What happens when passion meets persistence and a dream refuses to fade? That’s exactly what this week’s episode of Living Ageless and Bold with host Christina Daves explores through the incredible story of Tracy Young, the first woman ever to win a Grammy for Best Remix Recording.
From sneaking into nightclubs as a teenager to spinning records for Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and even DJing Madonna’s wedding, Tracy’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and unapologetic authenticity. Her journey reminds us that it’s never too late to chase your calling — and that sometimes, breaking rules leads to making history.
Let’s dive into how Tracy went from curious teen to groundbreaking Grammy winner, and the lessons she learned along the way.
Falling in Love with Music and Breaking Into a World That Said No
Tracy Young’s love affair with music started young — long before she had the tools to make it her career. But it wasn’t until she snuck into a legendary Washington, D.C. club called Tracks at just 16 years old that everything changed.
Inside, she heard sounds she’d never experienced before — seamless transitions, beats that told stories, and DJs creating magic right in front of her eyes. “I was like, how are they doing this?” she remembers. That moment sparked a lifelong mission to figure it out.
In college at Radford University, she saw another DJ, Kenny, mixing records live — and the spark ignited into fire. She began to experiment herself and soon met a woman named Michelle Maruski, who became an early influence in her DJ journey.
But it wasn’t all easy. The club scene at the time was dominated by men. When Tracy started passing around her mixtapes (yes — cassette tapes!), people literally told her to “figure out something else to do” because “girls don’t do this.”
Those words didn’t stop her — they fueled her.
From Rejection to Radio: Finding Her Voice on Air
After facing rejection after rejection from the local nightlife scene, Tracy took a bold detour. She decided to head into radio — a space where, as she put it, “nobody could see you.”
Landing a job at WPGC in Washington, D.C., she was determined to learn everything about the music business from the inside out. “I wanted to have a career in music. That was what I was going to do from age eight,” she says.
At the station, Albie Dee — a major local radio figure — gave her the chance to go on air. Funny enough, Tracy didn’t even tell him she was already a DJ. She was too used to being dismissed for it. But when he found out, he threw her on the air — and her radio career took off.
Tracy eventually became the assistant music director and worked closely with Donnie Simpson, a D.C. radio legend. Through radio, she learned the business of music — how songs were picked, promoted, and shared — lessons that would become invaluable when she later launched her own productions and remixes.
“I owe Albie a lot,” she says. “He taught me how the music business works and gave me the opportunity to learn every facet of it.”
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
Sometimes success comes down to being in the right place at the right time — and being ready when opportunity knocks.
While in college in D.C., Tracy met Luli Casares, who just happened to be the sister of Ingrid Casares, Madonna’s best friend. Ingrid later opened a club in Miami — and asked Tracy to DJ her events.
That connection led to one of the most pivotal introductions of Tracy’s life: Madonna herself.
“It was meant to be,” Tracy laughs. “You couldn’t have planned it better.”
At the time, Madonna was at the height of her global fame, and working with her wasn’t just an opportunity — it was a stamp of credibility few could dream of. Tracy believes Madonna not only recognized her musical talent but also appreciated her as a fellow woman forging her own path in a male-dominated industry.
“She’s never said that to me,” Tracy admits, “but I think Madonna liked that I was a woman — and of course, she wouldn’t hire anyone who played bad music.”
Their partnership became a defining moment in Tracy’s career — and a launchpad for her to produce and remix some of Madonna’s most iconic tracks.
Producing, Remixing, and Reinventing Sound
As a DJ, Tracy’s natural curiosity led her toward producing music of her own. “When you’re mixing two songs together, you’re creating a different sound,” she explains. “I wanted to make my own records.”
Madonna recognized that spark and gave her the opportunity. “My first remix was a Madonna song,” Tracy says proudly. “She provided that opportunity very generously.”
From there, Tracy’s name started appearing on major remix credits. She built a reputation for transforming hits into dance-floor anthems — earning over 60 number-one Billboard Dance Club Chart hits along the way.
But her path wasn’t a straight line. For years, she worked quietly, building her reputation track by track, club by club, remix by remix. It was persistence — not luck — that kept her moving forward.
The Grammy Moment That Made History
Then came the moment that changed everything: winning a Grammy Award for Best Remix Recording — the first woman in history to ever do so.
The remix? A Madonna track.
“It was a full-circle moment,” Tracy says. “I’d asked to remix a song that wasn’t even a single. It just grew legs of its own.”
