Meet Khrishna First Lady” Henderson-Hutchinson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Khrishna “First Lady” Henderson-Hutchinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khrishna “First Lady”, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success for me is about resilience and adaptability in the face of obstacles and setbacks. It’s acknowledging that failure is a natural part of the journey and using setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Success is not about avoiding failure but rather about how I respond to it and keep moving forward. Success is about feeling fulfilled and content with the life I’ve created for myself. It’s about finding joy and satisfaction in both the journey and the destination, celebrating achievements while remaining humble and grateful for the opportunities and blessings along the way. Success is not a destination to reach but rather a continuous journey of growth, fulfillment, and self-discovery.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey in the entertainment industry started at a remarkably young age. Believe it or not, I began at just 16 months old. Both my parents were models, and they decided to get photos taken of me, which they then submitted to the modeling agency representing them, Shirley Hamilton Talent Inc. Surprisingly, I began booking a lot of print work, especially considering it was 1968, and there weren’t many African American child models at the time. From there, I ventured into television commercials.

When I turned 13, my life took a musical turn. My boyfriend at the time introduced me to DJing, and I was immediately hooked. This was around 1980, and as one of the few Black female DJs in the scene, I quickly made a name for myself. By 1982, I became a member of what eventually became known as one of the first all-female DJ groups, “The Fantastic Four.” Unfortunately, the group disbanded by 1984, but that didn’t stop me. I continued DJing solo alongside my pioneering male counterparts in the House Music scene.

In 1986, I recorded one of my first House Music songs, “Used By A D.J.,” on DJ International Records. That same year, I made history by becoming the first Black female DJ/mixer on Chicago radio station WGCI 107.5FM, thanks to a challenge accepted by the King of House Music himself, Farley Jackmaster Funk. From then on, I was drawn to radio and quickly transitioned into on-air positions at various radio stations in Chicago, including WKKC -89.3FM, WGCI 107.5FM, 106JAMZ, and WVAZ-102.7FM.

Throughout my career, I discovered a natural talent for programming music formats, which led me to on-air positions in New York at WBLS-FM, HOT97, and WRKS 98.7 KISS-FM. Currently, I’m the co-owner of JAM98 – Music For Your Soul, one of the fastest-growing streaming radio stations in the country. My husband and I combined our music and radio talents to create a format dedicated to nothing but “Jams.”

Some of the highlights of my career include receiving the 2006 BILLBOARD HIP HOP & R&B Assistant Program Director and Music Director of the Year in a Large Market award, being inducted into The DJ Hall of Fame in 2015, and being listed in The United States Library of Congress in 2023 for my contributions as a Black Woman in Radio.

I wear many hats on this head of mine. Professionally, I am a business owner, overseeing operations at JAM98, one of the leading streaming radio stations in the country. Additionally, I serve as the CEO of the LivingHerstory 501c3 private foundation, where we strive to empower and uplift women through various initiatives. As an international event planner, I’ve had the honor of organizing events for renowned gatherings such as the Amsterdam Dance Event and Gay-Dance Event, bringing people together through the universal language of music.

In the realm of education, I am an instructor at the Illinois Media School, where I have the privilege of passing on my knowledge and expertise to aspiring broadcasters. As a pioneering House Music DJ and artist, I’ve left my mark on the music industry, and as a radio programmer and mentor, I continue to guide and inspire the next generation of talent.

While I am known for all of the above, the roles in my life that I am most proud of are those of a mother and wife. Nothing brings me greater joy and fulfillment than nurturing and supporting my family, both personally and professionally. They are my pillars of strength and my greatest source of inspiration.

Regarding the FUTURE… That’s such an interesting question because the Future resides within Tomorrow and both are always coming but never Arrive. So, to ask what my plans are for the “Future,” I would simply say that the plan is to keep giving and doing more today than I gave or did yesterday. I realize that’s probably not the answer you were looking for, but it is the most humble and honest answer I can provide. Every day presents new opportunities for growth, learning, and making a positive impact, and my goal is to seize those opportunities to the best of my ability, one day at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite spots in Chicago would most definitely be the lakefront. It doesn’t matter if you are south or north, Chicago’s lakefront and incredible skyline are unmatched. There are so many amazing restaurants and hot spots I can’t begin to name them all. Everyone’s experience as a first-time visitor to our great city is different. If you were coming for a visit, I would tailor your visit around the things that interest you, the things you are passionate about. Believe me, whatever it is, we have it in Chicago. This would also give me an opportunity to enjoy your favorite things as well. I think that would make the experience special for the both of us.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
OMG! How much time do we have? There are so many people that have been on this journey with me. From the very beginning, my parents Woody and Rea have been my rock, my guiding stars, always there with their unconditional love and unwavering support. And then there’s my daughter Khumare, my little ray of sunshine, who fills my heart with joy every single day. And of course, my amazing husband and business partner, Hugo, who’s not only my better half but also my greatest ally in this crazy industry.

Their continuous support and willingness to share me with this wild ride of a career have meant everything to me. I couldn’t have done it without them by my side, cheering me on every step of the way. But it’s not just them—there are so many others who’ve played a part in shaping this journey of mine. It’s like a tapestry woven with the threads of countless friendships, mentors, and colleagues who’ve poured into me, lighting the way when it got dark.

I like to think of them as my “Angels,” those special souls who’ve stood by me through thick and thin, lifting me up when I needed it most. And you know what’s incredible? Many of them are still here, standing with me, cheering me on as I continue to chase my dreams. So, while I may not have all the time in the world to thank each and every one of them individually, know that their presence in my life has made all the difference. And to all those angels, past and present, I say a heartfelt thank you—for being the wind beneath my wings and for making this journey one heck of an adventure! Ok here it goes…

Bonnie DeShong, Isadore Pink, Lee Michaels, Farley “Jackmaster Funk” Williams, Steve Smith, Elroy Smith, Earl Boston, Brain Wallace, Black Women In Radio, Mary Datcher, George Daniels, Johnnie Walker, Raymond Medwynter, Teena Sloane Hendricks,Irene Mojica, Marv Dyson, Steve Poindexter, Wendall Raye, Liz Dixson, Joe Smooth, Tyree Cooper, K’Alexi, Benjamin Aillery, Elliott Matos and so many more.

Website: www.jam98.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ilovefirstlady

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ilovefirstlady

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ilovefirstlady

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilovefirstlady

Youtube: www.youtube.com/ilovefirstlady

Image Credits
David Sabat Khrishna Henderson-Hutchinson Khumare Harris