Early Life and Career

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1957, Humphries developed an early interest in music, inspired by his parents' record collection. He started DJing at the young age of 13 and soon became a prominent figure in the New York club scene. Humphries was heavily influenced by the soul and funk music of the 1970s, which can be reflected in his mixing style.

Notable Achievements

Humphries' skills as a DJ quickly caught the attention of the music industry, and he landed a series of high-profile gigs, including hosting shows on Kiss FM and WBLS radio stations. He was also resident DJ at the world-renowned Club Zanzibar in Newark, New Jersey. Humphries' mixtapes, including the famous "The Tony Humphries Mix Tape," sold thousands of copies and became integral to the house music scene.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Humphries released numerous remixes and original tracks. His collaboration with singer Carolyn Harding on "Love Me," a track that became an international club smash-hit, is still widely celebrated today. His blend of soulful vocals and techno beats can be heard in his music, and it is often regarded as his signature sound.

The New York House Music Scene

Humphries helped to shape and define the New York House music scene, which emerged during the 1980s. He played an integral role in bringing the genre to the mainstream, and his unique sound helped transform the genre. As the resident DJ at Club Zanzibar, he championed up-and-coming house music DJs and producers, such as Frankie Knuckles and David Morales.

One of Humphries' significant contributions to the house music scene was the popularity of his radio shows. Between 1982 and 1991, he hosted his "The Friday Night Dance Party" show on Kiss FM, which played a selection of house music tracks and featured live DJ sets from himself and other DJs. He also had a weekly show on WBLS, where he played new and classic tracks.

Legacy and Influence

Humphries' contributions to contemporary artists and their music are still felt today. He has influenced DJs and producers worldwide, and his style and techniques have become integral to the genre. His music has been frequently sampled and remixed, with a new generation of electronic music producers, including Jamie Jones and The Martinez Brothers, still drawing on his sound.

Humphries' legacy is a testament to his pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of musical excellence. His impact on the New York House music scene and the wider music industry as a whole is immense, cementing his place as one of the greats of electronic music.

If you want to explore more of Tony Humphries' music, check out his official website, and his mixes on SoundCloud and Discogs. You can also follow him on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date with his latest releases and upcoming gigs.