Sheffield DJ Legs Diamond to be honoured aged 78 after more than 50 years behind the decks
Born in Jamaica and based in Sheffield since he was 16, Legs Diamond is being celebrated after a career that began in 1973 and has taken him from house parties to blues clubs and beyond.
A Sheffield DJ who has spent more than 50 years playing to crowds across the city is set to be celebrated at the age of 78.
Legs Diamond's DJing career began in Sheffield in 1973, shortly after he moved there from Jamaica at 16. Before becoming a selector, he had been a dancer and drummer, and his path into music started with house parties and blues clubs.
“Music is my life,” he says.
His first booking came when a neighbour asked for help after a family party lost its music when a radiogram stopped working. He bought speakers, built the boxes himself and assembled a sound system using an amplifier and a second-hand turntable from a shop on London Road. With no car, he carried the equipment and records to the house in two trips.
He is still DJing more than 50 years later, tailoring his sets to the crowd in front of him. His selection now stretches beyond reggae to include soul, Motown and pop, with recent plays including Tom Jones, Bob Marley and the Beatles.
“I want them to enjoy themselves and have fun,” he says.
For the celebration, he will bring a mix of vinyl, CDs and digital music, reflecting the changes he has seen in the industry during his career.
“I am going to bring some vinyl, because that’s where I started from,” he says.
Tomorrow night's event will also feature DJ Sensi, Benji Hype and Steel City Vybz, with Cynthia Brooks hosting at SADACCA, the Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association.
The Crowning of Legs Diamond runs from 10pm until late tomorrow, Saturday, September 26, and is open to over-18s. Tickets are available via Skiddle, directly from the DJs and on the door.