DJ Lace Gains All-Access Backstage Pass
For Entrance To “The Biggest Party Ever”
In Memory of Lawrence A. Stroman aka DJ Lace
August 6, 1960 -April 13, 2011
by Ray Martinez
“I can only imagine, What it will be like, when I walk by your side? I can only imagine What my eyes will see when your face is before me? I can only imagine, I can only imagine Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel, Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still. Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall, Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine, I can only imagine.”
Words to: I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me
In 2009 I, was invited to speak at the inaugural Higher Ground Record Pool International Christian DJ Conference held in New York City, which was co-sponsored by N.A.M.E., QSC & Denon. As Co-Founder of CrossMix, the Christian DJ Association, I did not really know what to expect, but I could only imagine.
What I experienced was a collection of DJs who were there to help others rise higher, fulfilling the great commission, by sharing their love of God and music, supporting and encouraging one another, and investing life in others by helping them see their potential together. This conference was put together by Dr. D and DJ Lace, Co-Founders of the Higher Ground Record Pool because they could only imagine.
I met Dr D & DJ Lace in 2006 at the Mobile Beat Show in Las Vegas. They heard of CrossMix and immediately wanted to be a partner with us to share with us the endless possibilities in the genre Christian music. It was an experience to learn more about a genre of music that was hip, happening and positive. Who would have imagined?
In a world that is troubled by tsunamis, earthquakes, political corruption, failed economy, and war, we may ask what is there to look forward to in the future? I can only imagine. It took the vision of these two men to help others through positive music to find answers to that question of what to look forward to.
Lawrence Stroman aka DJ Lace was just 50-years old when he passed on April 13, 2011 to the complete shock of those of us who had the privilege to know him. His first DJ persona was DJ Larry D, hailing from Bronx, NY. He had a passion for music and his fierce precision on the turntables helped build his brand in the “Big Apple” as he Deejayed for many Hip-Hop pioneers.
After he became a Christian, he changed his name to DJ Lace and started to make a positive difference to people with Gospel Hip-Hop music. DJ Lace was a DJ, engineer, producer, loving father and husband.
But more importantly is was an ambassador and a servant who served others through music and his love for God. Well DJ Lace is gone here on earth, and those of us who met him are richer for it, and in his memory, if you want to experience what he left behind make it to the Higher Ground Conference in Atlanta, GA September 18-20, 2011.
DJ Lace, you have risen into the blessing God had for you, spinning those turntables with an all access pass to the greatest party of them all. I can only imagine!
Pictured Above: CrossMix Co-Founders Robert A. Lindquist & Ray Mar joined by DJ Lace (2nd Left) and Dr. D (Far Right)
Ray Martinez – Unbridled Inspiration
Ray Martinez of Ray Mar Productions in Goodyear, AZ is the most highly accredited individual in the mobile DJ industry.
A 30+ year veteran, Ray’s many accomplishments include:
- 2006 American Disc Jockey Hall of Fame Inductee
- 2003 National Male Entertainer of the Year
- American Disc Jockey Awards; 2001 & 2002 ADJA Southern California Entertainer of the Year
- Author, “Performance Beyond Expectation,” “Music From My Heart”
- Vice President-Board of Directors of N.A.M.E. (National Association of Mobile Entertainers)
- Executive Director, CrossMix-Christian DJ Association
- Lifetime Member-American Disc Jockey Association
- Former National Director of the ADJA
- Former Vice President of the ADJA So. California Chapter
- Ambassador and Endorsed Artist for QSC Audio.
To purchase Ray Mar’s books, visit his website. To contact him, email [email protected].
