Pete Tong

Pete Tong (born July 1960) is a British DJ who works for BBC Radio 1 in the United Kingdom. He is known worldwide by fans of electronic music for hosting programs such as Essential Mix and Essential Selection on the radio service, which can be heard through Internet radio streams, for his label FFRR Records, and for his own performances at nightclubs across the globe. Tong has also worked as a music producer.

Early Years

Pete Tong was born in Dartford Kent during July 1960 and was educated at the King's School in Rochester.

Related Topics:
Dartford - Kent - Rochester

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Pete's original musical interest was in drumming, but he soon moved on to DJing. He played his first public gig at a friend's wedding aged 15. While at school he and a couple of mates earned some extra money by promoting a couple of local bands, booking halls for gigs etc. He also worked for as part of the Kent 'Soul Mafia' bringing soul weekenders to seaside towns like Caister and Prestatyn.

Related Topics:
Caister - Prestatyn

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Initially after leaving school he set up a mobile disco based in a transit van, but he soon started his own club in Baker Street called Function. He also booked bands for an alternative night, the first of which was the then unknown Culture Club.

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In 1979 he became a staff writer for Blues & Soul magazine. After a year he was promoted to features editor, a position he would hold until 1983. He left Blues & Soul to join London Records as an A&R manager.

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Through his connections in London Records Pete was exposed to newly emerging house music sound from Chicago. After meeting with the owners of DJ International and Trax Records, Tong organised a 1986 compilation entitled The House Sound of Chicago, Vol. 1, the first British release to deal with this sound.

Related Topics:
House music - Chicago - DJ International - Trax Records

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