Stepping DJs and Radio Personalities - Chicago Stepping Stories and Experiences

As steppers, music is the lifeline for our community. Without our masters of the music – the DJs – there is no stepping community. Thank you to the DJs that play music for the steppers and enjoy making us dance. We honor DJ Herb Kent (RIP) and continue the legacy that started with DJ Sam Chatman. The stories of our DJs present a point of view that you may only see from the DJ booth, watching the dancers and how they feel about the music. DJs have a unique but interesting perspective of what happens on the steppers set. I learn something and history on every interview with a DJ.

DJ Sam Chatman

People are now stepping around the world when it started in Chicago. DJ Sam Chatman, the Godfather of Steppin’ coined the phrase “Steppin’.”

“A friend of mine would be dancing and he would break away from his partner and sort of walk back to her. It was like he was stepping. So, I kept saying steppin’ and the word just caught on,” Chatman says. “The rest is history!”
DJ Sam Chatman

Some DJs had doubts about DJ Chatman’s movement and did not believe it would catch on with the old, slow music he played. The steppin’ movement took Black Chicagoans by storm in the 1970s. Chatman’s stepper sets became the go-to spot for dancers. At his sets, he managed to broker peace between South Side and West Side gangs. His success paved the way and opened doors for other DJs. DJ Sam Chatman shared more about stepping in his blog interview with livingthe8count.

Interview: DJ Sam Chatman Shares What Happens When You Follow the Music.

Masters of the Music

DJ Sam Chatman and Herb Kent(RIP) along with more than 100 DJs who have been a part of creating the soundscape of the Chicago Stepping experience at stepper sets and on the radio.

A list of the DJs and/or radio personalities in many cities who are on stepper sets across the USA. Click on the name to go to their Facebook page or profile. (* Rest in Peace)