Lem “Lefty” Hernandez was quickly influenced by the melting pot of music growing up on MacDougal Street in New York’s Greenwich Village. At age 11 his family moved to the Lower East Side where the culture exposed him to his first DJ jamming in the city streets and Local Parks, instantly knowing this was going to be a lifelong passion. With money saved for him by his parents, he bought his first turntable and receiver by age 13. His drive for being a DJ had him spinning at local family parties and special events. This inspiration was his motivation to attend Brooklyn College pursuing a BA degree in TV/Radio Broadcasting where he joined WBCR-590 AM and having his first radio show for the next 5 years, best known as “the Latin from Manhattan”.

Right before college he had enough courage to knock on the doors of Eddie Rivera and IDRC (International Disco Record Center). Eddie recognized his young talents and launched Lefty’s career in the music industry as company liaison between all the Record labels, recording companies, artists, management firms and WRKS 98.7 Kiss-FM. Throughout his years at IDRC, “Lefty” helped jumpstart the careers of many well-known renowned artists worldwide such as Sylvester, Evelyn Thomas, TKA, Lisa Lisa, Nona Hendryx, Evelyn “Champagne” King and so many more. He also played major roles in the beginning for many prominent DJs including John “Gungie” Rivera and Louie Vega. He continued working with Eddie producing indoor club shows and outdoor concerts, manage the Record Pool and was a major key writing contributor to a leading music industry trade publication of its time.

Lefty Hernandez was also hired by WQHT-103.5 FM (later HOT 97) in the mid ‘80s becoming Assistant to Music Director, Program Director, and also joining the station’s Promotion Department. Throughout his career growth, Lefty maintained spinning at New York top clubs including The Michael Todd Room at Palladium and Flynn’s, Fire Island. Lefty also was s pioneer DJ in the early days of Roller Discos spinning at USA, Skate Key and later at Roller Jam.

Continuing promotions and marketing work at leading indie firms, Lefty earned his first Gold Record, “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock on Profile Records. This project was handed to him as an experimental test to see if he can make it stick somehow: after 6 long months, he did, becoming the fastest selling single at its time! Soon after, Lefty Hernandez earned his first Platinum Record for working National Retail Sales and promotions on “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C+C Music Factory on Columbia Records. Lefty Hernandez was also responsible for putting Jon Secada on the map with “Just Another Day” and working close with Emilio & Gloria Estefan.

Working with David Maldonado Management (who managed Marc Anthony), David referred Lefty to work with Ralph Mercado and RMM Records as Production/Publishing Director where he was responsible for the albums of Tito Nieves, Tony Vega, Tito Puente, Cheo Feliciano and Celia Cruz to name a few.

103.5 WKTU-FM came back to New York radio in the 90’s and Lefty Hernandez quickly joined the station as Promotion Coordinator while also being a regular On-Air midday & weekend MixShow DJ.

His experiences in Marketing led him to also work radio advertising sales for WCBS-FM 101.1, CBS Radio and its affiliate NY stations, Fresh 102.7, 1010 WINS, 92.3 NOW-FM and others.

Lefty Hernandez never stopped spinning music at clubs, venues, private galas and public events. Today he operates his own music business, “DJ Entertainment & Events Management” where he continues to produce public events, Disco brunches, and mobile DJ for hire for all private affairs.

Contact DJ Lefty Hernandez at
646-643-7221 and leftdj145@aol.com
for all club, and special events booking.