Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Mario Orellana Rizzo.
Hi Luis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born – September 7, 1952, and 2023 will mark 52 years in this business. I am the Founder and CEO of the Legends of Vinyl™ Music Hall of Fame, and a producer, and – my first love and my beginnings – a DJ from the early days of dance music. It is the sound of music that led me to all of the above. As I say “music has no expiration date”.
I have traveled nationally and internationally representing my talent as a DJ as well as producing and promoting Legends of Vinyl™ as an internationally recognized organization Legends of Vinyl™ is unique and esteemed in its endeavors.
I think I’m one of the fortunate people who selected my professional career while still in high school and not once have I regretted.
My professional DJ career started at the inception of dance music/club music 1969/1970, landing short-lived jobs and learning the trade by watching and then being an understudy for DJ Francis Grasso my wonderful friend, and mentor. and my decision to become a DJ, and for the love of this profession.
In those days my playlists were similar to what Francis Grasso, Michael Cappello, David Mancuso, and Steve D’Acquisto were playing. It was a mix of Rock ‘N Roll, Motown, Gospel, and R&B. There was no mixing involved; they were called “changes”, and they changed a record from one turntable to the other using the only technique available at that time, called slip-cueing, created by Francis Grasso.
In 1973 after hours/underground clubs were too few to get into as a DJ so, just like so many other DJs, I had to join the mainstream clubs. I landed a job at Mr. Laffs, owned by Art Shamsky and Phil Linz, two ex-Mets players, on First Ave and 64th Street in NYC. In a matter of weeks, the line of people outside waiting to come in extended around the corner. They were coming in to partake of the wondrous musical trip that educated the minds of all of my following based on his beginnings in The Electric Circus, The Sanctuary, The Haven, Machine 1, The Jungle, The Loft, and Superstar.
Creative DJs had a passion and conviction to make people dance, that was their routine and their satisfaction was to make a difference that evening. I believe that they did make a difference because they created a lifestyle based in dance and nightlife.
In 1974, I was delighted to open “El Jardin” in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. After a few months, I came back to New York, and a dream came true when I was asked to play at membership-only, after hours private club. This club had the underground atmosphere touch; that’s why I felt at home. The place was called Cobra’s Lair, a most decadent atmosphere, where the artists, from musicians to actors, would come to hang out. Cobra’s was on the seventh floor of 18th and Broadway, owned by Dennis Johnston/Dennis Cobra. The ambiance started in the elevator where a dancer from the Trockadero Ballet Co. (a gay ballet company) would welcome you with a differently decorated elevator every Friday and Saturday night. Seven floors up you walked into a living room where the “hostesses” were several cobras and other snake species in a large enclosed aquarium. You could actually trip your night away watching these snakes munch on guinea pigs and rabbits. Enough said!!! What a trip of a job that was – I loved it.
Throughout the 1970s I worked at such clubs as Le Cocu, The Sting, Directoire/Twinkle Zone, Abracadabra, Cork & Bottle, The Ritz, Night Moves, Reflections/Ginza, Adonis, The Tower Suite Disco, The Rooftop, DVA, Les Mouches, Studio 54 (a couple of times as a guest DJ for private events), The Top Floor, Avenue One, Seconds, Percival, L’oubliette, Rockabout, Magique, Somebody’s, Chip n Dales, Mr. Laffs, The Rainbow Room, Top of The World, Avolation, Melons, Levels, Stillwind, Iperbole, The Lollipop, Green Parrot, Galaxy, Ground Zero, The Cat Club, The Copacabana, and many other clubs for which I was in demand that I can’t remember. This was just in New York.
In 1975 I met producer promoter, Roy Webb, soon to become my manager.
At the 1977 Billboard Convention, in which I was a participant at the convention, I met a disco producer, Jessie Sertain, who had an idea for a great project in Honolulu, Hawaii. I was chosen to be part of Disco Fever 2000, my second out of state performance.
When I got back to New York I was approached by Phil Gary, the man who brought the Rolling Stones to the States. Phil was interested in my ability to make a night an unforgettable experience and got me more out-of-state gigs.
I also toured in Dallas, Texas – daVinci; (with Roy Webb – see below) Beverly Hills, California – Max 151; Charlotte, North Carolina – 20th Century Fox; Louisville, Kentucky – Octaves, Las Vegas Paul Anka’s – Jubilation.
I became the first club DJ to perform live, for four hours non-stop, on New York’s Radio 92 WKTU FM in1977, a concept created by Roy Webb. As the radio station was creating a show to have famous DJs playing continuous music throughout the entire four-hour show, just like in the dance clubs.
