Most Famous DJs of All Time

Table of Contents

From roots in the underground music scene, DJing has grown into an internationally recognized and celebrated art. A few DJs have risen to unparalleled fame over the years, shaping the music industry and culture in their own ways. Following are some of the most famous DJs of all time whose talent, innovation, and charisma have left an indelible mark upon the world.

1. Tiësto

This Dutch powerhouse is one of the most recognizable DJs in the world, evolving from a trance DJ to mainstream EDM. He is known for tracks such as “Adagio for Strings” and “The Business.” Tiësto has headlined festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival. His performance at the 2004 Athens Olympics marked a milestone in mixing electronic music with global cultural events.

2. David Guetta

French DJ David Guetta made his name by blending pop with even the so-called “Godfather of Dance-Pop.” Some of his many collaborations have come from Rihanna, Sia, and Nicki Minaj, all of which saw the birth of worldwide hits like “Titanium,” “When Love Takes Over,” and “Sexy Chick.” Being able to marry commercial music with EDM turned Guetta into a household name.

3. Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris is a Scottish producer and DJ who works his magic with dance-pop anthems. Successive chart-bursting “Summer,” “Feel So Close,” and “We Found Love” featuring Rihanna, Harris has dominated both the EDM and mainstream music charts. The way he melts electronic beats with lyrical catchiness has earned him a spot among leading personas in the music world.

4. Avicii

Avicii can be remembered as one of the most influential DJs, Tim Bergling. He blew up with the hit single “Levels,” followed by a string of hot tracks including “Wake Me Up” and “Hey Brother,” showing off the ability of this electronic whiz kid to balance perfectly thumping electronic beats with heartfelt melodies. Avicii left this world all too early in 2018, but his musical legacy will continue to inspire millions for years to follow.

5. Skrillex

Skrillex was a stage name derived from the electronic music pioneer in aggressive dubstep sound, Sonny Moore. Some of the hits credited for bringing dubstep to the fore in global music included “Bangarang,” “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” and “First of the Year (Equinox).” He gained a reputation for his electric performances, with collaborations in the mainstream to cement his standing as an ongoing driving force within the industry.

6. Deadmau5

With his signature Mau5head, Canadian DJ and producer Deadmau5 has worked up to a legendary status within the genres of progressive house and electro. He built this staple in EDM with several hits such as “Strobe” and “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff.” With his outspoken nature and technical ability, Deadmau5 is without a doubt the most famous and highly acknowledged artiste of electronic music.

7. Armin van Buuren

One of the legends in trance music, Armin van Buuren is known for his weekly radio show A State of Trance, which is listened to by millions all over the world. His tracks “This Is What It Feels Like” and “Communication” have become anthems for trance lovers. Armin’s ability to connect with his audience through uplifting and melodic sounds has earned him numerous accolades, including being named the world’s best DJ multiple times.

8. Swedish House Mafia

Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso or SHM to all house-music heads-they form the supergroup from where the anthems sound a.k.a. progressive house, always are flowing out, so get ready with songs such as “Don’t You Worry Child”, “Save the World.” So after this well-profiled break up in 2013, the reunion tour really whipped up their legion anew to lock them inside electronic dance music history once and for all.

9. Carl Cox

Carl Cox is a techno legend and has been in this field for over four decades, running marathon sessions with infectious energy to lead the underground charge. This residency, born at Space Ibiza, made quite an indelible mark in club culture. So few have ever shaped global dance music culture like him.

10. Diplo

Diplo is the mastermind behind Major Lazer and one-half of Jack Ü, a collaboration with Skrillex. He could be one of the most genre-bending producers; think moombahton, dancehall, pop, and trap. His ability to fit into any mold has earned him followers and collaborators in every way. “Lean On” and “Where Are Ü Now” featuring Justin Bieber show but a glimpse of his approach to innovation in music production.

11. Daft Punk

Not touring DJs in the traditional sense but another huge influence on electronic music, the robot duo of France gave the world hits like “One More Time” and “Around the World.” Setting bars for live electronic music, especially at Alive 2007.

12. Martin Garrix

Martin Garrix came into the scene in 2013 with “Animals,” making him one of the youngest DJs to ever gain worldwide fame. He has also headlined a number of chart-toppers with vocals from artists like Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, and Troye Sivan. The youthful energy and the aptitude for festival anthems are what have kept Garrix at the frontline of modern EDM.

13. Paul Oakenfold

One of the original electronic music trendsetters, Paul Oakenfold has led trends related to trance and house music across his career. Building from the 1980s, Oakenfold’s impact spills between generations of music lovers into today’s dance music. The work that he has done in collaboration with movie soundtracks and cross-over work with mainstream artists continues to point out the flexibility within his work.

14. Steve Aoki

Steve Aoki is arguably one of the most recognizable DJs around the world, thanks to his highly energetic performances and his signature cake-throwing shenanigans. He has been a staple for festivals with hits like “Delirious” and “Pursuit of Happiness” (remix). The collaborations of Aoki cross genres-from BTS and Linkin Park to Louis Tomlinson.

15. Zedd

Actually Anton Zaslavski has been known for his polished production and pop collaborations. “Clarity,” “Stay the Night,” and “The Middle” are a few of his chart-toppers. Classically trained, the musical background of Zedd adds depth to his electronic productions, making him an outstanding artist in the EDM scene.

Conclusion

The aforementioned DJs are among the most renowned in the world and are considered to be revolutionary, having shaped EDM with innovation and artistry-and not just EDM but also, by consequence, the entire world of music. From euphoric melodies by the likes of Tiesto and Armin van Buuren to genre-defining sounds by Daft Punk and Skrillex, setting benchmarks with creativity and performance that’s why electronic music will be alive, inspiring, and connecting millions all over the globe.

Related Post You May Like