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'An icon of the UK dance scene . . . an essential story' GROOVE ARMADA'She paved the way for so many women of colour in a male dominated industry on her own terms' HONEY DIJON'So much more than an amazing DJ' DANNY TENAGLIABefore she became Smokin Jo - one of the most influential DJs of her generation - Joanne Joseph grew up in a children's home with her sister and until her mother returned and whisked the siblings away, her life was devoid of music. As she entered the turbulent years of adolescence, Jo found herself pulled towards Soho and the burgeoning underground acid house scene, instantly finding herself at home amongst other artists, musicians and misfits who breathed and survived on dance music and ecstasy. Her rise was meteoric as she became one of the most revered DJs of the British rave scene and in 1992, the only woman ever to be named DJ of the Year by DJ Magazine. This raw, unflinching memoir of ambition, excess and survival tells a story of change, growth and determination. Filled with candid stories about fame, addiction and recovery, Jo writes about navigating a scene marked by misogyny, racism and homophobia. This is a powerful, unforgettable story from a true pioneer of rave culture.
'An icon of the UK dance scene . . . an essential story' GROOVE ARMADA'She paved the way for so many women of colour in a male dominated industry on her own terms' HONEY DIJON'So much more than an amazing DJ' DANNY TENAGLIABefore she became Smokin Jo - one of the most influential DJs of her generation - Joanne Joseph grew up in a children's home with her sister and until her mother returned and whisked the siblings away, her life was devoid of music. As she entered the turbulent years of adolescence, Jo found herself pulled towards Soho and the burgeoning underground acid house scene, instantly finding herself at home amongst other artists, musicians and misfits who breathed and survived on dance music and ecstasy. Her rise was meteoric as she became one of the most revered DJs of the British rave scene and in 1992, the only woman ever to be named DJ of the Year by DJ Magazine. This raw, unflinching memoir of ambition, excess and survival tells a story of change, growth and determination. Filled with candid stories about fame, addiction and recovery, Jo writes about navigating a scene marked by misogyny, racism and homophobia. This is a powerful, unforgettable story from a true pioneer of rave culture.