Making Friends Through Music

 Making Friends Through Music

As a shy 15-year-old boy trying to survive socially in the halls of South Miami Senior High back in the mid-'70s, I felt invisible. I tried everything to integrate myself—changing my hairstyle, buying new clothes, taking different classes—but nothing seemed to work. I wasn’t getting invited to any of the cool parties. It felt like no matter what I did, I remained unnoticed. I wanted to be seen, to belong, and to make connections.

Then one night, everything changed.

It was a typical house party, the kind I used to shy away from because I didn’t feel like I fit in. But on this night, as I walked into the crowded room, I noticed something that immediately grabbed my attention: a boy, probably just as old as I was, had set up shop in a corner of the room. He had two large speakers, and between them, a mixer. The music blasting through the speakers was “That’s Where the Happy People Go” by The Trammps. I couldn’t help but notice how the music never stopped. There was always something new playing, and it felt like the entire room moved in sync with it. The crowd was dancing, laughing, and enjoying themselves in their Burdines outfits and fresh haircuts from “The Office” or “Hair Fantasy.”

But it wasn’t just the music that caught my attention. It was the boy behind the turntables. The crowd was focused on him, reacting with excitement, “Oohs” and “Aahs” with every record he played. He had their full attention, and I couldn't help but be intrigued. I stood by him all night, watching and studying his every move. The way he commanded the room without saying a word was something I'd never seen before. I knew that's what I wanted to be.

I briefly stepped away to grab a "party box" filled with a piece of cake, a bocadito, and two croquetas. (Hey, a man’s got to eat, right?) After that, I returned to the DJ booth, my eyes never leaving the turntables. Before I left the party, I took a leap of faith and asked him for his business card.

The next day, I mustered up the courage to call him. His name was George Valdes, and to my surprise, we went to the same high school. We agreed to meet by the band room the following day. When I showed up, there he was, just as promised, with a gift for me—a white label promotional 45 RPM of “That’s Where the Happy People Go.” It was the moment that would kick off my DJ career.

Over the next few months, George taught me everything he knew about the DJ world—mixing equipment, creating the perfect setlist, and even how to come up with a cool name for my own company( Studio Sounds ). I spent hours watching him interact with people at various parties—shaking hands with everyone, kissing girls and their moms on the cheek. It was his way of connecting with people, and I realized that this was the secret to being a successful DJ. It wasn’t just about the music. It was about the connections you made, the relationships you built.

After much convincing and mowing lawns, I was finally able to talk my parents into buying me some DJ equipment. The family chipped in a few dollars, and my uncle from New York even donated to the cause. I had the records, mostly all 45 RPMs that I had been collecting since I was 12. George eventually graduated and moved away from his home in Westchester, and I never saw him again, but the lessons he taught me stayed with me.

I continued DJing at house parties and eventually teamed up with a couple of guys who had cars. Together, we played parties, proms, and Quinces, all while following George’s example of connecting with people. We shook hands, kissed moms and daughters on the cheek, and made sure everyone was having a good time. Those years were the foundation of what would become my career as a DJ.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of DJing at many incredible events—from concerts to radio mix shows, nightclubs, and more. But above all, what I cherish most are the friendships I’ve made along the way. Sure, there were a few people who weren’t so nice, but overall, the connections I’ve made through music have been the most rewarding part of my journey.

Now, as I approach my 45th year of DJing, I always encourage the people who attend my events to come up to the DJ booth and say "Hello." I’m genuinely honored that they took the time to support me, and I want to meet them. The other night, two ladies came up to me at an event. They introduced themselves, thanked me for keeping our music alive, and we spoke briefly. That simple interaction—a small connection in the grand scheme of things—was one of the highlights of my night.

Through music, I’ve learned that the true power isn’t just in the beats or the songs we play, but in the friendships we make along the way. Music has been my bridge, my way of connecting with people, and I’m so grateful for all the friends I’ve made over the years. It’s not just about the party or the performance—it’s about the relationships, the memories, and the connections we create through the universal language of music. Thank You all !!