The DJ king of soul

DJ Clarence Bennett

AN OLDHAM DJ who has been packing dance floors for six decades is still going strong.

As well as spinning the discs with his favourite reggae, soul, RnB and Ska music, the dulcet tones of Clarence Bennett, known as DJ Clarence, can also be heard on the airwaves of Oldham Community Radio every Sunday.

The 62-year-old’s musical magic has filled nightspots like Manchester’s Twisted Wheel, Oldham’s Tap20 and the Avant Hotel, throughout the heady days of motown and soul in the 60s and 70s.

Chadderton-based DJ Clarence, who moved from Jamaica to Oldham aged 14, said: “Ever since I was a kid I have loved music.”

His career began at the age of 18 at Tap 20.

“It was brilliant. I worked with the likes of Edwin Starr and other soul singers like Barbara Lynn and Frank Wilson.”

“The only thing I know is to play music.

“Music has changed a lot but I still stick to what I was brought up with. I have not got into today’s music. I still play the soul music from the 60s and 70s,” he added.

He continues to play at friend’s birthday parties and soul nights at venues across the North-West including a recent gig in Crewe.

He said he has one regret: “I can’t play a musical instrument. I started taking piano lessons aged 16 but I packed in. I wish I had learnt.”

The former Clarksfield School pupil has collected thousands of vinyl records over his lifetime.

He said: “I’m still collecting. I have told my oldest grandson when I retire he can have my collection.”

DJ Clarence, who has five grandchildren aged 10 to 16, has passed his love of music on to the next generation.

He said: “My daughter loves my music, she plays motown in the car — and grandkids love it.

“My granddaughter Leah’s favourite song is “Heaven Must Have Sent You” and Macy’s is “Ghost in my House”. The soul music, it just gets into your blood and once it’s in it’s there forever.”

Looking to the future, DJ Clarence is hoping to expand his on air time with a new show at North Manchester Radio.