The 10 Best EDM DJs of All Time

Interest in the EDM scene is growing, driven primarily by some of the best EDM DJs of all time.

Electronic dance music comprises various genres, including house, techno, trance, drum, and bass, with electronic instruments and production techniques constantly evolving.

Starting in the 1970s and growing through the 1980s house scene, the electronic dance music industry evolved in the 1990s with synthesizers and powerful beats.

 

The 10 Best EDM DJs of All Time

Global popularity continues to grow as nightclubs, music festivals, and raves serve as a popular marketing strategy for EDM to reach mainstream audiences.

The finest DJs and house music producers have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of dance music.

We’ve highlighted the most iconic house DJs who revolutionized the art of DJ’ing, igniting dancefloors with tracks that exude their very own pulsating energy.

Here’s our list of the 10 best EDM DJs of all time:

 

10. Afrojack (Nick van de Wall)

Afrojack is a Dutch DJ and music producer who stands out as a pioneer of electronic dance music in Europe and the world.

His meteoric rise is evidenced by iconic chart-toppers like Take Over Control and Ten Feet Tall,  in which he ingeniously intertwines electro and progressive house.

Collaborations with stars like David Guetta and Sia not only cemented his place as a top DJ but help elevate EDM in mainstream music culture.

His tracks surge with electrifying energy that captivates audiences, setting dance floors ablaze with a fusion of EDM and pop music.

Afrojack continues to perform, completing a US tour in 2022, entertaining his fans who recognise him as one of the best EDM artists.

After starting his DJing journey as a teenager, Afrojack’s contributions echo through the years, providing a timeless testament to his impact on the EDM universe.

This pioneering Dutch DJ was one of many whose impact reverberates globally, firmly positioning him among the most successful EDM artists ever.

 

9. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

The Belgian duo, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, have earned their place in the progressive house scene, leaving an indelible mark on electronic dance music.

Anthems like Mammoth and The Hum emit sonic waves that span the globe, gracing grand stages, including the prestigious Ultra Music Festival.

Their performances are fantastic spectacles, infused with dynamic crowd interactions that confirm their status as some of the best EDM artists globally.

The duo’s synergy with stars like David Guetta and Wiz Khalifa transcends the boundaries of EDM, propelling them into the mainstream music world.

The duo’s fearless exploration of diverse musical styles sets them apart, and their international recognition is evidence of their artistry and versatility.

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s musical ascent crowns them as progressive house icons and as Belgian trailblazers within the international EDM scene.

With each performance, they build on their widespread popularity worldwide, adding further depth and quality to the EDM landscape.

Their musical journey is a testament to what DJs stand for – a force that unites hearts and minds through the transformative power of EDM artists.

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s legacy isn’t just beats – it’s proof of their daring dream that helped redefine what’s possible in the music world.

 

8. Steve Aoki

Steve Aoki is the visionary American DJ who founded Dim Mak Records, creating a dynamic presence within the EDM arena.

His performances weave a vibrant tapestry of music, igniting dance floors across the globe with hits like Boneless and Delirious (Boneless).

Aoki’s artistic exploration knows no bounds, venturing from electro house to trap, a journey that resonates deeply with his growing fan base worldwide.

Yet, his impact transcends mere beats as his commitment to philanthropy reflects a character fueled by purpose and meaning.

As an American DJ extraordinaire, Steve Aoki’s electrifying stage presence bridges EDM and pop culture, transcending genres.

His dynamic spirit resonates beyond dance floors, touching the core of contemporary music culture with each performance and driving the genre in the late 2000s.

Aoki seamlessly unites sonic artistry and cultural relevance, cementing his role as a transformative force in electronic dance music.

Through his musical skills, Steve Aoki forges connections that resonate universally, leaving an indelible mark on EDM artists and DJs.

 

7. Ron Hardy

Ron Hardy served as house music’s early ambassador, casting a profound and lasting imprint on Chicago’s dance music scene.

As the resident DJ at The Music Box, he wielded an alchemical touch, seamlessly blending disco, soul, and funk, ushering in the essence of progressive house music.

Hardy’s remix mastery and audacious tape experimentation sowed the seeds for a lineage that would eventually give rise to the birth of acid house.

Enigmatic and mysterious, his influence within the DNA of electronic dance music helped sculpt the genre’s raw spirit and infused it with innovation.

Ron’s music is both mesmerizing and transformative, transcending boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on popular music culture.

Rather than using the best DJ turntables, Hardy often used reel-to-reel tape machines to manipulate tracks, adding effects and loops to create his distinctive sound.

His spirit lives on in every beat of his acid house mixes, inspiring a new generation of EDM artists, DJs and producers to shape modern dance music.

 

6. Hardwell (Robbert van de Corput)

Hardwell, born Robbert van de Corput, is a Dutch DJ who was crowned as the No. 1 DJ by DJ Mag’s audience poll.

His musical skills saw him produce hits like Spaceman and Apollo, vividly showcasing his command of progressive house intricacies.

Through his best party songs, he captures the essence of electronic dance music’s evolution, embodying a unique prowess and energetic sound.

Beyond the decks, Hardwell’s mixing and producing skills at Revealed Recordings, a platform he directs, provide emerging talents with a launchpad into the EDM scene.

His magnetic stage presence entertained his audiences, and his performances’ energy continued to inspire despite taking a touring break.

The legacy of this Dutch DJ extends far beyond rankings, leaving an enduring influence on EDM artists and the EDM scene.

 

5. Alesso

Alesso is a Swedish sensation, emerging as a leading figure within the progressive house scene, gaining recognition for the tracks Years and Heroes.

Through these anthems, Alesso crafts a musical narrative that resonates deeply with his audience of house and big-room house fans.

