Hi, about to go and do a 60th birthday party next week, and they have requested just stuff from their era, but needs to appeal to everyone, any suggestions for playlists?

Um, I would start by researching 1962/ 63 +/- 5 years, and remember it was the "Light programme" in those days . A lot of American stuff was popular - Big Bopper to Dion etc, look for the rock 'n' roll influence, then in to blues and rock - Stones to Credence Clearwater Revival. Don't forget the pop standards and motown of the time, oh, and Phil Spector. There is no reason that you shouldn't pull off a good night to all ages, and if I'm there, Spooky Tooth, King Crimson, Fleetwood Mac, Cream - Um better stop now.

Just call Mikee, he was doing discos then !

But Dad, your older than me............................

I would say ask the client what they want & take requests.

Why do so many DJs see an age & wonder what to play????

It's all down to what the client / audience wants / likes.

Why should you stereotype somebody's musical taste by their age?

2 examples my mum is 62, she likes everything from Roy Orbison to Rod Stewart to the Cure & the Psychedelic Furs.


How many of you are 40 or thereabouts? I'm 40 in June & I like Alternative, Rock, Metal, Punk, Ska, Rhythm & Blues, 60s style Garage, Surf, Rock 'n' Roll, Indie, 60s Soul, old school Goth, Rockabilly & Psychobilly, I bet none of the other 40 year olds can say that.

To automatically assume just because somebody is a certain age will like a certain era or genre is wrong & just plain narrow minded. It also seems to me to be a sign of being complacent

Quote Steve:
"To automatically assume just because somebody is a certain age will like a certain era or genre is wrong"

Yes it is, but it's an idea to factor in the nostalgia feeling, so a few choice tracks from during their formative years can still be a good idea.

On the subject of wide music tastes, I, at 45, would be equally happy to listen to Danny & The Juniors as I would Princess Superstar/Mason, and wouldn't want someone to assume all I liked was glam rock.....

Try everyhit.com it has every top 40 single listed since the early 50s
http://www.everyhit.com/chart.html
good luck

Maybe, I mean, my favourite artist is probably Elvis, and im 24, my living room is like a shrine. lol , think thats my dads influence on me though, its been drummed into me my whole life.

I do however believe that when doing a party; if you've been supplied with no particular requests, as a starting point I think you have to make assumptions that they will like a particular music genre. You'll soon find out if they don't- and then just play to the crowd. As long as the birthday boy/girl is happy.

Also, being a 60th, chances are there cud be a young crowd there as well (family), so I'd throw in some recent chart stuff. (just probably best to avoid heavy club stuff etc. e.g 50 cent)

I reckon though that most will probably like a variety of music starting from the 60s and going right through to the present.

lol, sorry...
silly me, just read ur post properly.

go wiv what mikeee said.

Important thing is that the organiser and birthday boy/girl are happy.

But shouldn't you at least have communicated enough with your client to have found out at least what type(s) of music they like even if they have no specific requests.

I still think making assumptions about eras is a mistake. I was in my teens in the era of Wham & Frankie, & my early 20s for the Stock Aitken & Waterman era. If the DJ at my 40th decided that it was a 40th so that was the way to go, I wouldn't be happy.

(But then a) I would make sure I let the DJ know what I wanted first, although I wouldn't be too impressed if they hadn't asked & b) I'll be using one of my own DJs anyway)

I'm 100% with you steve but, if you are doing a party through an agent eg 40th party, the chances will be that you will have no contact number and neither will they. therefore if faced with situation you must must must speak with the punter on arrival to avoid some of the assumptions made above.

True, although it's as good a reason as any not to use an agent

I agree, but there are times when odd dates need to be filled, particularly slow tmes of the year. You don't get enough info off of them.

and I think there are going to be times when a client will not be bothered to give you any feed back on preferred music- how ever much you try to get out of them. But then those clients are usually easily pleased anyway.