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Mixmag Announces Winner Of The Greatest DJ Of All Time Poll
Since September 2010, Mixmag, the world’s biggest clubbing and dance music magazine, has asked dance music fans around the world to vote in the only DJ poll that matters: The Greatest DJ Of All Time.
The huge online poll canvassed the views of hundreds of thousands of clubbers asking them to vote and debate a shortlist of DJs nominated by some of the biggest stars in dance music, the results are released today in the February 2011 issue of Mixmag.
The Top Ten Greatest DJs of All Time, as voted for by dance music fans across the globe, are:
10. 2ManyDJs
9. Sasha
8. Tony De Vit
7. Paul van Dyk
6. Andy C
5. Ricardo Villalobos
4. Carl Cox
3. Sven Väth
2. Richie Hawtin
1. Tiësto
Nick DeCosemo, Editor of Mixmag said:
“Obviously with any public poll the results reflect current popularity as much as overall contribution, but we think that the top 10 reflects a great spread of dance music genres and DJs over time; from techno, well represented by the likes of Richie Hawtin and Sven Väth to drum 'n' bass with Andy C or hard dance with the sadly departed Tony De Vit. And of course, Tiësto, undoubtedly the biggest DJ in history. For us, though, the result has always been secondary. The really great thing is the way that the process has sparked such passionate debate – from Facebook and Twitter to clubs and afterparties around the world. Also, we hope we've achieved our aim of opening clubbers' eyes to some of the lesser known pioneers of the scene, DJs like Francis Grasso, Larry Levan and even Jimmy Savile (all included in our shortlist) who were so pivotal in creating the culture that we know and love today. We don't expect the debate to end here!”
A shortlist of 35 DJs were put together, with each nominee chosen by another big name from the world of dance music.
The nominees ranged from across the spectrum and history of dance music and included the likes of:
Contemporary superstars such as Fatboy Slim, Tiësto, Richie Hawtin, 2ManyDJs, Erol Alkan, Carl Cox, Sven Väth, Paul van Dyk and Andy C
Founding figures of disco like Francis Grasso and David Mancuso
Original house DJ Larry Levan (championed by Arthur Baker)
The godfathers of hip hop such as Grandmaster Flash and Kool Herc
Paul Oakenfold and Sasha, the first of the superstar DJs
NY warehouse legend François K (championed by dubstep pioneer Mala)
The first person to set up two turntables in a club, Jimmy Savile!
As well as contributions from some of the biggest stars in dance music, respected DJ historians Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton of link also weighed in with their nominations and expertise.