Today we’d like to introduce you to Khris Henderson-Hutchinson , professionally known as “First Lady”.
Hi First Lady, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Absolutely. My journey in the entertainment industry started at a remarkably young age. Believe it or not, I began at just 16 months old. Both my parents were models, and they decided to get photos taken of me, which they then submitted to the modeling agency representing them, Shirley Hamilton Talent Inc. Surprisingly, I began booking a lot of print work, especially considering it was 1968, and there weren’t many African American child models at the time. From there, I ventured into television commercials.
When I turned 13, my life took a musical turn. My boyfriend at the time introduced me to DJing, and I was immediately hooked. This was around 1980, and as one of the few Black female DJs in the scene, I quickly made a name for myself. By 1982, I became a member of what eventually became known as one of the first all-female DJ groups, “The Fantastic Four.” Unfortunately, the group disbanded by 1984, but that didn’t stop me. I continued DJing solo alongside my pioneering male counterparts in the House Music scene.
In 1986, I recorded one of my first House Music songs, “Used By A D.J.,” on DJ International Records. That same year, I made history by becoming the first Black female DJ/mixer on Chicago radio station WGCI 107.5FM, thanks to a challenge accepted by the King of House Music himself, Farley Jackmaster Funk. From then on, I was drawn to radio and quickly transitioned into on-air positions at various radio stations in Chicago, including WKKC -89.3FM, WGCI 107.5FM, 106JAMZ, and WVAZ-102.7FM.
Throughout my career, I discovered a natural talent for programming music formats, which led me to on-air positions in New York at WBLS-FM, HOT97, and WRKS 98.7 KISS-FM. Currently, I’m the co-owner of JAM98 – Music For Your Soul, one of the fastest-growing streaming radio stations in the country. My husband (HUGO H., a lenderay House Music DJ in his own right and respected music master), and I combined our music and radio talents to create a format dedicated to nothing but “Jams.”
Some of the highlights of my career include receiving the 2006 BILLBOARD HIP HOP & R&B Assistant Program Director and Music Director of the Year in a Large Market award, being inducted into The DJ Hall of Fame in 2015, and being listed in The United States Library of Congress in 2023 for my contributions as a Black Woman in Radio.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
LOL, well…I would have to say it has been an interesting road to travel. I wouldn’t call them struggles at all. I would refer to them as my process of progression to the next level of my journey. The most trying part of a process is the waiting your turn or waiting for your time to step into the light. Sometimes, I found myself being impatient, wanting it right now, right in this moment. What I have learned on my journey is that the “waiting” was about my proper preparation for that next step. When the spotlight turn on, and I stepped into to it, I was ready.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear many hats on this head of mine. Professionally, I am a business owner overseeing operations at JAM98, one of the leading streaming radio stations in the country. Additionally, I serve as the CEO of the LivingHerstory 501c3 private foundation, where we strive to empower and uplift women through various initiatives. As an international event planner, I’ve had the honor of organizing events for renowned gatherings such as the Amsterdam Dance Event and Gay-Dance Event, bringing people together through the universal language of music.
In the realm of education, I have served as an instructor at the Illinois Media School, where I have had the privilege of passing on my knowledge and expertise to aspiring broadcasters. As a pioneering House Music DJ and artist, I’ve left my mark on the music industry, and as a radio programmer and mentor, I continue to guide and inspire the next generation of talent.
While I am known for all of the above, the roles in my life that I am most proud of are those of a mother and wife. Nothing brings me greater joy and fulfillment than nurturing and supporting my family, both personally and professionally. They are my pillars of strength and my greatest source of inspiration.
What are your plans for the future?
WOW, the FUTURE?! That’s such an interesting question because the Future resides within Tomorrow, and both are always coming but never Arrive. So, to ask what my plans are for the “Future,” I would simply say that the plan is to keep giving and doing more today than I gave or did yesterday. I realize that’s probably not the answer you were looking for, but it is the most humble and honest answer I can provide. Every day presents new opportunities for growth, learning, and making a positive impact, and my goal is to seize those opportunities to the best of my ability, one day at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: jam98.com
- Instagram: @ilovefirstlady
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ILOVEFIRSTLADY
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/ilovefirstlady
- Other: mixcloud.com/ilovefirstlady
