Timmy Regisford

Timmy Regisford, born in Trinidad, has been a significant figure in the house music scene. He began his career in 1985 at WBLS radio station in New York City, serving as Assistant Music Director. His early exposure to music and collaborative efforts led him into production. In 1981, he started working with Boyd Jarvis, a collaboration that involved using a Yamaha CS-15 synthesizer and drum machines. This partnership led to remixing opportunities and a record deal for Jarvis.

Regisford’s career progressed as he took on A&R executive and producer roles for major record labels, including Atlantic Records and MCA Records, starting in 1988. He later became Vice President of A&R at Motown Records and subsequently at Dreamworks Records. During this period, he produced and remixed tracks for artists such as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Bobby Womack, helping to popularize house music. A pivotal moment in his career was founding and establishing a residency at The Shelter nightclub in New York City in 1991. The Club Shelter nights became internationally acclaimed and were instrumental in pioneering the soulful house music sound, where Regisford was known for his extended sets blending Afro-jazz, Latin-Jazz, house, disco, funk, and R&B.

Beyond his work in A&R and as a DJ, Regisford also founded his own record label, Shelter Records, in 1996, providing a platform for house music artists. He has continued to be an active DJ, producer, and remixer, collaborating with artists including Sade, Madonna, and Chaka Khan. His extensive contributions to the genre have led him to be widely recognized as a pioneer of house music, and he was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. He continues to tour globally.