PAULA BRION EP #129 | Duane Knight, affectionately known as Dr. D or "D-Night," and Marc Stallworth, a gospel DJ and visionary leader

Da Testimony with Paula Brion
Episode 129 | "The Gospel DJ Movement: 50 Years of Ministry Through Music"

🎙️ Special Guests: Duane Knight (aka Dr. D / D-Night) & Marc Stallworth
📅 Aired: Tuesday at 9 PM EST on Positive Power XXI Radio

🎧 Episode Summary:
In this historic and high-energy episode of Da Testimony, host Paula Brion welcomes two legends in gospel music ministry: Duane Knight, affectionately known as Dr. D or "D-Night," and Marc Stallworth, a gospel DJ and visionary leader from Boston.

Together, they delve into the 50-Year Anniversary Celebration of the Gospel DJ Movement, scheduled to take place in August 2025 in Harlem, New York.

Dr. D shares how six young men, moved by the spirit in 1976, birthed a revolutionary ministry: the Gospel DJ Movement—an alternative sound for youth who desired music that matched both their faith and their cultural rhythm. Marc Stallworth joins the conversation with prophetic insight and bold commentary, calling for integrity, accountability, and revival within the gospel music industry. Together, these pioneers reflect on their roles as spiritual influencers behind the turntables and the unifying power of gospel DJs in both church and community spaces.

🔑 Key Discussion Highlights:
🙏 Opening Prayer & Acknowledgment

• Paula opens the episode in prayer, honoring the memory of loved ones recently lost and dedicating the show to the continued service of God's Kingdom through gospel music.

📀 The Birth of the Gospel DJ Movement

• In 1976, six young men responded to God's call to become gospel DJs, using music as a tool to edify and evangelize.
• Dr. D shares that they sought to offer faith-filled alternatives during the week—not just on Sundays—with genres like gospel reggae, jazz, calypso, and house music.

💿 DJ Ministry in Action

• Paula testifies to how Dr. D introduced her to gospel house music, expanding her artistry and spiritual impact.
• Gospel DJs became a bridge between the church and secular spaces, using music as a form of outreach and praise.

🗣️ Marc Stallworth's Commentary on Integrity in the Industry

• Marc critiques the lack of gospel representation at major music awards, calling out the commercialization of gospel categories.
• He emphasizes the power and necessity of the Gospel DJ to reclaim musical spaces with reverence, truth, and boldness.

🛠️ The Five R's of the Gospel DJ's Ministry:Dr. D outlines a robust framework, likening the Gospel DJ's work to a five-fold ministry:

1. Release – DJs break new music before mainstream radio.
2. Replay – They reinforce airplay by supporting radio rotations.
3. Remix – They create real-time edits or new versions for broader appeal.
4. Reproduce – DJs collaborate with artists to reimagine original tracks.
5. Rejuvenate – They revive older songs and breathe new life into classics.

"Radio may retire your music, but gospel DJs can resurrect it."
📸 The 50-Year Gospel DJ Movement Celebration | August 6–10, 2025A historic week of events is set to unfold in Harlem, New York:

📍 August 6 – Meet & Greet

• Kickoff at WACR 90.3 FM, Harlem's iconic gospel station.

📷 August 7 – A Great Day in Gospel Photo

• Over 100 Gospel DJs gather at the iconic steps, where the jazz (1958) and hip-hop (1998) movements were captured in historic group photos.

🏆 August 8 – Gospel DJ Honors & Awards Gala

• Recognizing 50 years of service from pioneers and present-day trailblazers, including tributes to DJ Scott Blackwell and the late Ron Lawrence.

📻 August 9 – 12-Hour DJ Praise-a-thon

• Live DJ sets, artist performances, and music ministry from 10 AM to 10 PM on WACR 90.3 FM.

🕺🏾 August 10 – The After Party (Redefined)

• A complete celebration of