Who Is DJ Kool Herc? Age, Biography and Wiki
DJ Kool Herc, born Clive Campbell on April 16, 1955, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a renowned Jamaican-American DJ credited with originating hip hop music and culture in the early 1970s. At the age of 70, he reflects on a legacy that has shaped the musical landscape and influenced countless artists. His innovative techniques, particularly the use of breakbeats, turned DJing into an art form and set the stage for generations to come.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1955 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Jamaica |
Popularity
DJ Kool Herc's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, DJ Kool Herc stands at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 180 lbs (82 kg). His overall body measurements reflect a well-maintained figure, which is a testament to his dedication to health and wellness even after decades in the music industry.
He called the dancers "break-boys" and "break-girls", or simply b-boys and b-girls, terms that continue to be used fifty years later in the sport of breaking. Campbell's DJ style was quickly taken up by figures such as Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash.
Unlike them, he never made the move into commercially recorded hip hop in its earliest years. On November 3, 2023, Campbell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Influence Award category.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
DJ Kool Herc has been quite private about his personal life. Over the years, he has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships or a significant other. While there have been speculations about his dating life, his focus remains on his career and passion for music. Rumors and gossip often circulate, but Herc prefers to keep his private life under wraps.
Clive Campbell (born April 16, 1955), better known by his stage name DJ Kool Herc, is a Jamaican-American DJ who is credited with being the founder of hip hop music in the Bronx, New York City, in 1973. Nicknamed the Father of Hip-Hop, Campbell began playing hard funk records of the sort typified by James Brown.
Campbell isolated the instrumental portion of the record which emphasized the drum beat—the "break"—and switch from one break to another. Using the same two-turntable set-up of disco DJs, he used two copies of the same record to elongate the break. This breakbeat DJing, using funky drum solos, formed the basis of hip hop music.
Campbell's announcements and exhortations to dancers helped lead to the syncopated, rhythmically spoken accompaniment now known as rapping.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, DJ Kool Herc's estimated net worth is around $1 million. His earnings primarily stem from his illustrious career as a DJ, producing music, and participating in various collaborative projects. Throughout his journey, he has also made appearances at numerous events and festivals, contributing to a steady income derived from his performances and public appearances.
Career, Business and Investments
DJ Kool Herc's career took off in the 1970s when he began hosting parties in the South Bronx, where his innovative style captured the attention of music lovers. Despite his global recognition as a pioneer, Herc continues to remain active within the music scene, contributing to various collaborations and revitalizing his classic hits. In addition to his musical efforts, DJ Kool Herc has invested in music-related ventures and has been involved in mentorship roles for aspiring DJs and artists.
Social Network
In the digital age, DJ Kool Herc has leveraged social media to connect with fans and share his experiences. He maintains an active presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he posts updates and interacts with followers. His Instagram account (@djkoolherc) showcases not only his music but also glimpses of his personal life and interests outside of DJing.
According to The Source, DJ Kool Herc fell gravely ill in early 2011 and was said to lack health insurance. He had surgery for kidney stones, with a stent placed to relieve the pressure. He needed follow-up surgery but St.
Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, the site that performed the previous surgery, requested that he make a deposit toward the next surgery, because he had missed several follow-up visits.
(The hospital noted that it would not turn away uninsured patients in the emergency room.) DJ Kool Herc and his family set up an official website on which he described his medical issue and set a larger goal of establishing the DJ Kool Herc Fund to pioneer long-term health care solutions.
In April 2013, Campbell recovered from surgery and moved into post-medical care. In May 2019, Kool Herc released his first vinyl record with Mr. Green.
Education
While specific details about his formal education are not widely publicized, DJ Kool Herc has often credited his experiences in the music scene as a major influence in his life. He has been a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, often sharing the importance of learning through hands-on experiences and the power of self-education in the creative arts.
Herc's first sound system consisted of two turntables connected to two amplifiers and a Shure "Vocal Master" PA system with two speaker columns, on which he played records such as James Brown's "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose", Jimmy Castor's "It's Just Begun" and Booker T. & the M.G.'s' "Melting Pot".
With Bronx clubs struggling with street gangs, uptown DJs catering to an older disco crowd with different aspirations, and commercial radio also catering to a demographic distinct from teenagers in the Bronx, Herc's parties, organized and promoted by his sister Cindy, had a ready-made audience.
