Spin city: a story by Dave Lindquist

DJ JF the legend

James “DJ JF the Legend” Franklin says customer service is his guiding principle.

“It’s not about the DJ,” he says. “It’s about what you’re playing.”

This thinking applies to JF’s radio appearances, where he inserts requests into his Mikki Fikki Mix segments on WHHH-FM (96.3). He is one of a few DJs who provide a real-time blend of tracks for the station.

At a nightclub, JF says he’ll honor a patron’s pick even if the song doesn’t match the style of other tracks being played.

“As a DJ, you don’t want the same person coming up to say, ‘I’m waiting for my song,’” he says. “That can get annoying.”

When music-industry executives send songs to JF and request his feedback, it’s another time to keep the listeners in mind, he says.

“I may like the song, but it may not work in this market,” he says. “But you still test it.”

As a teenager at Arlington High School, JF sparked his reputation for delivering sought-after tunes. “I was selling tapes: $3 if you brought your own blank tape, $5 if I had to supply you,” he says.

The 35-year-old has been a full-time DJ his entire adult life, aside from working construction in 2000. JF says he’s amused when people make note of his longevity.

“They say, ‘What’s up, Old School?’”

The scoop
Upcoming appearance: Dec. 12 at Club Level, 120 E. Market St.
Name check: The “JF” signifies his given name, James Franklin, while “the Legend” once showed up on a flier that advertised an appearance.
More info: www.myspace.com/djjfthelegend.