With a career spanning decades, Tiësto, a Dutch DJ, has become one of the most well known and highly paid DJs globally. Often referred to as the "Godfather of EDM," Tiësto's journey started in the hardcore and gabber scenes before he pioneered various dance subgenres, cementing his place in EDM history.

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Deadmau5 -

Deadmau5 is instantly recognizable by his iconic mouse mask. He gained fame in 2005 with 'Get Scraped' and has since headlined major music festivals, including Ultra Music Festival and Coachella. His knack for branding and musical innovation has made him a prominent figure in the EDM scene.

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David Guetta -

Hailing from France, David Guetta is undeniably one of the world's most renowned DJs. His breakthrough came in 2009 with the release of 'One Love,' which earned him two Grammy Awards and three top DJ honors from DJ Mag. With over 71 million monthly Spotify listeners and a massive TikTok following, Guetta's influence extends far beyond the dance floor.

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AfroJack -

Nick van de Wall, known as Afrojack, is a DJ and music producer from the Netherlands. He started DJing at a young age, experimenting with various subgenres of house music. Afrojack has received multiple Grammy nominations, consistently remaining one of the top 10 DJs in the world.

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Martin Garrix -

Also hailing from the Netherlands, Martin Garrix gained fame before the age of 18. Known as one of the world's top DJs, he founded his own label, STMPD Records, and has collaborated with artists like Dua Lipa.

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Calvin Harris -

The Scottish DJ gained fame with his debut album 'I Created Disco' in 2007. He's known for his chart-topping hits, and was consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid DJs in the world by Forbes from 2013 to 2018.

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Avicii -

Avicii was a Swedish DJ and producer. He rose to fame with his debut album 'True' in 2013, which reached the top of the charts in multiple countries. Avicii experimented with various genres, including deep house and electronic, and his music often included elements of country and folk. He passed away in 2018.

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Diplo -

Diplo is a versatile DJ and record producer with a focus on electro-house and electronic dance music. His collaborations with international artists like Madonna and Justin Bieber have solidified his position in the music industry.

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Zedd -

Anton Zaslavski is a Russian-German DJ known for his blend of dance-pop, electro-house, future bass, and EDM. He gained recognition with his remix of Skrillex's 'Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,' and has released successful albums like 'Clarity' and 'True Colors.'

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Armin Van Buuren -

Armin van Buuren, hailing from the Netherlands, has been a prominent DJ for decades. He incorporates various musical genres into his sets, including progressive trance, house, and more. His album 'Imagine' catapulted his career, and he remains a top DJ, consistently featured on lists of the world's best DJs.

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Marshmello -

DJ Marshmello is famous for his chart-topping tracks like 'Alone,' 'Happier,' and 'Silence.' His larger-than-life persona, characterized by a marshmallow mask, adds to his appeal. Marshmello's electronic, dance, and dubstep songs are known for their rhythmic intensity.

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DJ Khaled -

DJ Khaled's journey to stardom began with spinning music on pirate radios and at local gatherings. He moved to Miami in the 1990s, co-hosted a radio show, and later launched his own program. After being signed by Fat Joe, he shifted his focus to music production and started his own record company.

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Don Diablo -

Don Diablo is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and composer. While he acquired global recognition relatively recently, he secured his first record deal at the age of 15. Diablo has released chart-topping and club hits, and received acclaim for his albums.

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Jam Master Jay -

Jam Master Jay was the DJ for the iconic hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. He not only DJed but also played keyboards and drums for the group. His tragic assassination in 2002 marked a significant loss in the hip-hop world.

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Carl Cox -

A major influencer in the UK electronic music scene, Carl Cox has continuously pushed the boundaries of techno and underground house music. He's performed at renowned clubs and curated festival lineups worldwide.

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Paul Oakenfold -

Paul Oakenfold is a pioneer in the dance music scene. His diverse career includes work in acid jazz, house music, and collaborations in films, television shows, and video games. Oakenfold's impact on the world of DJing is immeasurable.

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Hardwell -

Dutch electro-house DJ Hardwell has made a significant impact on the global DJ industry. He was ranked as the top DJ in the world by DJ Mag for two consecutive years (2013 and 2014). Known for both his original music and remixes, Hardwell has released numerous compilation CDs and a documentary movie.

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Grandmaster Flash -

Grandmaster Flash is a legendary figure in hip-hop DJing as one of the genre's most significant influencers. His innovation in DJ techniques, particularly the Backspin Technique, has left an indelible mark on hip-hop history.

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Paul Van Dyk -

This German DJ and producer rose to prominence with the remix of 'Love Simulation' by Humate. Paul Van Dyk is known for his cutting-edge trance music and performances at famous clubs like Amnesia in Ibiza.

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Todd Terje -

Todd Terje is one of Norway's greatest DJs, known for his energetic live performances. His love for dancing is evident in his music, and he gained international recognition with tracks like 'Inspector Norse.' Terje's eclectic style spans various electronic music genres.

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Maya Jane Coles -

Maya Jane Coles is one of the most recognized female DJs globally, hailing from London. She excels in techno music and produces darker, bass-driven tracks under the alias Nocturnal Sunshine. Coles is celebrated for her contributions to the electronic music scene.

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Timmy Trumpet -

Timmy Trumpet, an Australian DJ, is known for his electrifying live performances, incorporating the trumpet into his sets. He brings a unique energy to electronic music, performing across various subgenres and tempos.

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Black Coffee -

Black Coffee, a South African DJ and producer, has made a significant impact on the global electronic music scene. Known for his signature blend of deep house and Afro-house, he's been a pioneer in showcasing the rich musical heritage of Africa to the world. With Grammy nominations to his name and collaborations with top artists, including Drake and Usher, who knows what the future holds?

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Nicky Romero -

Dutch DJ Nicky Romero is a global sensation with a strong fan base. Collaborating with renowned DJs like David Guetta and Calvin Harris, Romero has consistently ranked among the top DJs globally and gained recognition for his viral hit 'Toulouse.'

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DJ Green Lantern -

DJ Green Lantern is known for his original mixes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in the hip-hop scene. Eminem signed him to Shady Records in 2002, and he went on to produce songs for artists like Nas, Busta Rhymes, and Ludacris.

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Frankie Knuckles -

Known as the "Godfather of House Music," Frankie Knuckles significantly contributed to the acceptance of house music in Chicago during the 1980s. His legacy is honored by his inclusion in the Dance Music Hall of Fame.

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Ben Böhmer -

Ben Böhmer is a rising star in the electronic music scene, known for his emotive and melodic take on deep house and techno. With releases on renowned labels like Anjunadeep and a rapidly growing fan base, Ben Böhmer's music has earned him a well-deserved place among the contemporary electronic music elite.

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Hot Since 82 -

Hot Since 82, the alias of British DJ and producer Daley Padley, has become synonymous with infectious, groove-driven house music. His productions and DJ sets are celebrated for their energy and ability to ignite dance floors worldwide.

Sources: (Rolling Stone) (ZIPDJ) (Record Head)

The 30 best DJs of all time

The musical wizards spinning iconic tunes

28/12/23 | StarsInsider

MUSIC Entertainment

In this electrifying journey through the world of music, we explore the stellar careers and unmatched talents of the 30 most exceptional DJs ever to grace the turntables. From legendary pioneers who pioneered the art form, to contemporary maestros pushing boundaries, we'll dive deep into the extraordinary careers, genre-defining tracks, and impact of these trailblazing artists.

Join us as we celebrate the sonic journeys, artistic innovations, and enduring legacies of these iconic DJs who have shaped the music industry and moved audiences around the globe. Click on for more.