When the song started getting radio play, they decided to submit it to the Recording Academy. Tracy didn’t expect to win. “I sat all the way in the back because I thought, let me get out early,” she laughs. “Then they called my name, and I was like — what?”
She remembers the long walk to the stage, hands in the air, trying to take it all in. “I’m just glad it was with Madonna. The stars couldn’t have aligned any better.”
Grace, Pressure, and a Few Unbelievable Gigs
If DJing for Madonna sounds nerve-wracking, try spinning records at Madonna’s wedding to Guy Ritchie. Tracy was tasked with bringing the music to one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings ever.
“It was beautiful,” she recalls. “It’s an important day for anyone, so I was extremely nervous. Anything can go wrong.”
Tracy’s been behind the decks for just four weddings total — but they’ve been big ones, including Lance Bass from NSYNC, Miami radio personality Belkys Nerey, and her close friend Luli Casares, the woman who introduced her to Madonna in the first place.
For Tracy, weddings are high-stakes. “It’s probably the most important day of somebody’s life,” she says. “That pressure is real.”
Saying No — Even to Diana Ross
Tracy’s story isn’t just about saying yes to every opportunity. It’s also about having the integrity to say no — even when it’s hard.
When Diana Ross’s team approached her to remix Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Tracy turned it down.
“I said, that song is perfect the way it is,” she explains. “As an artist, you have to know when something doesn’t need to be changed.”
She laughs now at the boldness of it — but it’s a reminder of her confidence and her deep respect for the art of music.
Collaborations, Cyndi Lauper, and Staying Grounded
More recently, Tracy’s been touring with another icon — Cyndi Lauper. Their relationship started decades ago when Tracy remixed Lauper’s song Shine and later DJed a live performance for her — at Tracy’s own birthday party.
The two clicked instantly, and what began as one collaboration turned into a long-term friendship and creative partnership.
“Cyndi is an extremely special human being,” Tracy says warmly. “We’ve worked on so many projects together. I’m so grateful for her support.”
After years of late nights and global tours, Tracy admits she’s slowing down a bit. These days, she prefers day parties and festivals to all-night club sets. “I’ve done the late-night thing,” she laughs. “I don’t drink, and I’ve been doing this my whole life. It’s okay to let some things go.”
Owning Her Music and Her Power
One thing Tracy has learned through decades in the industry: ownership matters.
Artists, she says, often don’t get paid fairly for their work — especially with streaming platforms and digital licensing. She points to major artists who lost control of their master recordings, and how she made sure to avoid that fate.
“I own all my music,” she says proudly. “Prince taught me that. He said you need to own your masters. I listened, read, went to the library, did my homework.”
That discipline and business sense set her apart — proving that true success isn’t just about talent, but about knowing your worth and protecting it.
On AI, Technology, and the Future of Music
As a creator rooted in emotion and experience, Tracy has mixed feelings about artificial intelligence in music.
“It’s unmarked territory,” she says. “It’s useful, but a computer can’t dictate the human experience. If it doesn’t give you goosebumps, it’s not human.”
Still, she’s curious and open to learning. “I come from a generation that grew up without technology,” she reflects. “Now we have the option to use it — I just try to maintain balance.”
Her focus remains the same: to create music that moves people, sparks feeling, and connects on a human level.
What’s Next for Tracy Young
After wrapping up her tour with Cyndi Lauper, Tracy is shifting gears — focusing more on creating original music and producing her own projects. “Cyndi’s always encouraged me to do my own music,” she says.
She’s also planning shows, working on new material, and taking time to be with her family back in D.C. during the holidays.
“I’m mapping out next year,” she says. “It’s a work in progress. But the music is always there.”
You can keep up with Tracy’s latest projects and tour dates at tracyyoung.com and follow her across social media.
Lessons from Tracy’s Journey
Tracy Young’s story isn’t just about breaking records — it’s about breaking barriers.
She’s proof that even when the world says “no,” passion can carve its own path. Her journey from rejection to radio, from cassette tapes to Grammy gold, shows what happens when you follow your instincts and refuse to give up.
Through persistence, humility, and a lifelong love of music, she didn’t just make it in a male-dominated industry — she remixed the rules entirely.
And if there’s one thing Tracy’s story reminds us of, it’s this:
When you stay true to your sound, the world will eventually dance to your beat.
Watch her full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLBf3WPKay0&t=2s
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