Hindsight will prove that of all the dance music labels with a retrospective bent, Henry Street Music was not only the most innovative, but also one of the most successful. A large part of that fact is due to its owner and creater, one Johnny “D” De Mairo. 

Born and raised in Brooklyn (Henry Street), of Italian parentage, Johnny D possesses that nation’s infamous tenacity.  Allied to that is business acumen and a sharp musical mind honed by his days, months and years growing up in the tough multicultural streets of New York.

Never one to wait for tomorrow his career to date is littered with gold-star achievements born out of a determination and a will to win. He was DJing by the age of twelve and a few yars later was playing out regularly at clubs, venues and some of the biggest parties in town. He has now played all over the world including Ministry Of Sound and Hard Times in the UK to name a few.

A member of the independent promotion company (SIN), he promoted extensively, making his name as a leading player in the field.  He broke records by no less a performer than Janet Jackson, along with hundreds of others including Dr. Dre, Wu-Tang Clan and gave the world the first ever Funkmaster Flex mixed cd – only a few projects to receive Johnny D’s Midas touch.

Apart from the undoubted success of his label, Johnny D is now A & R and promotion man for Atlantic Records and Rhino.  During this time, he has further enhanced his already considerable reputation with his role in records such as “Missing” by Everything But The Girl, “Profesional Widow” by Tori Amos and “The Boss” by The Braxtons which he put together and have had global success.

To put it quite simply, the man is a one in a million.  When you consider the mighty array of talent that he has surrounded himself with – the likes of Armand Van Helden, Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez, Tommy Musto, 95 North, Robbie Rivera, Todd Terry, “Little” Louie Vega”, it is easy to see why Henry Street Music has been such a resounding success.

It is also easy to hear.  Take the famous Bucketheads anthem “The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall Into My Mind)”, which blew up all over the world, reaching number fuor in the Top Of The Pops Ten.  In additionit was a monster hit internationally particularly in countries such as Spain, Canada, France and Germany. 

Much the same can be said for the output of one Armand Van Helden for the label.  The man they say invented speed garage also gave credence to the nu-skool “The Funk Phenomena” shortly after.  Ironically enough, it was Johnny “D” along with studio partner Nicky Palermo (under the guise of Johnick) who inspired Van Helden’s ’99 anthem “You Don’t Know Me”, which sampled their track “The Captain”. 

 Johnny “D” is now celebrating the 25th Anniversary for his label Henry Street Music.