Gilles Peterson was born in South London to French/Swiss parents and grew up speaking English at school and French at home. Peterson started DJing in London at age 18, eventually spinning at the now-famous Dingwalls Club in Camden. His sets included all aspects of urban music: funk, soul, jazz and hip-hop. Peterson and some friends co-founded Acid Jazz. Although the name was originally a joke between Eddie Piller, a Northern soul fan, and Peterson, it quickly became the catchphrase for smooth, funk-influenced Jazz that became synonymous with Acid Jazz artists such as Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai. Peterson also created compilations for Blue Note and Prestige as well as Street Sounds. This allowed him to introduce obscure and popular jazz to younger audiences. Peterson’s vision was expanded when he created the Talkin Loud label. This included some of England’s most creative drummer’n’bass artists like Roni Size and 4hero. One-time Talkin Loud A collaborator
