‘Move Your Body,’ and its ‘Gonna Make You Sweat,’ a sub-genre of ‘House Music’ known as ‘Hip-House.’ So, what exactly is ‘House Music?” Where did this incredible phenomenon that makes you want to dance originate from, and why is it so popular with so many different ages?
First Lady Pioneering/Award-Winning DJ/Media Personality
House Music is a genre with a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and a typical tempo of 120 beats per minute. It was created by DJs and music producers from Chicago’s underground club culture in the early/mid-1980s, as DJs began altering disco songs to give them a more mechanical beat. When disco music phased out, ‘House Music’ phased in with an unforgettable beat to keep you moving. House Music’s 4/4 tempo range makes you want to move your body. This new and innovative electronic sound immediately captured the hearts of clubgoers, with some heavy hitters such as the “Godfather of House Music,” the one and only Frankie Knuckles. He shaped the music industry and the modern dance scene by evolving disco into early house music. He would remix (re-edit) songs using a reel-to-reel tape machine. He would add percussion breaks, rearrange sections, change the tempo, and extend breakdowns or energetic parts of songs. He edited disco classics, funk, soul, electro-pop, and other genres to create mixes designed to make people dance. Knuckles did his DJ residency at the Warehouse nightclub, the birthplace of House Music, in a West Loop building in 1977 in Chicago. Chicago record stores would attract fans of the emerging sound by labeling dance records “as played at The Warehouse,” which became shortened to “House Music.” That same building was declared a historic landmark on June 21, 2023.
House Music has evolved over the decades with so many great DJs playing the 4/4 tempos, such as Jesse Saunders, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, and Marshall Jefferson.
This leads me to Club Fifty’s next guest, a woman who stood her ground in this male-dominated business. She is an international pioneer who emerged nearly 40 years ago and leveled up the DJ playing field. This Golden Diva is a woman of many firsts who took DJing to another stratosphere with her bold spirit. She challenged “Farley Jackmaster Funk” to a battle. Yes, you read that right! She was taking on the heavy hitters right out of the gate, and I loved it! With no further ado, I would like to introduce you to “First Lady,” a woman of many firsts who isn’t afraid to speak up to get what she wants and deserve!!
MEET DJ FIRST LADY
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, FIRST LADY is a Pioneering House Music DJ, a member of “The Frankie Knuckles Lifetime Achievement DJ Hall of Fame,” ranked #17 on “The Top 30 Black Women in Media” by Radio Facts. She’s an Educator, Brand Ambassador, Digital Radio Station Co-Owner, Billboard/Stellar, and GMA Award-winning music programmer.
First Lady was the FIRST Black Female DJ to play House Music on Chicago commercial radio and was a member of the FIRST ALL FEMALE House Music D.J. collective (The Fantastic Four) and the first black female mixer on Chicago radio. First Lady, or Khrissie “Hott Mixx” as she was known then, is also one of the first females to record a house music record (used by DJ MKII, D.J. International Records 1986). With almost 40 years of experience in the media and music fields, First Lady has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as the top radio markets in New York and Chicago. She has also been involved with numerous prestigious brands and organizations known throughout the world, including Super Bowl Gospel, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 100 Black Men, Girls Scouts of America, The American Dairy Association, Amsterdam Dance Music Festival (ADE/GDE), Chicago House Music Day, The Hot Mix 5 Music Festival, Global Mixx Conferences and The Hot Mix 5 to name a few.
She is currently CEO/Label Owner of Kreative Kontrol Music, Co-Founder of the LivingHerStory Music Series, Founder of non-profit LivingHerStory LLC 501c3, and Programming Consultant for London-based streaming station SG1 SOUL. She is currently the Program Director/Midday Personality and Mixer for one of the newest worldwide digital streaming radio stations, based in Chicago, JAM98, and Director of International Relations for Black Women in Radio.
First Lady is also among 30 Black Women in Radio inducted into the United States Library of Congress. First Lady and her husband/business partner, D.J. pioneer Hugo H., recently teamed up to create a husband-and-wife D.J. duo called “The Love Team.” They can be heard every Friday night on JAM98 (jam98.com) as well as Thursday and Friday nights (The Chicago Connection) on SG1 House (sg1house.com) and every Saturday night (The Chicago Connection) on SG1 Radio (sg1radio.co.uk) bringing the sound of Chicago to the U.K. To connect with First Lady: @ilovefirstlady across all social media platforms.
