Dino Calvao, New York DJ and nightlife champion has died

New York clubbing legend, nightlife champion and DJ Dino Calvao has died.

Calvao’s son confirmed his passing to Resident Advisor, which came reportedly after a heart attack.

He was a regular fixture in the city’s party scene, having started DJing at 18 years old and playing at clubs across New York. In recent times he regularly played and danced at Good Room in Brooklyn, which he named as his favourite club.

In a 2016 interview with Good Room, Calvao revealed that his very first night out was in 1976 at a club called Infinity, on Broadway and Bleeker. It was where he would develop his love for music.

He also recounted first playing out to a crowd in either 1983 or 1984, which happened when the “DJ was having sex with a dancer so he left me records to play while he was busy.

“He liked it so he did it all the time, leave me to do the lights and music,” he continued. Read the full interview here.

A number of those involved in the New York music scene paid tribute to Calvao. American DJ and producer Lovefingers posted on Twitter, where he wrote: “Very sad to hear of Dino Calvao’s passing. One of the NYC fixtures who was always there and who encapsulated the spirit of our culture. RIP.”

Jason Kincade wrote: “RIP true NYC legend of the scene & lovely man. Dino Calvao was there for every great party from the 70s onward & always there for big hug, big smile & amazing stories. Sorry we hadn’t seen each other for a while but go in peace. See you my friend on the dancefloor beyond…”

Katie Shane posted: “I always knew I was at a good party if Dino was there. He once told me he’d never seen anyone smile on a dance floor like I do. What a loss.”

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter