Episode 143: Dr. D- The Father of Gospel DJ Movement

In the latest episode of Kingdom Building Conversations Trig engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. D, the “Father of the gospel DJ movement.” This episode delves into the history, evolution, and significance of gospel DJs, their role in the music industry, and Dr. D’s mission to unite and elevate this community. Here, we break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners and readers alike.

Introduction to the Gospel DJ Movement

The host opens the show by emphasizing the importance of empowering listeners with awareness and actionable insights. He introduces the topic of gospel DJs and highlights Dr. D’s mission to bring recognition to these artists. Despite the changing landscape of music distribution with digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and social media, the host underscores the enduring importance of traditional radio and the grassroots presence of DJs in the community.

Dr. D’s Background and Mission

Dr. D shares his journey into the world of gospel DJing, reflecting on a pivotal moment when he felt called by God to create a movement dedicated to gospel DJs. Here are some key points from his background and mission:

Early Beginnings: In 1973, Dr. D and five other individuals from his church recognized a need for gospel music outside of Sunday services. They aimed to provide young people with access to gospel music throughout the week, leading to the creation of mixtapes that would spiritually uplift their peers. Pioneering Efforts: Dr. D humorously notes that this makes DJ Kool Herc, a pioneer of hip hop, a “grandfather” figure in the gospel DJ lineage. The movement began in 1975 when Dr. D was just 15 years old and has evolved significantly since then.

Early Days of Gospel DJing

The conversation shifts to the early days of gospel DJing, highlighting the initial challenges and successes:

Access to Churches: It was relatively easy for Dr. D and his team to gain access to churches because they offered a new way to present music at church events. Prior to their involvement, churches relied on individuals bringing their own records or cassettes, which often resulted in a disjointed experience. Establishing Gospel Skating: For the next decade, they performed at various events, including church anniversaries and skating parties, helping to establish gospel skating as a popular activity. Christian Nightclub**: Dr. D discusses the challenges he faced in the mid-90s when he attempted to create a Christian nightclub, aiming to provide a space for people to enjoy gospel music in a fun and lively environment.

Evolution of the Movement

As the conversation progresses, Dr. D describes how the gospel DJ movement evolved beyond just DJing:

Multifaceted Entertainment: Dr. D and his team began incorporating singing and skits into their performances, creating a multifaceted entertainment experience aimed at reaching young people. Mission Beyond Music: Their goal was to introduce the message of Jesus Christ through various forms of artistic expression, emphasizing that their mission was always about more than just music; it was about sharing a message and fostering a sense of community.

Recognition and Future Goals

The discussion then turns to Dr. D’s recent achievements and future goals:

Recent Achievements: Dr. D’s induction into the gospel hip hop community and his nomination for the National Black Radio Hall of Fame are significant milestones. 50th Anniversary Celebration: Dr. D expresses his excitement about celebrating 50 years of the gospel DJ movement in 2025 and his desire to document the history of gospel DJs, particularly the years from 1975 to 1985, which he believes have been overlooked. Unified Movement**: Dr. D emphasizes the need for a collective movement among gospel DJs, highlighting that they have not been adequately recognized within the broader gospel music landscape. He shares his vision for creating a unified voice and presence for gospel DJs, ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.

Advice for Documenting History

The host asks Dr. D for advice on how others can contribute to documenting the history of gospel music:

Gathering Information: Dr. D encourages anyone with an interest in this history to visit the website dedicated to the 50th anniversary of gospel DJs and fill out a questionnaire. Gathering information from DJs, regardless of when they started, is crucial for creating a comprehensive record of the movement. Quantifying Impact: Dr. D stresses the importance of documenting the impact of gospel DJs, particularly in terms of audience reach. While traditional metrics for measuring radio listenership exist, the contributions of DJs have often gone uncounted. He envisions a future where the collective impact of gospel DJs can be quantified and recognized.

Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

As the episode nears its conclusion, Dr. D shares details about upcoming events and community engagement:

Gospel Industry Network Convention: Dr. D will be leading the gospel DJ division at the Gospel Industry Network Convention in Nashville. The convention will feature classes specifically for DJs, a gospel concert, and an after-party designed to bring the DJ community together. Utilizing Platforms: The host and Dr. D discuss the importance of utilizing various platforms, including social media and traditional radio, to promote gospel music and artists. They emphasize that artists should leverage all available tools to reach their audiences effectively.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the host encouraging listeners to support Dr. D’s mission and to engage with the gospel DJ community. He reiterates the importance of recognizing the contributions of gospel DJs and the need for a unified movement to elevate their role in the music industry. Listeners are invited to reach out to Dr. D for more information and to get involved in the upcoming events. The host concludes by thanking the audience for tuning in and encourages them to stay informed, empowered, and accountable in their own journeys.

By diving deep into the history and evolution of the gospel DJ movement, this episode of “The Calling Solution Show” provides valuable insights and actionable advice for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and music. Whether you’re a gospel DJ, a music enthusiast, or someone looking to document the rich history of gospel music, this episode offers a wealth of information to guide and inspire you.

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TIMESTAMPS

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10) The host introduces the episode’s focus on gospel DJs and welcomes Dr. D.

Dr. D’s Mission (00:01:12) Dr. D expresses gratitude and discusses his mission to unite gospel DJs.

History of Gospel DJs (00:01:37) Dr. D shares the origins of the gospel DJ movement and his personal journey.

Early Days of Gospel DJing (00:03:31) Dr. D recounts the early days of gospel DJing and the creation of mixtapes.

Evolution of the Movement (00:06:09) Discussion on how gospel DJs evolved into performers, incorporating singing and skits.

Documenting Gospel DJ History (00:09:40) Dr. D emphasizes the importance of documenting the history of gospel DJs.

Advice for Documenting History (00:10:40) Dr. D shares insights on how to ensure the history of gospel DJs is recorded.

Upcoming Gospel Industry Event (00:13:26) Details about the inaugural event for gospel DJs at the Nashville convention.

Importance of Radio (00:14:44) Discussion on the enduring relevance of radio in the music industry.

How to Get Involved (00:15:54) Information on how to participate in the gospel industry convention and connect with Dr. D.