DJ Johnny Looch began his career at the age of 13 in South Philadelphia hanging out with his uncle Joe “Booty” (a popular and talented local DJ during the mid 1970’s – mid 1980’s).  Joe Booty, literally, taught Looch the business.  Controlling a crowd, what to play, when to play it, etc…  An uncle, a mentor, a friend.  During this time, Looch’s passion for music began to evolve.  By the time he was 16, Looch was booking his own gigs and finally, by the age of 18, took over his uncle’s business. 

Here’s the story:

An opportunity came about for me to DJ in a bar in Center City, Philadelphia.  It was 1990.  I was looking forward to this chance and I took advantage of it.  It lasted approximately 2 months.  However, my cousin, Sonny, was approaching his 21st birthday and I was asked to play music for his surprise party at DiLullo’s in the Fox Chase section of Philadelphia.  Things started to change.  This, to date, was one of the best parties I have ever worked.  Everyone danced from the first ballad to the final song.  A phenomenal party.  At the end of the night, a South Philadelphia bar owner, Gino, asked me to work in HIS place on Friday nights.  Gino’s Café was the place to be.  We went on a 2-3 year run, in which, it was packed from 10-2, every week.  Honestly.  Some references made to me, 16 years later, brings up that I was the DJ in Gino’s Café. 

Most of my “practice” time came while home with my parents’ listening.  They shared with me most of the music that I have come to know and love.  My mother, Maria, would listen to other radio shows to make sure I have songs that she may have heard.  My father, John, would constantly ask me to play a song that he hadn’t heard in years.  These requests caused me to do research and educate myself on music that I was not familiar with.  Buying 45’s, albums, or cd’s became a weekly “hobby”.  In the end, it gave me something that I am most proud of: My collection of music.  

Over the years, other venues have allowed my name to become synonymous with “great time”.  I have worked the New Year’s Eve Dance Party at the (former) Venice Plaza, Colleen’s on the Parkway, and, presently, at the Cescaphe Ballroom in Philadelphia.  

I am proud to say that the thousands’ of weddings I have done over the years is, pretty much, what makes me what I am today.  The votes of confidence, the “pats on the back”, and all the other compliments have allowed me the ability to continue “spinning”.