Grand Wizard Theodore (born Theodore Livingston, March 19, 1965) is an American hip-hop DJ and producer. He is widely credited as one of the originators of scratching and is considered one of the most influential DJs of all time.
Theodore was born in the Bronx, New York City, and grew up in the Soundview section of the borough. His grandfather was a jazz saxophonist, and his father was a jazz drummer. He was exposed to music from a young age, and started spinning records at the age of 12. He was inspired by the early hip-hop DJs who would mix records together to create a continuous sound.
In 1981, Grand Wizard Theodore invented the technique of "scratching" while experimenting with his mother's turntable. The technique involves manipulating records on a turntable by moving the needle back and forth, creating a distinctive sound. It quickly became popular in the hip-hop scene, and Grand Wizard Theodore was hailed as one of the originators of the technique.
Grand Wizard Theodore joined the group Fantastic Five in 1982, and they released the first commercially released hip-hop single, "It's Fantastic". He also toured with the group, and performed at the first hip-hop concert at Madison Square Garden in 1983.
In 1984, Grand Wizard Theodore released his first solo album, The Incredible Adventures of Grand Wizard Theodore. The album was well received, and is still considered a classic in the hip-hop genre. He has continued to release albums, singles, and mixtapes throughout his career.
In addition to being a hip-hop pioneer, Grand Wizard Theodore has also been involved in the development of DJ equipment. In 1991, he collaborated with Rane to create the TTM-57, the first professional DJ mixer to be designed specifically for scratching. He has also developed his own line of DJ equipment, called Grand Wizzards.
Grand Wizard Theodore has been a major influence in the hip-hop community. He has been honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and was inducted into the Technics/DMC Hall of Fame in 2005. He continues to perform live, and is still considered one of the most influential DJs of all time.
