History
Norman Jay MBE is a pioneering British DJ, born in Notting Hill, London. He first gained recognition in the early 1980s by playing at unlicensed "warehouse" parties, including the renowned Shake 'n' Fingerpop events. Jay's distinctiveness lies in his extensive and eclectic musical knowledge, coupled with a refusal to confine himself to a single genre.
He was a key figure at the London pirate radio station Kiss 100, which he co-managed with Gordon Mac and George Power. Launched in 1990, Norman's show on Kiss 100 quickly became legendary. His association with Gilles Peterson at the Talkin' Loud label further cemented his influence.
Alongside his brother Joey, Norman established the Good Times Sound System. This collective is a significant draw at the annual Notting Hill Carnival, attracting an estimated 3,000 attendees daily over the August bank holiday weekend.
While Norman identifies as a house music DJ, the Good Times concept embraces a broad spectrum of music, including classic 70s and 80s funk, soul, and jazz-funk. His sets and radio shows often feature a blend of disco classics, contemporary club anthems, and tracks from artists like Estelle, Billy Griffin, and Heavy.
Norman Jay's influence has been recognized through various platforms. He was among the 20 DJs selected to play at the 2005 BBC Worldwide Awards, which led to three BBC Radio 1 specials hosted by Gilles Peterson. He is also a regular and highly anticipated performer at the Big Chill Festival, where his Sunday afternoon set on the main stage is considered a weekend highlight.
A dedicated supporter of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Norman Jay was awarded an MBE in 2002 for his services to music.