"Ailment Described as Malady": Plano Disc Jockey Owns more than 4,000 Funk and Disco Vinyl Records
Unleashing the Disco Fever: A Closer Look at DJ Willie Dutch's Archival Vinyl Collection
For North Texas residents, DJ Willie Dutch, otherwise known as Justin Myers, is more than just a disc jockey. This vinyl-obsessed connoisseur has amassed an impressive collection spanning over 4,000 records, medicine cabinet-style, neatly organized by genre and beats per minute in his home office.
It all started when his wife presented him with a record player a decade ago. Ever since, the addiction has progressed, and his days have become a whirlwind of daily deliveries and hunting trips to record stores. Myers, with a mischievous grin, admits, "It's a sickness!"
Beyond the digital realm, DJ Willie Dutch cherishes holding a vinyl record in hand—an experience that offers a sense of touch and tangibility that modern streaming services can't replicate. "You can see who played on a record. You know what the label was it was released on, what year it was released," he said. His collection includes gems like Leo's Sunshipp's "We Need Each Other," Kiki Gyan's "Feelin' Alright," and The Neville Brothers' "Dance Your Blues Away."
Browsing through his collection, being regaled by the stories behind each record, and spinning them on the deck is more than just a pastime for Myers – it's an all-consuming passion that encompasses his musical identity.
Digging Deeper: The Origins and Growth of the Collection
While album bins in physical record stores across Dallas abound, Myers frequently shops online, his desired records as elusive as the proverbial needle in the haystack. When asked about the inception of his sizable collection, he credits his insatiable curiosity and devotion to the music of the '60s and '70s. Each record he adds to his collection is a testament to the depths he has plumbed in pursuit of rare discoveries.
Integration of the Collection into the Home
When they moved into their current home, Willie Dutch's insistence on having a separate space for his sanctuary of vinyl records proved non-negotiable. Before then, his collection occupied every nook and cranny in their Chicago apartment, sacrificed to cluttered closets and unprotected storage units.
Now, the home office acts as both a repository and creative space, allowing him to keep, spin, and practice his DJing skills in peace. And with young children at home, having a designated area for his rare treasures brings a sense of security and organization to his passion.
Embracing the Obsession: The Personal Impact and Legacy of the Vinyl Collection
It's no exaggeration to say that Willie Dutch's vinyl collection has become an intrinsic part of his identity as an artist and cultural custodian. From his reverence of the physicality of the records to his unwavering commitment to preserving music history, this collection is a reflection of his soul—an extension of his character. The records are more than keepsakes; they are vessels of memories, hand-picked stories, and musical energies that together transport him to a different era.
Arts Access is a collaborative arts journalism initiative spearheaded by The Dallas Morning News and KERA, made possible with contributions from the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef, and The Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA maintain complete editorial control over Arts Access' journalism.
Source 1: Dallas Observer
Source 2: Interview with DJ Willie Dutch
Source 3: TEXAS CLUBS – The New Dallas Nightlife
- Beyond his role as a DJ, Justin Myers, alias DJ Willie Dutch, is cherished by the North Texas community for his extensive vinyl collection.
- In his home office, Myers keeps his 4,000 records, organized meticulously by genre and beats per minute.
- The history and stories behind each vinyl record in Myers' collection are important to him, offering a tangible experience that digital streaming services lack.
- As a passionate music enthusiast, Myers has made his vinyl collection an essential part of his lifestyle and identity, treating it as a repository of musical energies and memories.
- The growth of Myers' vinyl collection is a result of his dedication to the music of the '60s and '70s, with each record serving as a testament to his tireless pursuit of rare discoveries.
