National DJ Day – Jan. 20, 2027

National DJ Day
Categories:
Tags:
CareerMusicPop Culture
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every January 20
Holiday emoji:
🎧

National DJ Day spins up every January 20, celebrating the influential work of disc jockeys worldwide. From radio pioneers to club legends, DJs curate the soundtracks to our lives. Tune in to their mixes, support local talent, and share your favorite tracks.

Want to sponsor National DJ Day? Learn how

Expected National DJ Day Deals

On National DJ Day, expect appreciation programs and special offers from music and audio equipment retailers. Brands like Pioneer DJ and Native Instruments might offer discounts on controllers, software, or accessories. Streaming services such as Beatport or SoundCloud could feature curated DJ mixes or offer subscription promotions. Local record stores and music schools may host open deck nights or introductory workshops. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 20 approaches.

Platform Guide for National DJ Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalDJDay. Share clips of your favorite DJs, behind-the-scenes studio moments, or throwback photos of iconic sets.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalDJDay. Tweet about your top five influential DJs or share a link to a memorable mix that changed your perspective on music.

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDJDay. Highlight the business side of DJing, from event planning to sound engineering, and connect with industry professionals.

Social Media Tips for National DJ Day

Individuals

Create a playlist of your favorite DJ's tracks or mixes and share it with friends. Attend a local DJ set or listen to a radio show to discover new music and appreciate their craft.

Creators

Film a short tutorial on basic DJ techniques, review new gear, or interview a local DJ about their journey and influences. Showcase the artistry and skill involved in mixing.

Brands

Host an online DJ battle or a 'mix of the day' contest, inviting submissions from aspiring and professional DJs. Partner with a local venue to sponsor a special DJ night.

Partners & Brands for National DJ Day

  1. Pioneer DJ

    A leading brand in DJ equipment, Pioneer DJ was founded in Japan and is renowned for its CDJs, mixers, and controllers. Their gear is a staple in clubs and professional setups worldwide, defining industry standards for performance.

  2. Serato

    Founded in 1999 in Auckland, New Zealand, Serato is a dominant force in DJ software. Their Serato DJ Pro platform allows DJs to mix digital music files, offering intuitive control and integration with various hardware.

  3. Native Instruments

    Based in Berlin, Germany, Native Instruments was founded in 1996 and is a major player in music production and DJing. They produce popular software like Traktor DJ and a range of hardware controllers, synthesizers, and audio interfaces.

  4. Denon DJ

    With a long history in audio, Denon DJ has carved out a significant niche in professional DJ equipment. They are known for their high-quality standalone DJ systems and media players, offering robust alternatives to traditional setups.

  5. Red Bull Music Academy

    Founded in 1998, Red Bull Music Academy is a global music institution that supports emerging artists, including DJs and producers. They offer workshops, lectures, and festivals, fostering innovation in electronic music culture.

  6. Mixcloud

    Launched in 2008, Mixcloud is a UK-based online music streaming service that focuses on long-form audio content like DJ mixes, radio shows, and podcasts. It provides a platform for DJs to share their creations legally.

  7. Discogs

    Founded in 2000, Discogs is a user-built database and marketplace for music, primarily vinyl records and CDs. It's an essential resource for DJs to discover new music, track releases, and manage their collections.

National DJ Day Hero

Alan Freed

Alan Freed, known as 'Moondog,' was an American disc jockey who gained international fame for promoting rhythm and blues music on the radio. Born in 1921, he is widely credited with coining the term 'rock and roll' in the 1950s, helping to popularize the genre and bridge racial divides through music. His pioneering radio shows and concerts introduced a new sound to a generation, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in music history.

History of National DJ Day

National DJ Day takes place on January 20 every year. On this day, we celebrate amateur and professional DJs who spin the records and play the grooviest music at the right time. The music is usually played in front of a live audience, but televised or recorded music sessions are also available. The most common types of DJs are club DJs, radio DJs, party DJs, and turntablists — who scratch and manipulate sounds by playing records on turntables. 

Music has been around for as long as we know it and has evolved through the years with the help of composers, songwriters, and our favorite event guests, the D.J.s. Back in the day, D.J.s used to spin vinyl records, most of them in this field had an extensive collection of vinyl records, and a fully equipped set-up in a specific venue. But over the years, due to the new and constantly updating software, the term ‘D.J.ing’ began to mean different things to different people. 

However, the very first disc jockey session was a live radio experiment on airwaves made by a 16 years old named Ray Newby in 1909. He was an Engineering and Wireless student who studied under the supervision of Charles Herrold at Herrold College. These experiments that started in the Garden City Bank Building sparked a musical movement that spread from California to the entire world. But it wasn’t until 25 years later that American radio commentator Walter Winchel coined the name ‘disk jockey’ to describe radio announcer Martin Block, who was the first person to gain fame for playing the most trendy music at the time on-air.

