Grammy Winner Tracy Young Kicks Off Palm Springs Pride Weekend with DJ Set at Oscars

Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Tracy Young stopped by NBC Palm Springs studios to chat with entertainment contributor Tod about her return to Palm Springs and her performance kicking off Pride weekend at Oscars.

Young, who made history as the first female winner in her Grammy category for her remix of Madonna’s “I Rise,” said the collaboration came from her desire to create an LGBTQ anthem. “I heard it as a dance anthem and wanted to play it for the gay prides that were coming up,” Young said. “It wasn’t even planned—it just grew legs and had a life of its own.”

The celebrated remixer recently wrapped a yearlong tour with Cyndi Lauper and is now back in the studio working on new music with artists including Nikki Harris, Donna DeLory, and Janis Robinson. “I love making music that connects with people,” she said, adding with a laugh that “sometimes the best remix deals come through the artist’s hairdresser.”

Young also shared her history with Palm Springs, recalling the early days of Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party, where her music often filled the dance floor. “It’s been years since I’ve been here, but I love it,” she said.

She’ll headline tonight’s Pride kickoff party at Oscars from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are still available. The night promises to set the tone for a weekend full of celebration, music, and pride.

Young, a proud Scorpio, will also be celebrating her birthday on Sunday. “I’ll be 55,” she told Tod. “I don’t feel it—and I certainly don’t act it.”

For more on Tracy Young, visit TracyYoung.com.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.