In the “here today, gone today” climate of radio, hometown legend BJ “The DJ” Holiday is an anomaly.
This year marks his 40th anniversary of dominating the airwaves on radio stations like Majic 104.9, Hallelujah 1600, and Z107.7. He has come a long way from his humble beginnings as a mix DJ on Majic 108 way back in 1985. He’s currently a weekend host for the top rated hip hop and R&B station 100.3 The Beat.
Family, friends and fans joined past and present colleagues at luxurious Live by Loews rooftop to celebrate this accomplishment Sunday afternoon. DJ Stew.Net on the turntables and fellow 100.3 The Beat personality, Y.O.M.P hosted the event that brought the city out to show BJ love for his longevity.
The celebration started with specialty drinks and “Just in Time,” a live band that brought new life to Mystikal’s “The Man Right Chea.” Guests danced and socialized. They smoked cigars and shopped with the local vendors that sold bespoke men’s hats in various colors, women’s accessories, and even whipped body butters. Once they received their drinks and goodies, guests made their way to the dance floor in anticipation of the man of the hour’s arrival.
For his entrance, BJ strolled through the party as Rich Homie Quan’s “Walk Thru” blared through the speakers. Guests cheered and cameras flashed when he made his way to the stage.
“I want to thank everyone for allowing me to be a voice and personality on the radio for 40 years,” BJ said. “A lot of times when you’re in this business you don’t know the impact that you are making on people. But today I get to see it, and I thank God for that.”
In a touching and vulnerable moment, BJ opened up about recent struggles concerning his eyesight. “Two years ago, I had major eye surgery.”
He took a pause to clear his throat as he shared details of his health challenge.
“I went to the doctor and the pressure in your eye is supposed to be between 11 and 15,” BJ said. “The pressure in my eye was 32, if I had got to 40 I wouldn’t be able to see today.”
BJ thanked God for the challenge that evolved into his testimony.
“He took away a lot of my natural sight so that my spiritual sight could open up, some of y’all don’t know what I’m talking about,” BJ said.
He has since been fitted with special lenses that allow him to see better than he did before he found that his vision was in jeopardy.
“So, you might look different if I haven’t seen you in a lot of years,” BJ said. “Now that could be a good thing or…” He paused and the crowd laughed.
He gave thanks to everyone who has supported him over the course of his 40-year journey in radio. Two in particular received extra special thanks – his daughters Bianca and Tina James.
“There are two reasons why I do what I do, these young ladies were right by my side during the surgery and the recovery,” BJ said. “These young ladies, along with my three other kids have been my rock through the 40 years I have been on the radio. There was a lot of times when I was busy, and we didn’t get to spend a lot of time together, but God has a way of allowing your kids to see you and what you’re trying to do for them.”
Sunday’s gathering demonstrated a mutual endearment that extends beyond his family.
“God has blessed me to serve a city that has so much love for me,” BJ said. “This is only the beginning.”
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