They can be heard every Friday night on JAM98 (jam98.com) as well as Thursday and Friday nights
DJ First Lady is 57 years young. She’s married to HUGO H, and they have three daughters between them. Khumare 32, Ciah 30 and Kristyn 28. She was an instructor and faculty advisor at Illinois Media School for four years. She was also on the Radio Advisory Board for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. She has been a brand ambassador for the American Dairy Association, Blue Bell Ice Cream, American Family Insurance, and others. She was a child model for many brands in the 70’s.
FIRST LADY
Pioneering/Award-Winning D.J./Media Personality
First Lady Highlights
Legendary Pioneering Female D.J.
Pioneering House Music vocalist
Frankie Knuckles DJ Hall of Fame 2015 Inductee
Billboard Award Winning Music Programmer
U.S. Library of Congress 2023 Inductee Women of House Resident D.J.
Founder of non-profit organization LivingHerstory
House Music Label Owner: Kreative Kontrol
International House Music D.J./radio presenter
Co-owner JAM98 digital Streaming radio station
IN CONVERSATION WITH DJ FIRST LADY
C50: First Lady, with almost 40 years of experience in the media and music industry, what inspired you to become a DJ?
FL: In the beginning, I started learning to DJ because my boyfriend was a DJ. It was a means for me to connect with him on a deeper level than just a romantic relationship. Back then, I didn’t see it as a potential career path. However, as time went on, I discovered the incredible power and magic that DJing allowed me to create, and from that point on, I was absolutely hooked.
C50: You are a pioneering House Music DJ in the ‘Frankie Knuckles Lifetime Achievement DJ Hall of Fame. Was it challenging to break into this line of work that men dominate?
FL: In 1980, when I began DJing, only two of us were there. Fortunately, I was surrounded by supportive male DJs, which set a positive tone from the start. I quickly learned that setting clear boundaries from the beginning was crucial for a harmonious working relationship, a lesson I grasped at the age of 13. To this day, I maintain these partnerships with many of my male DJ counterparts. Unfortunately, I’ve heard from many of my female DJ sisters that their experiences have been quite different. We all face similar challenges in the music and media industry. The way we handle these challenges may vary. Still, I’m dedicated to supporting and mentoring up-and-coming female DJs, focusing on areas such as understanding the business of music, event planning, equipment, new technology, networking, setting boundaries, and, most importantly, honing the DJ craft itself.”
C50: Can you tell us about a particularly memorable performance you’ve had and tell us about a project or event that you’re proud of and why?”
FL: One of my favorite recent performances was at the 2019 Chicago House Music Festival, where I played at the iconic Pritzker Pavilion. The energy from the crowd was electric, and as the only female DJ on the lineup, I made sure to represent my sisters in the industry. I take immense pride in several projects I’ve been involved in, from owning one of the fastest-growing digital radio stations in the country (JAM98-Music For Your Soul) to leading the event planning for Women of House. This international DJ platform empowers aspiring female DJs alongside seasoned professionals from around the globe by providing events that allow them to play together. However, the pinnacle of my music and media career has to be my induction into the United States Library of Congress as one of 39 black women recognized for their contributions to the radio industry (Black Women in Radio). This honor holds a special place in my heart because it means that my life’s work, including my journey as a pioneering female DJ, is now eternally documented and acknowledged for future generations.
C50: First Lady, tell us about your passion for House Music and what about this particular genre of music that makes you want to share it with the world.
FL: I have a unique perspective on House Music as I was there from its beginnings, even before it became the sensation it is today. I was one of the pioneering female house music vocalists to record a song on the legendary DJ International record label. Back then, we all had yet to truly grasp the historic and groundbreaking moments we were a part of. As a female DJ, I certainly didn’t realize the profound impact we were making or how expansive the journey ahead would be. We had yet to learn that this genre, known as House Music, would evolve into a global phenomenon, connecting people worldwide like one big family. I’m always enthusiastic about sharing this music because it’s more than just a genre; it’s the soundtrack to our lives. It carries a spiritual groove for many and embodies a message of positivity, love, and unity. While there are different subgenres within House Music, they all hold a special place in my heart, much like grandchildren from the same musical family tree. I cherish them all as they trace their roots back to the essence of House Music.
C50: You make mixing music look easy; what is the hardest part of being a DJ? It is estimated that less than 10 percent of DJs are female; what is the one thing that makes a female DJ stand out from the rest of her male counterparts?
