profile: Hilary John

Hilary John
My love for music started when I must have been around 14 years old. I remember feeling an immeasurable amount of pride after I purchased my very first album, "Looking Through The Window" by the Jackson 5, from a second-hand record store in Leytonstone, East London. It became my favourite place to go after school and to spend my free time on weekends. Hours were spent thumbing through records and asking the store assistant to play various tracks for me. I delivered papers before school and spent every penny I earned, adding to my collection. Artists such as the great Lonnie Liston Smith, Jean Carn, Roy Ayres, and the God Father of soul, James Brown, were just a few from my most treasured collection.

In the mid-80s I and a couple of friends formed a Sound System called "Styler" playing Lover's Rock and Soul music at local youth clubs, parties and special events. This was my first attempt at deejaying and an integral part of my career/hobby. As my confidence grew, I realised that I was attaining my own female following and loving it.

The late eighties saw the birth of pirate radio stations such as Invicta, Horizon, and Solar. I wanted to broaden my experience as a Deejay, and the opportunity presented itself when I was asked to play a regular slot on a pirate station, Soul FM. A combination of old school soul with a dash of Jazz was my flavour. This then gave way to other openings in wine bars local and west end...

Ride da Rhythm with Hilary John every Saturday 9 pm to 12 midnight GMT on ramjamradio.com. Enjoy a blend of old school flavours, R'n'B and Hip-Hop classics and upfront Anthems. Become part of the show... E-mail your shout-outs to hilary.john@ramjamradio.com, or during the show direct to Hilary in the studio at studio@ramjamradio.com.

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