Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffery Powell.
Jeffery, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to become a DJ began listening to WHAL 105 from New Orleans, LA in my bedroom on Saturday nights in Hattiesburg, MS. There was something magical with how the DJ would mix two songs continuously together made me want to learn this skill. I did not officially began DJ’ing until 1990 when I was in the Air Force stationed at Incirlik AB, Turkey and I purchased my first set of Technics Turntables. The rest is history. I got my first paying gig as a DJ on the Air Force Base DJ’ing at the Non-Commissioned Club. Which turned into DJ’ing the other clubs on base and also in the city of Adana Turkey. My commander even flew me up to northern Iraq to DJ for the soldiers on the 4th of July during Operation Desert Storm. For the remainder of my military career, I DJed the clubs on base, local clubs and even had a radio show at one of my duty stations. Upon retiring in 2005, I decided I no longer wanted to work in clubs and started to look for more opportunities in the other areas of DJ such as weddings and corporate events. For the last 16 years, I have done 90% weddings and I love seeing the smile the brides faces when she makes her way down the aisle and during party time as the newlyweds and their family and friends dance the night away. In 2020, I merged JPC Entertainment with All Thing Elegant Entertainment to form my current company with co-owner Garrick Hutchins, Alliance Entertainment Group. We are off to a great start doing over 250 events first to years of the company.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth. Several club owners/managers told me no. I was persistent in my quest to prove they would not be sorry if they gave me a chance to DJ at their venue. Being in the military did not help having to move every three-four years to a new duty station and having to start the process over again. Perhaps my favorite bump in the road was when I was trying to get my first radio job. I think I went by the radio station weekly. Finally, one Friday when I stopped by one of the on-air personalities needed a DJ for an event he was Emceeing (MC) and asked if I could help him out and DJ for him. After the event, he told the station manager he needed to hire me the next time I stopped by the station.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Professional DJ; I get to entertain people for a living and I love what I do. I specialize in DJ’ing and Emceeing weddings, helping brides bring their musical vision come to life for their special day. Not sure what I am known for besides rocking the party! Being a successful DJ for over 30 years in an ever-changing industry. Going from carrying around vinyl records to now all my music on a hard drive and being able to play to any crowd. What sets me apart is my willingness to share the knowledge I have gained over the years in this DJ Industry. I created a Private Facebook group to called DJ Crosstalk to Mentor Local DJs on business practices, professionalism, equipment, and mentorship.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Make sure your contracts have Covid-19 provisions written in and highlighted. Have a contingence plan for last-minute issue due to Covid-19.
Contact Info:
- Email: jeff@aegtx.com
- Website: www.AEGTX.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djjayp_dfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aegtxdjs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszpqCO6Mj4U_EqgQnfZg3Q
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/thedjjayp/
Image Credits
Truly Priceless Photography
