Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

The History of the Disc Jockey

By: Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Length: 24 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

This is the first comprehensive history of the disc jockey, a cult classic now updated with five new chapters and substantial additional material. It's the definitive account of DJ culture, from the first record played over airwaves to house, hip-hop, techno, and beyond.

From the early development of recorded and transmitted sound, DJs have been shaping the way we listen to music and the record industry. This book tracks down the inside story on some of music's most memorable moments. Focusing on the club DJ, the book gets firsthand accounts of the births of disco, hip-hop, house, and techno. Visiting legendary clubs like the Peppermint Lounge, Cheetah, the Loft, Sound Factory, and Ministry of Sound, and with interviews with legendary DJs, Last Night a DJ Saved My Life is a lively and entertaining account of musical history and some of the most legendary parties of the century.

©1999, 2000, 2006 Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton (P)2020 Tantor

"Last Night a DJ Saved My Life" changed my life

loved this book, and although initially I felt the narrator sounded too straight laced to make it any fun - his voice grew on me and lends extra professionalism to the book which already inspires a great sense of legitimacy to the craft of DJ.

Excellent history of DJing and dance music.

I listen to a lot of music related audio books and this was one of the best I’ve heard. Around halfway through, it mostly switches from the history of DJing (from the early 20th century) to an amazing summary of dance music from the the early 70s through the early 2000s. I learned a ton about both. Highly recommend this one.

One of my favorite books!

It hurts to listen to this, having wanted to narrate it myself. Good job, finally!

For Those Searching To Better Understand Nightclubs, Raves and The Underground

This book was extremely comprehensive and provided a wealth of knowledge into the history of DJing, breakdowns of each modern era of dance music and that eras significance, and historical night clubs. I was out in Williamsburg, Brooklyn a few weeks ago, and I was let through a nondescript door, and once inside the DJ was spinning actual vinyl records, all mostly disco music and the sound system was massive, people were packed into a tiny dance floor going mad. This book has forever changed how I look at nightlife and I am grateful for having a more meaningful understanding and experience the next time I decide to go out dancing.

Phenomenal History of DJing and dance music

This book is an amazing journey through the life of dance music and the DJ, starting with radio amateurs, and currently, up to the US EDM boom.

It reads like an erudite look into the naturally very nonchalant world of curating and performing music and partying.

The writing style is still super fun, and I was both cracking up often and experiencing a sense of wonder at the scenes, cultures, and technology covered.

Highly recommend not just for DJ’s, but music fans, musicians, and just party animals. If you’ve ever enjoyed a good house track, disco, techno, EDM, UK garage, and all that other good stuff, you will probably get a good kick out of Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.