Champion, Kelly: - "Meet the Author: DJ Kel All Day, A Life Lived to MelodiesThe music and culture that birthed House predates the genre ever having an official name and dance floors existed where partners were not required. If you're curious about where House music came from, how it grew, and why it continues to move hearts, bodies and souls around the world, DJ Kel All Day is here to guide you through the journey. If you're going to learn the history of House music, you should hear it from those who lived it. Kelly Champion, known in the music world as DJ Kel All Day, didn't just read about House music in a textbook, she danced it into her DNA. From her earliest memories in a record-filled home, to decades spent inside the heartbeat of New York's underground and popular dance floors, Kel's life has been shaped by rhythm, culture, and community.From East Elmhurst, Queens to Newburgh, New York, Kelly was only 16 years old when she stepped into The Loft (Prince St. location), the late David Mancuso's legendary invite-only party running for 10+ years, where House music was born not in name, but in spirit. That night in 1980, guided by her cousin and fellow music head, DJ, and dancer, Michael Groneveldt aka Mike G, she entered a space where genres blended, identities were celebrated, and music became a spiritual, sacred, shared experience. She's been part of that movement ever since, now celebrating over 44 years as a Loft member. A veteran Lofter, alumnus student of David Mancuso, DJ Kel All Day is more than just a witness; she's a participant and a voice within the culture. Her career in entertainment began with an internship at Inner City Broadcasting (ICBC) New York's iconic radio station 107.5 FM WBLS, contributing to the station's Programming team led by "Down Town" Vinnie Brown and his Assistant Stacy Anderson, who eventually went on to work for The Grammy's. Kelly then made her way to the radio station's Promotions team led by Tina Nachman and her Assistant Gwendolyn Kingsbury, during an era that featured radio giants like Hal Jackson & Debi B, Wendy Williams, Dr. Bobb Lee, Paul Mooney, Isaac Hayes, Tommy Davidson, Doug & Dee Dee, among other notable DJ talent Rich LaMotte - DJ/Mixer/Producer of the "Rich Mix" and "All Night House Party" and Clay Berry producer and radio personality, notably on the "Sunday Classics" show and the "Friday Overnites" program. With guidance from insider Antonia Badon -(NYC actress, Author and Host of The Harlem Renaissance radio show), Kel transitioned from radio programming and promotions to TV, working on production teams for the Daytime Emmys and The Grammys, eventually becoming Production Administrator for It's Showtime at the Apollo during the host change from Steve Harvey to Rudy Rush. She was led by James Baylor, a well-known and respected Production Manager in the industry, helping manage the magic of the Amateur segment under the late Producer, Maxine Lewis and her Assistant Antonia Badon, supporting the launch of future stars to the world stage."