With Roy managing me I secured Las Vegas and I was on my way to “Kill Disco”, televised nationally at Club Money. I made history by “killing” Disco to introduce the “New Wave” era, broadcasted around the world by Entertainment Tonight in 1979.
When I came back to New York I landed at the world-famous The Copacabana until 1983. I was then, once again, called on by Roy Webb to open one of the most unique club/cabaret/theatres to hit New York, The Cat Club.
In the mid and late 80s, I was pulled in so many directions by club owners who wanted the same concepts that I had created for other top-named clubs.
The 90s came, and I was ready to tackle South Florida, opening one club after another, and keeping the endurance and energy to land major contracts. I had the opportunity to work for and own clubs in South Florida – the famous “Lounge” in Coral Springs, Coco Loco’s, Joseph’s Landing, Pranzo’s, Conga’s, Deco Drive, Score, Miami Joe’s, Tantra, Polo Lounge, La Sensacion, Cory Cafe, Club Savoy, Platforms, Hunters. Now, in the new millennium, I have reached so many achievements that I am changing once again with the new era, and, to this day in 2023, I created The Legends of Vinyl™ and the L.O.V. Music Hall of Fame, Visual Radio, and Roku Channel L.O.V. TV are respected and legitimate entities, achieving new heights for the future.
As CEO & Founder of the Legends of Vinyl™LLC, I feel not just responsible, but also feel that it is imperative, for me to keep their legacy intact and to guard their integrity for which they have worked so hard through the years.
In the new millennium, I am reaching for new levels in playing and producing; embracing the new technology, and feeling confident. I have teamed up with wonderful friends in the industry; iconic DJs and producers to bring new concepts to their audience.
In 2019 I (on behalf of Legends of Vinyl™), along with Lenny Zachatak (aka Gonzalez and the voice of Alan Parsons Project) our European Administrator and Board of Director, were invited to Italy by Francesco & Cristina Tassanari, founder and co-founder of one of the most successful European festivals “Disco Diva”. The festival was in Gabicce Mare, Italy. I performed and had the opportunity to present Hall of Fame awards to George McCrae, Christine Wiltshire, Rochelle Fleming, and DJs Claudio Mozart Rispoli & Daniele Baldellini. The Legacy Award was given to two top Italian writers, Andrea Angelli Bufalini and Giovanni Savaspano, composers/writers of the book La Storia Della Disco Music, where we, Legends of Vinyl™, are noted. The Legacy award was also given to the owner of the first disco club Giancarlo Tiroti.
And as far as I am concerned – Legends of Vinyl™ Music Hall of Fame will return to Italy and to cross through Europe. We, the Legends of Vinyl™, are continuing our commitment to our family in Europe in 2023 where the tradition will continue.
With no signs of slowing down, I can say, without exception… What a Life!
Articles:
ROCK NYC The 7th Annual Legends Of Vinyl New York 2022 Music Hall of Fame Awards At Queens Theatre, Tuesday, September 13th, Reviewed
Legends of Vinyl Founder/CEO Luis Mario O. Rizzo Celebrates Disco Music Spun by Deejay Greats Through His Annual Awards
Luiz Mario Rizzo’s Legends Of Vinyl’s “Gala Awards Night” Returns On September 14th, 2021: Exclusive Luis Mario Interview
Disco Patrick’s Interview With Luis Mario Orellana Rizzo
https://www.discopatrick.com/19-luis%20mario.html
The 2021 “Legends Of Vinyl’s “Gala Awards Night” New York DJs and Artists Hall Of Fame, Tuesday, September 14th, Reviewed
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The struggles have been few (only when waiting for the next gig) but with my the blessings of having married a wonderful woman, Riki, in 1974 in my early days, we have both traveled this road together. Celebrating 50 years in this industry is very rare but we are continuing to travel and celebrate life!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
During the ’80s while working/traveling as a DJ, I also opened my own ad agency. Under the tutorship of my father-in-law (who had his own ad agency), Hal Just, I learned about the graphics industry. This helped with the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. It also allows me to be creative with everything I put my mind to and into production.
I am extremely proud that I have chosen my profession at an early age and to have been able to continue with it as a producer and bring in my brand the Legends of Vinyl™ worldwide.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up in a diversified family, musically, one side was folklore and the other classical With the European Italian foundation I was able to absorb the essence of all genres of music.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.legendsofvinyl.com – www.luismariodj.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luismariodj – https://www.facebook.com/lmordj
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/legendsofvinyltm
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/luismariodj/
