If there’s one thing Lubbock knows how to do, it’s listen to the radio. From early-morning commutes to late-night drives across the South Plains, radio is part of daily life here. And on January 20th, there’s a good reason to turn the dial up a little louder–it’s National Disc Jockey Day!
Why National Disc Jockey Day Falls on January 20
National Disc Jockey Day isn’t one of those random, made-up calendar holidays. It lands on January 20th for a very specific reason.
The date honors Alan Freed, also known as “Moondog,” one of the earliest and most influential disc jockeys in American history. Freed passed away on January 20th, 1965, but his impact on music and radio still echoes today.
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Back in the 1950s, Freed helped popularize the term “rock and roll,” introducing a generation of listeners to music that changed culture forever. His influence is so significant that he became one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
What Disc Jockeys Mean to Lubbock
In a city like Lubbock, radio is more than background noise. It’s how people wake up, stay informed, discover new music, and feel connected to what’s happening around town.
Local DJs talk about the weather before it hits, the road closures before you reach them, and the events happening just down the street. They’re the voices people recognize instantly–familiar, local, and trusted.
For decades, Lubbock radio helped introduce new artists, support local businesses, promote community events, and keep West Texans company during long drives and longer days.
Radio Still Matters — Especially Here
Even in the age of streaming, podcasts, and AI playlists, radio continues to thrive in places like Lubbock. Why? Because it’s local, live, and human.
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Radio reacts in real time. It reflects what’s happening right now–not what an algorithm thinks you might want. And when weather turns, emergencies happen, or big news breaks, people still reach for the radio first.
That connection is especially strong in West Texas, where radio remains a daily habit for thousands of listeners.
How Lubbock Celebrates National Disc Jockey Day
National Disc Jockey Day is a reminder to pause and appreciate the voices that are part of Lubbock life–the people behind the microphones who keep the city informed, entertained, and connected.
Whether listeners realize it or not, every song played, every local mention, and every familiar voice on January 20th carries a little extra meaning.
Because in Lubbock, radio isn’t just something you hear–it’s something you live with.
And on National Disc Jockey Day, Lubbock proves once again that the radio still matters!
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Gallery Credit: Landon King
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Gallery Credit: Landon King