Collaborations with bands like OneRepublic and Calvin Harris stand as a testament to his global impact, solidifying his footprint on the international stage.

Alesso’s dynamic presence comes alive on stages worldwide, where his energetic performances ignite audiences, transcending music and breathing life into festivals and dance floors.

His mixing and production skills lie in his ability to combine musicality and innovation, pushing boundaries and redefining the EDM genre.

As one of the foremost EDM artists, Alesso embraces a diverse range of styles within EDM, creating a unique and distinctive sound that continues to entertain his global audience.

His versatility and skill are widely recognized within the music industry, and he is a leading figure in the modern EDM scene.

 

4. Zedd

Zedd, the Russian-German DJ is an EDM virtuoso whose artistic threads intricately weave through the tapestry of electronic dance music.

His chart-topping hits like Clarity and Stay the Night are crowd favorites that showcase his melodic brilliance and musical prowess.

His collaborations with Ariana Grande and Alessia Cara have successfully bridged the gap between pop and EDM artists, introducing his music to a massive new audience.

His international dance music awards have proven his intricate mixing skills with a musicality that seamlessly merges electronic and pop elements into worldwide hits.

Zedd is one of the richest DJs in the world, driven by his innovative experimentation with diverse musical styles within the EDM spectrum, pushing boundaries and leading by example.

His musical explorations have helped to redefine the genre’s horizons by pushing it into uncharted territories while maintaining his unmistakable musical signature.

Not one to hold anything back, Zedd created the True Colors documentary, showcasing his creative process for other EDM artists and DJs to follow.

His dynamic performances captivate audiences at major music and dance festivals where his artistry and skills reveal his relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

 

3. Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris is a world-class Scottish DJ, producer, and singer who is a living testament to the fusion of EDM and pop’s universal appeal.

Anthems like Summer and Feel So Close reverberate through time, encapsulating his chart-topping prowess and imprinting his sonic genius.

His many Grammy accolades celebrate an impact that spans genres, revealing his masterful craftsmanship within dance recordings.

Harris’ beats are an amalgam of electronic soundscapes mixed with a dose of mainstream appeal that transitioned from electro-house to pop-infused EDM.

He is not merely an artist but the architect of a redefined dance music landscape that pushes boundaries with a trailblazer’s spirit.

His music speaks a language of versatility, collaborating with various artists, including Rihanna and Ellie Goulding, while staying true to his signature style.

Calvin holds the record for the top 10 hits from a single album, shaping the contours of contemporary music with his inspired compilations.

His legacy inspires EDM artists and DJs worldwide, and he is widely recognized for his influence on the crossover between EDM and mainstream pop.

 

2. Frankie Knuckles

Frankie Knuckles is revered as the “Godfather of House Music,” having carved an indelible legacy that formed the bedrock of an enduring EDM genre.

His pioneering musical creations at The Warehouse helped to shape the genre’s early sound and culture, paving the way for Chicago House.

Knuckles’ phenomenal mixing magic catalyzed the evolution of disco’s rhythm into the pulsating heartbeat of House music.

His visionary legacy saw his innovative mixing techniques artistically blending disco, soul, and electronic sounds to create a new dance experience.

Though he’s no longer with us, his remixes, such as Your Love by Jamie Principle, set the standard for the best house music record pools, becoming iconic tracks.

Frankie Knuckles was more than a DJ; he shaped a culture, a musical movement designer characterized by soulful vocals, infectious basslines, and a deep groove.

He earned a Grammy Award in 1997 for Remixer of the Year, recognized for his exceptional contributions to the music industry.

Frankie’s influence extended well beyond music, playing a role in promoting diversity, acceptance, and unity within the LGBTQ+ and club communities.

Frankie Knuckles received many honors, including induction into the Dance Music Hall of Fame and receiving the Chicago City Council’s “Frankie Knuckles Day” proclamation.

As the dance world parties to the beats he pioneered, Frankie Knuckles’ spirit is ever-present, encapsulating a sense of community, acceptance, and unity.

 

1. Danny Tenaglia

Danny Tenaglia is considered the best EDM DJ ever, being world-renowned for his technical skills and captivating sets.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and the city’s vibrant and diverse dance culture deeply influenced his EDM music career.

He built his reputation at the best night clubs in the world, The Roxy and Tunnel, playing pivotal roles in shaping the local club scene.

Tenaglia is celebrated for his innovative mixing style, seamlessly fusing elements of house, techno, and tribal rhythms to create immersive dance experiences.

Fans at his famous, “Be Yourself” parties at Vinyl in New York remember his legendary marathon-length sets and eclectic musical selections.

As his rhythms ripple through time, Danny Tenaglia’s influence is a compass for the electronic dance music community.

He produced timeless tracks like Elements, Music Is the Answer, and Read My Lips, which have become staples in the electronic music repertoire.

His legacy is not just a collection of tracks, though, receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical, for his remix of Depeche Mode’s “I Feel Loved.”

Each note, each beat, weaves a tale of an artist who, with every performance, unites the dance world in a shared experience of passion, freedom, and the eternal groove.

Tenaglia’s recognized for his versatility and effortless transitions between various subgenres and eras of EDM and remains a source of inspiration for global DJs.

 

Summary

The best DJs of all time left an indelible mark on the electronic dance music landscape, making a massive contribution to the music world.

Their dynamic performances and energy electrified stages, clubs, and festivals worldwide, pioneering house music’s emergence and helping to define the genre.

Uplifting anthems and seamless blends of pop and electronic elements showcased a spectrum of musical artistry, shaping and amplifying the rhythm of our lives.

Who’s your favorite EDM DJ of all time? Leave a comment below.