Tony
Humphries
Tony Humphries has entertained dance music fans
across the globe with his “Hump-in-the-Homefries” brand
of uptempo soul music. This Brooklyn, New York native landed his
first “professional” DJ gig at Manhattan’s posh
Club El Morocco in 1975. From there Tony’s trek to Boystown
a.k.a. Club Tribeca NY, NY would prove successful, where he was
then recognized as a talented DJ.
In July 1981, producer Shep Pettibone asked Tony
for a mastermix show tape to fill in for a no show on his KISS-FM
NY radio show. A vacancy left by Pettibone at the station opened
the door for his own permanent mix show. Simultaneously, schooled
under the “I’ll-leave-you-in-the-booth-and-see-what-happens”
antics of resident DJ Larry Patterson of NJ’s Club Zanzibar
fame, resulted in him gaining “THE” residency in 1982.
Developing his creative experiences behind the
recording studio’s control board only enhanced his style and
magic. Artists like Mtume (Tonys’ first gold record “Juicy
Fruit”), Chaka Khan, Karen White, Regina Belle, Donna Summer,
Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, and The Cover Girls were all governed
by the “Humphries handicraft”.
By the mid to late 80’s, Tony became the
sole helmsman weaving the tunes three nights a week, thus making
dance music superstars out of local talent embedded in the heartland
of Newark and her surrounding areas. Summoned across the Atlantic
by the British in 1987. The “Jersey Sound” was coined
by their press. In addition to traveling, remix projects mounting,
pumping out a weekly radio mix show, and holding down the fort at
the club, Tony was in his prime making the world of dance music
exciting, hip, and refreshing.
By November 1990, his 8 year tenure ended with
a tearful refrain, but this didn’t discourage Tony as he became
in demand worldwide and relocated to London, England. In January
of 1993, Tony took up the offer to be the resident jock at the Ministry
of Sound club. That year was rounded off with a residency at “Echoes”
in Rimini, Italy. This Italian residency continued for 4 years while
simultaneously relocating back in NJ to launch his Yellorange Production
Co.
It can be said that Tony Humphries has left an
indelible impression on the global dance music industry. To date
over 300 venues he has gigged worldwide, done over 200 studio remixes,
the latest being Janet Jackson’s hit “Together Again”.
Throughout tremendous recognition, tons of awards and accolades
from his peers, he has remained humble.
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