PAULA BRION #128 | Dr. Duane Knight & Marc Stallworth | Topic: Celebrating 50 Years of Gospel DJs: The Movement, The Ministry, The Music

🎙️ Da Testimony with Paula Brion — Episode Aired May 20, 2025
Guests: Dr. Duane Knight & Marc Stallworth
Topic: Celebrating 50 Years of Gospel DJs: The Movement, The Ministry, The Music
Host: Paula Brion, a.k.a. The Diva for Christ
Episode Overview: In this power-packed episode of Da Testimony, Paula Brion celebrates the legacy and ministry of Gospel DJs, welcoming two pioneering leaders: Dr. Duane Knight, one of the original gospel DJs, and Marc Stallworth, President of the New England Gospel Collaborative Network and founder of Mark Mix Productions.

With prayer and purpose, Paula sets the tone for a conversation that honors the role of gospel DJs in the evolution of contemporary Christian music, gospel house, gospel hip-hop, and community engagement. Together, Duane and Marc offer powerful insights into the historical and spiritual impact of the DJ ministry and the vibrant movement now being birthed for the next generation.

🔥 Key Discussion Points:

• The Birth of the Gospel DJ Movement
• Dr. Duane Knight reflects on his calling in 1975 and how he and five other young men pioneered gospel DJing to reach young believers with gospel music in genres beyond traditional choir and quartet. Using mixtapes as evangelistic tools, these “street soldiers of promotion” laid the foundation for what we now know as gospel DJ culture.
• The Fivefold Ministry of the Gospel DJ
• Duane introduces the Five Rs: Release, Repost, Remix, Reproduce, and Re-Release — powerful tools DJs use to minister, promote, and amplify gospel music beyond the radio.
• From Clubs to Christ
• Paula shares her testimony of transitioning from secular house music to gospel house, thanks to Duane’s mentorship and the Gospel Lighthouse, where Christian club culture flourished and dancing like David was welcomed.
• The 50th Anniversary Celebration
• August 6–10, 2025, in Harlem, NY, will mark a historic celebration of 50 years of gospel DJ ministry. Highlights include:
  • A group photo of 100 gospel DJs — a historic moment echoing the famed “Great Day in Harlem” jazz photo.
  • A full day of DJ-led programming on WHCR 90.3 FM in Harlem.
  • An awards gala honoring gospel DJs, past and present.
  • Events coordinated by the Gospel DJ Movement, led by Dr. Knight.
• Regional Collaborations & Events
• Marc Stallworth shares exciting plans for the first “Worship on Water” gospel boat cruise and after-party in Boston on June 27, 2025. The event will feature DJs, gospel artists, and entrepreneurs, fostering unity and exposure in the New England region.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

• “God gave us the vision not just to celebrate me — but to create a movement that unites gospel DJs, preserves our history, and impacts the industry for the Kingdom.” — Dr. Duane Knight.
• “The DJ breaks the music and brings the people. They’ve always been the bridge between the artist and the listener — especially in the gospel.” — Paula Brion.
• “It’s time to create our environments where Jesus is at the center, and the vibe is the kingdom!” — Marc Stallworth.

📍 Contact & Connect:

• Dr. Duane Knight
• 📧 Email: [e-mail]
• 📞 Phone: [phone]
• Marc Stallworth
• 📞 Phone: [phone]
• 📱 Facebook: Mark Stallworth / New England Gospel Collaborative Network
• 📸 Instagram: @NewEnglandGospelNetwork

🙏 Closing Prayer: Marc Stallworth closed the show in prayer, thanking God for unity, vision, and provision for all DJs, artists, and ministries represented in the movement. A call to be obedient, collaborative, and spirit-led echoed through his prayer of gratitude and faith.

📻 About the Show:
Da Testimony with Paula Brion airs every Tuesday at 9 PM EST on Positive Power XXI Radio. Hosted by “The Diva for Christ,” Paula Brio