What does Erykah Badu, Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Crystal Waters and Ultra Nate all have in Common?

They’ve all been produced or mixed by Teddy Douglas.   That’s right, Baltimore’s own DJ/Producer of the Legendary Basement Boys Production Company.   During the 1970’s, early 80’s the influence of night club hot spots such as Odell’s (Baltimore), Clubhouse (D.C.), Catacombs (Philadephia), Paradise Garage (New York), Zanzibar (New Jersey), became what he lived for.   Yearning to recreate the energy he felt from his favorite DJ’s- Tee Scott, Mandrill, David Todd, Larry Levan, in 1980 he purchased two turntables and a mixer.   After months of practice and the combination of his extensive record collection, he became resident DJ in a small bar named “Hats”.   The success from this night landed Teddy residencies at Odell’s, Clubhouse, Fantasy, Paradox and today   DJ booths all around the world from Europe to Japan.   In 2003 Teddy teamed up with John Davis for Body & Soul “Sunday Sessions” parties in NYC to rave reviews.

In addition to being in high demand as a DJ, he’s also one half of one of the hottest production teams, the Basemement Boys.   Basement Boys not only made the Billboard Dance Charts but frequently dominated them.   The team who’s responsible for dozens of hit records in the early 90’s, introduced Ultra Nate’ with four hit club singles and Crystal Waters with her debut single “Gypsy Woman” that quickly went gold and had everyone around the globe chanting “La da dee La da da”.   Teddy and his partner Jay Steinhour have managed to continuously feed the dance music scene for 15 years.   Celebrating this milestone this summer with a double CD compilation release on BBE.   The 15 Year Anniversary Double CD features all their hits and is mixed by DJ Teddy Douglas and DJ Spen.   So with new acts like Vinx, Fertile Ground on Elephunk Records, we’re all looking forward to another 15 years of great music.

It all began in the basement of native Chicago, DJ/Producer Jay Steinhour’s Baltimore house.    In the late 1980’s Jay along with partners Teddy Douglas   and Thommy Davis began what is now the Legendary Basement Boys Production Company.   Producing, remixing, and writing songs for Michael Jackson, Crystal Waters, Lenny Kravitz, Ann Nesby, Ultra Nate, Mass Order and more.

He began his professional DJ career in the late 70’s in Washington DC.   Frequently in NYC to shop for rare records, Jay had a knack for finding that unique tune which made him legendary in a funky club named “Hats” (where he became head DJ, overseeing the DJ schedule). This is where he expressed his creativity to a loyal underground Black audience.  

Today he is Executive CEO for Basement Boys Productions, Publishing (Basement Boys Music (ASCAP), Kinda Kool Music (BMI)), and Record Companies (Basement Boys Records, Elephunk Records, God’s House Records).   He is also the principle studio engineer/manager, as well as producing records alongside partner Teddy Douglas.    This team is responsible for dozens of hit records in the early 90’s, introduced Ultra Nate’ with four hit club singles and Crystal Waters with her debut single “Gypsy Woman” that quickly went gold and had everyone around the globe chanting “La da dee La da da”.     Jay and his partner Teddy (the Basement Boys) have managed to continuously feed the dance music scene for 15 years.   Celebrating this milestone this summer with a double CD compilation release on BBE.   The 15 Year Anniversary Double CD features all their hits and is mixed by DJ Teddy Douglas and DJ Spen.   So with new acts like Vinx, Fertile Ground on Elephunk Records, we’re all looking forward to another 15 years of great music.

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A classically trained guitarist, Wayne Cooper has studied at the prestigious Peabody Prep and at Baltimore's Morgan State University. Playing both acoustic and lead guitar, Cooper has a rich background that defies genre. In 1991 he joined The Basement Boys as a staff musician and has been a key member of the production company since.

The Basement Boys' in-house percussion master, Victor Williams has extensive resume of playing alongside an impressive list of artists, in an equally impressive setting. In 1992 he has the privilege of playing for President Bill Clinton's inauguration. In a performance aired on The Disney Channel, Williams was a member and musical director of George Duke's house band, backing up Vanessa Williams, Boyz II Men, and Celine Dion. In addition, Williams has recorded and performed with the likes of Dennis Chambers, John McLaughlin, Gary Thomas, Wil Calhoun ,Chester Thompson, John Scofield, Gary Grainger, George Duke, Anthony Jackson and Bob Berg. He has also worked in TV and movies; sound tracking commercials and producing sound effects for the independent movie, "The Lottery Incident". His impressive background as led to sponsorship from Pearl and Sabian, percussion manufactures who are proud to support this talented artist who is on the rise.