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Larry Levan was an influential American DJ and producer, born on July 20, 1954, in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NYC. He is best known for his role as the DJ and driving force behind the iconic gay-friendly disco, Paradise Garage. Levan was instrumental in custom-designing the venue's sound system and DJ booth, collaborating with an engineer to incorporate audiophile Thorens turntables. His brilliance stemmed from both technical skill and an eclectic musical taste, as he expanded the boundaries of dance music by mixing genres such as gospel, reggae, Philly soul, Euro-disco, rock, post-punk, and ambient music. Levan was known for his innovative use of sound effects and audio manipulations, creating a unique auditory experience for his audience. He began his career at The Loft, one of the first underground after-hours discos, which combined psychedelic culture with early disco music. When Paradise Garage opened in 1976, Levan added gospel and R&B-infused disco to his sets. After the Garage closed in 1987, he maintained a lower profile, making guest appearances at various clubs, including Studio 54 and Palladium, while regularly DJing at The Choice, which carried on the Garage's underground legacy. Larry Levan was hospitalized at Beth Israel Medical Center following a Japanese tour. He passed away on November 8, 1992, at the age of 38, due to heart failure caused by endocarditis.

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