My London: Norman Jay

My London: Norman Jay

07 December, 2011
by: Lowri

His mum's cooking and Buckingham Palace. This is Norman Jay's London.

London native Norman Jay MBE has contributed hugely to the world of popular music in his lenghty and multifarious career. He is known for his Good Times Sound System at the Notting Hill Carnival, his infamous warehouse parties back in the 80s, being one of the first KISS FM DJs - back when it was still a pirate station - and of course coining the term 'rare groove'. He was also one of the first DJs to champion the US house sounds coming out of Chicago and New York. We talk London past and present to the legend that is Norman Jay.

Where did you grow up?

Although born in Notting Hill, I grew up in Acton in West London…but I spent my formative years in and around Ladbroke Grove.

Favourite London haunts from back in the day?

I have always had a love affair with the West End and have frequented Soho since my early teens..... that’s mainly because all the best record shops and nightclubs were located there.

If you could go back to a club for one night only, where and when would it be?

It would have to be the Friday lunchtime sessions at Crackers Club on Wardour Street circa 1979. Those disco sessions which started at midday were out of this world! It was the first lunchtime disco that was held during the working day. It was full of young teenagers - mostly under 18s who either worked or studied in London’s West End, and people like me who bunked off school just to be there.

When you're away, what do you miss about London?

I miss the uniqueness of London everyday life. I miss the street markets, I miss our unique street fashions and culture, pirate radio... not to mention family, friends, and of course the mighty Tottenham Hotspur!

How would you spend a chilled Sunday afternoon in town these days?

I very rarely go into town on Sundays as I’m usually still asleep recovering from the heavy night before! But if I do venture into town it would usually be to a cosy little bar or café in either Camden Town or Brick Lane.

London's best ever record shop?

There were many legendary shops over the years that could easily lay claim to that title. Every shop within the square mile of Soho would usually be on my radar, as I would visit everyone one of them on a regular basis.

Favourite place to eat?

My mum’s. I’m not really a restaurant-type person so my favourite place to eat is still my mum’s.

Favourite walk / journey?

I love strolling through any of the London parks, particularly Richmond or Holland Park. I also like strolling down White Hart Lane, particularly after a victory over the old enemy!

Favourite place to DJ?

I don’t have a particular favourite as I enjoy playing anywhere in London, but if forced to choose it would have to be on the junction of West and Southern Row W10 at Notting Hill Carnival where I’ve played for the last 30 years.

Name something that's better about London now than when you were growing up?

There are far more parties and venues to choose from now. We enjoy the best pirate radio in the world. We also now have the option to legally party all night – which we never had before.

And something that was better back then?

Music, street style, radio, ...everything really... I could go on forever...

If you could have a party in any building in London, club or not, where would it be and why?

It would have to be Buckingham Palace… it would be the party of all parties and totally free. I’m sure ma’am would approve.

Will you ever leave London?

Why on earth would I want to leave the best city in the world?

Norman Jay is hosting the Good Times New Year's Eve Party at Battersea Arts Centre.

Click here to read My London: Terry Farley.

Lowri