DJ Nicky Siano Bio

Nicky Siano is a TRUE pioneer of the dance music scene, his first job playing records at New York’s famed club THE ROUND TABLE, was in 1971. In 1972, at the age of 17, he co-owned, designed and was the DJ at THE GALLERY, called THE FIRST DISCO in books ie. ‘Love Saves the Day’ and ‘Love Goes to Buildings on Fire.’ Both books and documentaries such as MAESTRO chronicle how Nicky started many DJ techniques like BEAT MATCHING RECORDS, designing the first CROSSOVER and building the first club BASS HORNS. He inspired owners to build such clubs as The Paradise Garage and Studio 54. He launched the careers of Grace Jones, D.C. La Rue, Loleatta Holloway, Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles, to name a few. His party at TWELVE WEST, 1999-2002, was heralded by New York Magazine, The Village Voice, Time Out, Hx, Next, Flyer, DJ Times and Paper Magazine as the party of the year.

Of the early, most influential DJ’s in New York, Nicky is the last survivor of that time. Nicky has written and stars in the new show HALLELUJAH DISCO: Stonewall to Studio 54 he tells the story of the STONEWALL RIOTS in New York City and the first PRIDE celebration. He recounts how, in the ashes of Stonewall, he and approximately 10 other DJ’s built the New York City club scene, how openned what many call “the first disco” THE GALLERY, where he launched the careers of Grace Jones, Loleatta Holloway, Larry Levan and Frankie Knukles. Songs from the era are performed by an eight piece gospel choir. He recounts his relationship with STEVE RUBELL and how he become the very first DJ to play at STUDIO 54.

A movie filmed at THE GALLERY on rich 16mm film, with incredible footage of the club, and life in 1975, is currently out. LOVE IS THE MESSAGE, a night at the Gallery 1977 is composed from rare footage of actual parties at THE GALLERY. This pristine 16mm footage transports the viewer to a time when people let go of their inhibitions, and DANCED! Frankie Knuckles, Nicky’s good friend and protégé, who has passed, is one of the narrators of the film.

So much more then a club owner and DJ, Nicky is a NEW YORKER, who has been present at many defining moments in NEW YORK CITY’S HISTORY; i.e. the Stonewall Riots, The opening of the Gallery, the Paradise Garage and Studio 54, The Act Up Aids protests, the rained out Diana Ross concert in Central Park, the first night of Bette Midler’s first Broadway show, her performances at the CONTINENTAL BATHS….the list is endless.

“If anyone is to be called a legend it is SIANO.” New York Magazine, 2011.

“Nicky Siano invented the segue.” New York Magazine’s 35th Anniversary issue, April 2003, Nicky is named as one of the “100 People who Changed New York.”

“Nicky Siano IS dance music.” Play Magazine, March.

“DJ Legend Nicky Siano remains an important figure in the music industry.” Time Out magazine, September 2001

In 2004, SOUL JAZZ RECORDS released the first GALLERY COMPILATION an incredible collection of rare Gallery hits.

Nicky is featured in MAESTRO, the documentary chronicling the life and times of Larry Levan, now available on DVD. In Tim Lawrence’s epic book, LOVE SAVES THE DAY, the definitive book on the seventies dance music scene, Nicky’s career is chronicled in some detail. In 2012 the new BESTSELLER, LOVE GOES TO BUILDINGS ON FIRE, chronicles Nicky’s achievements in molding the dance music industry.

Nicky has mixed and recorded over 30 dance classics. In 1977 he was the FIRST DJ to produce a record– the underground classic “Kiss Me Again” on Sire Records, for which he became partners with famed musician Arthur Russell, and sold more than 300,000 copies.

It was no coincidence that when Steve Rubelle opened Studio 54 he chose Nicky as one of the two original DJ’s, he is the last surviving ORIGINAL DJ from the legendary club. IN OCTOBER OF 2011, SiriusXM re-opened the original STUDIO 54, with all the original people, FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY. Nicky was chosen by IAN SCHRAGER to be at the decks for this evening. This event was featured on Entertainment tonight, and in PEOPLE magazine October 2011.

For a few more years, Nicky continues to tour the world. There is only one surviving DJ who actually started the dance music scene in New York and that is Nicky Siano.