Releases by Mixer / D.J.
Total Mixes: 5, Duration: 01:32:56
Click on the 'Release Title' to view the full details of each release
Below is a summarised biography created using Google Gemini in April 2026...
Bobby "D.J." Guttadaro (1947–1989) was a titan of the 1970s New York disco scene, often cited as one of the most technical and influential "bridging" figures between the era of the selector and the era of the modern remixer.
The "Singing" Pharmacist: Born in Brooklyn, Guttadaro actually graduated as a pharmacist in 1970 and worked in a pharmacy for several years. His pharmaceutical background earned him the industry nickname "The man who’s got ears" due to his clinical precision in sound and mixing.
Club Residency Pedigree: He began his DJ journey in 1971 at The Ice Palace (Fire Island). He eventually moved to legendary Manhattan venues like Le Jardin, Infinity, New York New York, and The Funhouse.
Pioneer of Beat-Mixing: Guttadaro is widely regarded as a pioneer in seamless beatmatching. Along with Francis Grasso, he moved the DJ beyond just playing records to creating a continuous, rhythmic narrative on the dance floor.
Key Contributions to DJ History
First "Gold Disc" DJ: In a landmark moment for the profession, Bobby was the first DJ ever presented with a Gold Record for his work in breaking and promoting the Love Unlimited Orchestra's "Love’s Theme" on 20th Century Records.
Disconet Founder: He was a founding member of the original remix team for Disconet Program Service (started in 1977). This was the first subscription-based service that provided DJs with pre-edited, extended "remixes" of tracks specifically designed for club play.
Remix Culture: He transitioned from the booth to the studio, mixing classic 12-inch releases for labels like Salsoul Records and Casablanca. He was a music consultant for the iconic film Thank God It's Friday.
Awards & Recognition: He won Billboard’s National Disco DJ of the Year award in 1976 and 1977, cementing his status as the premier DJ in the United States during the peak of the disco era.
Impact on the Evolution of the DJ
Bobby Guttadaro helped move the DJ out of the "shadows" and into the limelight. Before him, DJs were often seen as background staff; Guttadaro’s technical skill and ability to influence record sales proved that the DJ was a tastemaker and a recording artist in their own right.