Danny Krivit stands out as a longtime New York disc jockey whose extensive achievements reflect deep roots in the local dance and club world, an involvement that dates back to his earliest years and has shaped its direction ever since. Only Frankie Knuckles and François Kevorkian match his tenure within that community. Beyond embodying the veteran DJ archetype, Krivit has built a vast catalog of re-edits that keep countless tracks alive on dance floors for extended periods.
Music formed a constant presence around Krivit from the start. As a young person he helped out at his father's relaxed Greenwich Village spot, a gathering place visited by figures such as Charles Mingus, John Lennon, and Jimi Hendrix. His father wielded major influence in the music business, managing Chet Baker for a stretch and connecting his son with icons including James Brown. A brief attempt at guitar, prompted by his friend Nile Rodgers, yielded little, yet by his teenage years Krivit had developed a clear preference for sounds that spurred movement, prompting him to pursue DJing.
His earliest bookings took place at the Ninth Circle disco. The club's limited facilities forced him to mix on two cassette decks, yet audiences responded favorably. When his father launched a second venue called Ones, he installed Krivit as the resident DJ, raising his profile and opening the door to a lengthy run at Trude Heller's throughout the final third of the 1970s. Additional residencies and appearances followed at the Roxy, Laces, the Ice Palace, the Paradise Garage, Traxx, and Danceteria. Krivit shared a close bond with Paradise Garage figure Larry Levan, close enough that Levan once operated the sound system at an anniversary event for the landmark club.
Three decades on, Krivit remains active. Alongside François Kevorkian and Joe Claussell he founded Body & SOUL, a recurring Sunday night series that developed into a widely admired, eclectic, and understated fixture for New York City clubgoers. In 2001 the Strut label put out Grass Roots, a strong two-disc mix by Krivit that acknowledged his leanings toward funky disco.