FL: Now, that can be a loaded question right there. I believe different people will have varying responses to the lack of female DJs in various aspects of the industry, whether it’s significant festival lineups or the underrepresentation of black and Latina female DJs. I’ve shifted my focus from dwelling on the percentages and instead concentrated on how we can collectively create more opportunities and platforms for talented female DJs to showcase their skills and light up dance floors. As a member of the first female house music DJ collective, The Fantastic Four, we consistently filled venues, even after audiences got past the initial surprise of seeing female DJs in control of the dance floor. It’s encouraging to see women holding influential positions across different segments of the music industry, from event management to festivals, publications, and radio stations. Our destiny is within our own hands. We understand what it takes to make things happen, and it’s our responsibility to generate more opportunities for our current successes and those who will follow in our footsteps. I find all aspects relatively easy regarding the DJ craft itself. Instead, I view it as a continuous journey of adapting to new technology. I embrace this aspect because it allows me to actively participate in my growth and development on every level.
C50: You are truly living your story in your groundbreaking career as a DJ. Can you tell us about a unique or creative way you’ve incorporated technology into your performances?
FL: Technology plays an integral role in every DJ set I perform. It empowers me to enhance the music with effects, create live edits within songs, engage with social media platforms, and even incorporate video elements into the venue experience. The possibilities for crafting unforgettable moments for the audience using technology are endless.
C50: What was it like to be the first female DJ to play House Music on commercial radio? How do you keep your sets fresh and exciting for your audience?
FL: That whole opportunity arose from a question I posed to the legendary King of House Music, “Farley Jackmaster Funk,” when he was a member of the groundbreaking radio DJ team, The Hot Mix 5. I firmly believe that if you don’t ask, you don’t receive. At the time, I inquired with a passive-aggressive tone, wondering why there were no female DJs on the radio mixing. Farley’s response was simple but powerful: ‘Make me a tape (mix).’ And so, I did just that. He then convinced the program director, Lee Michaels, to give a chance to a young DJ First Lady – at that time, my name was Khrissie ‘Hott Mixx’ Henderson. Mr. Michaels said yes, and the rest, as they say, is Herstory.
As for keeping my DJ sets fresh and exciting for my audience, “OMG,” timing and song selection are critical when moving your audience. Knowing what to play and when to play it has been a cornerstone of my success. I’ve been fortunate to learn this art from my husband, the pioneering DJ HUGO H. He’s been an invaluable partner, always working with me to ensure I deliver my best. I can’t express how much I appreciate his support – it means the world to me!
C50: DJ Pioneer Hugo H., your business partner and husband, created a husband-and-wife duo called “The Love Team.” When and where can your future listeners hear the dynamic sounds of this powerhouse couple?
FL: Yes!!! The creation of ‘The Love Team’ was his idea. Despite being DJs in our own right, we had never played together or even shared a billing. In the summer of 2015, we finally played on the same ticket. Then, in 2017, DJ Ron Carroll officially introduced ‘The Love Team’ to the world at the Amsterdam Dance Event, the largest dance music festival globally. While collaborating isn’t always a walk in the park, it’s undoubtedly worth it, and being in the booth together crafting musical memories for everyone on the dance floor is an absolute blast! Our next DJ set together will be mid-October during the ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) In the Netherlands.
C50: What is the one thing that you would want people to know about being a female DJ?
The one thing I want people to know about being a female DJ, and I hope all female DJs and aspiring DJs remember, is that gender doesn’t determine how good or great a DJ is. The skill, creativity, musical knowledge, and ability to play for the crowd in front of you determine a DJ’s excellence.
C50: You have been involved with many prestigious brands and organizations, including Superbowl Gospel, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and 100 Black Men; talk to us about your next exciting adventure.
FL: I feel incredibly blessed to have partnered with some amazing national brands, including AARP (in association with JAM98), The LivingHerstory Foundation, The BeSpire TV Network, and others. Partnerships have played a crucial role in my life’s work, whether in DJing, music, radio, television, mentoring, event planning, etc. I take great joy in connecting people enabling them to participate in their growth and development journeys actively.
Bonus Question
C50: First Lady, how can someone connect with you if they are looking for a DJ who loves to play the legendary sounds of 4/4 rhythms known as ‘House Music?’
FL: For any of your readers interested in connecting with me, listening to my mixes or radio show, or inquiring about booking me as a host, brand ambassador, or DJ, feel free to contact me via email at ilovefirstlady@gmail.com.
You can also find me on all social media platforms @ilovefirstlady. Catch me live Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time on JAM98. You can download and listen via the app on your smart device, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, channel 980 on the Be Spire TV Network, or online at www.jam98.com.
There you have it, Golden Divas and Divos. This girl is on fire! DJ First Lady has changed the way we view DJ’s. Yaas!!! Women can even rule the mic turntable and turn up the sounds to make us move to a different beat!
