Stacey Hotwaxx Hale ()

Known as the Godmother of House Music, DJ Stacey "Hotwaxx" Hale was the first female house music artist in Detroit and has shaped American music culture through her dynamic blend of house, techno, funk, hip hop, and Motown soul. A pioneer on Detroit radio in the late ’80s, she has performed in legendary venues like the Apollo, Studio 54, and The Warehouse, and continues to tour internationally while holding residencies at Spotlite and Marble Bar in Detroit. Beyond the decks, she’s an educator, radio host, and mentor, teaching youth and adults through programs like Girls Rock Detroit and the Detroit Institute of Music Education. She co-founded the Sheometry Music & Arts Festival with DJ Minx to elevate underrepresented artists and remains active as a performer with Nyumba Muziki and Jessica Care Moore’s Black Women Rock Band. With a legacy of collaborations and accolades, including winning the Motor City Mix contest, Hotwaxx Hale’s influence on music and community is as deep as her dedication.