DJ Maestro: Dance Music Master On A Mission
Born Sam Anderson, III, to hard-working, southern parents from Uniontown, Alabama, DJ Maestro inherited an untiring work ethic. Sam was inspired by his father, Sam Anderson, Jr., who moved his family from the south to Detroit, Michigan, hoping to find a better life. His father carved out a path for himself doing anything he had to do, from working at Detroit’s Ford plant to doing repairs for others in the community when needed. And Sam Anderson, III, inherited all of his father’s drive and determination, plus some.
Becoming DJ Maestro
From early childhood throughout high school, Sam listened to music every day, carrying his 45-record player everywhere he went. As he grew older, he began playing his records for anyone who would listen. At the age of 18, Sam joined the Marines and began to DJ whenever there was free time away from his infantry unit responsibilities. He learned the intricate parts of being a DJ from his friend, and fellow Marine, “Faze,” a New Yorker who loved music as much as he did.
Sam “DJ Maestro” Anderson as a Marine.
In the late '70s, New York was the mecca for Rap music, the beginning of the Hip Hop era, and the music's urban culture movement. A party wasn't a party without a good DJ. By this time, Sam had purchased all the music equipment that he needed, and DJ Maestro became a passionate, well-known persona, inside and outside of the Marine Corps.
DJ Maestro urbanizes line dancing
His last duty station was in Camp Pendleton, California. It was in California that his career took off. After a year and a half, Sam moved back to Detroit, continuing his career as a DJ, now adding line dancing as part of his audience draw.
Borrowing from country and western line dancing, DJ Maestro urbanized these dance moves and began creating a whole new music enterprise. This music included specialized line dances for cancer survivors, “The Survivor Slide," “Mr. Smoove’s Ballroom Express," and his health and wellness line dance, “Get Fit While You Sit.” For each unique line dance created, he also recorded a CD or DVD.
One of DJ Maestro's friends inspired "Get Fit While You Sit." He had a disability that confined him to a wheelchair. Despite his severe limitations, DJ Maestro’s friend would go to the club to not only watch these invigorating and rejuvenating line dancers, but he would also roll out on the floor and mimic the dance moves with his wheelchair. DJ Maestro’s music has that effect on everybody!
Even from his early beginnings as a DJ, Sam Anderson saw his music not as just a hustle, but as a calling.
“God directs everything that I do, and I will always believe in the Almighty’s power.”
Sam feels his mission is to create a healthy state of mind and give fitness education to those in his community.
With 30 years in the game and going strong, DJ Maestro dominates the South doing what he loves
DJ Maestro's music enterprise has continued to grow over the past thirty years, becoming even more popular because, as he always says, “Music is universal.” He has been a community fixture in the Detroit area at church and community events, then on Carnival cruises and numerous TV shows. In addition to deejaying these events, DJ Maestro produced and recorded original music for various targeted groups. In 2015, he was named Producer of the Year by Detroit Music Awards.
DJ Maestro posing for a picture at the “I Luv To Hustle Show.”
Two years ago, DJ Maestro moved south to Birmingham, Alabama. He has heavily promoted his music platforms on television. His shows currently run in Birmingham on FOX, ABC, CW, and MyTV, and he is the creator of Huntsville’s Rocket City Rock.
“I wanted to bring the fire! And we’ve been killin’ it in this market!”
His dream is to become syndicated around the world. Despite the effects of COVID-19, DJ Maestro’s shows have continued to air. He works non-stop as the director, producer, and marketing person all at the same time. He said, “Although my hands are in every part of doing my shows, I just love doing it!”
Over the past three decades, DJ Maestro has uplifted the spirits of the disabled, young, and seniors alike with his recorded music, urbanized line dances, and his TV shows as well. Underneath all of his “Mr. Smooth’s Smooth Moves," Sliding, Shuffling, and "Turbo Hustle," this DJ has a much deeper purpose. His electrifying dance music creates healthy and fun ways to improve the quality of lives with every new recording and new dance move. “I will never stop reinventing my music,” he proclaimed.
Contact the legendary DJ Maestro
For more information about DJ Maestro, to purchase his instructional dance videos, or for booking opportunities, visit www.bombzmusik.com and www.1step2fitness.com. Contact DJ Maestro at Djmaestro4life@aol.com or 586-615-5869 and follow him on social media at facebook.com/djmaestro.anderson.