A few years later, DJ Jimmy Savile, claimed he was the first to use twin turntables, he organized the first DJ dance party by playing a series of jazz records at Otley, England in 1943. Then in 1947, the world considered Whiskey a Go Go Nightclub to be the first Discotheque with its very own DJ. Subsequently, more people started learning the craft of turning tables and mixing, and at the turn of the century, new technological advances made new sounds and styles possible.

The founder and origin of National Disk Hockey Day remain unknown. But every year we pay tribute to these performers and encourage everyone to celebrate.

On January 20, DJing and influential DJs are celebrated, but the day also marks the death anniversary of one of the world’s most iconic disc jockeys — Alan Freed, aka ‘Moondog.’ He was famous for pushing rock ‘n’ roll music and popularizing DJing. 

National DJ Day timeline

1909
The First DJ

California's Ray Newby is a 16-year-old college student who plays records from a small transmitter — long before the term 'disc jockey' is popularized.

1935
'Disc Jockey' is Born

Walter Winchell coins the term 'disc jockey.'

1950s
A DJ Pioneer

Alan Freed plays a mix of blues, country and R&B and calls it rock and roll, and arranges live concerts attended by racially mixed audiences — a breakthrough at the time.

1980
The New Music Called ‘House’

This year, disco-influenced electronic dance music emerges; it is named ‘House’ after the WareHouse club in Chicago.

1985
Howard Stern Fired

Despite high ratings, New York's WNBC Radio famously fires the controversial 'shock jock' after a little over three years on the air — Stern would eventually take his show to satellite radio and go on to become one of the most successful radio personalities of all time.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National DJ Day

Local businesses can celebrate National DJ Day by featuring local talent or curating special playlists. Restaurants and bars can host ‘DJ appreciation nights’ with guest DJs or special themed menus. Music stores might offer discounts on DJ equipment or host open-deck sessions for aspiring mixers. Event planners could highlight their in-house DJs or offer package deals for future events, showcasing the value of professional sound and entertainment.

National DJ Day FAQs

When is National DJ Day?

In 2027, National DJ Day is observed on Wednesday, January 20, providing a perfect hump-day celebration for music lovers and industry professionals alike.

Who coined the term 'rock and roll'?

While the phrase itself has older origins, it was Alan Freed, a Cleveland-based DJ, who popularized ‘rock and roll’ as a descriptor for the new sound. His efforts on the airwaves in 1951 were instrumental in bringing the music to a wider, mainstream audience.

How many DJs are there in the U.S.?

The number of active DJs in the U.S. remains substantial, with tens of thousands of individuals contributing to the music industry. This includes a growing segment of independent and online-streaming DJs, alongside traditional radio and event professionals.

What is the origin of National DJ Day?

The observance of National DJ Day on January 20 is a tribute to Alan Freed, born on this date in 1921. His work as a radio DJ in the 1950s helped break down cultural barriers and introduced a new musical era, making him a fitting figure to commemorate.

National DJ Day Activities

  1. Call in a request

    Phone in your favorite radio show and request your favorite song. While you're on the phone, make sure the DJ knows that YOU know it's National DJ Day — and say "thanks."

  2. Have a dance party

    Grab your spouse, kids, or best friends and blare your favorite music. Have an impromptu dance party in your living room.

  3. Host a D.J. battle

    A fun way to celebrate is to have a D.J. battle with some of your local, professional, and amateur D.J.s. Give prizes to the champions.

5 Important Facts About Popular Disc Jockeys

  1. The trance legend

    Armin Van Buuren has a Master’s Degree in Business Law — he graduated from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands.

  2. Ever heard of Tim Bergling?

    After trying to figure out what his stage name should be, the Swedish D.J. picked his name from the Buddhisim act, which refers to the lowest level of hell.

  3. From classic to electronic

    Popularly known D.J. Zedd is recognized for his huge house anthems, but many people do not know he was a trained classical musician and started playing the piano at age four.

  4. The led masked duo

    It’s pretty incredible to learn that the duo known as Daft Punk haven’t allowed anyone to take pictures of their faces since 2006.

  5. The prehistoric D.J.

    Thomas Pentz, famously known as Diplo, got his name from his favorite dinosaur, the Diplodocus (the plant-eater with a long neck).

Why We Love National DJ Day

  1. They wake us up in the morning

    The morning commute can be a drag, especially in the dead of winter. Morning-show DJs can keep us alert and awake — all while spinning our favorite tunes.

  2. They get us dancing

    No wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, or celebration is complete without a DJ making sure our guests are having a good time. Once the lights dim and the music is pumping, the evening can turn magical.

  3. Music is important in every culture

    From the clapsticks of indigenous Australian tribes to the 'sorna' and 'dohol' used in ancient Persian folk tunes, music has been a part of our DNA since the beginning. It's been proven to reduce stress while improving both our mood and memories.

National DJ Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 20 Wednesday
2028 January 20 Thursday
2029 January 20 Saturday
2030 January 20 Sunday
2031 January 20 Monday