You don’t move through New York nightlife for more than three decades without becoming part of its mythology. Johnny Dynell—DJ, producer, songwriter, remixer, impresario—has been shaping the city’s sound and spirit since 1980, when he began spinning at the Mudd Club before moving through a roll call of legendary rooms: Area, Danceteria, The Palladium, The Tunnel, Nell’s, Susanne Bartsch’s parties, and beyond.

His 1983 breakout single “Jam Hot”—a graffiti-kid anthem sampled worldwide—cemented his place in downtown music history, while cult classics like “Elements of Vogue” helped define the ballroom-era sound. Along the way, Johnny collaborated with icons including Arthur Baker, Malcolm McLaren, Larry Levan and Pink Martini, co-founded the influential Jackie 60 with Chi Chi Valenti, and launched his own label, Endless Night Music.

We recently caught up with Johnny to talk under-the-radar New York, downtown institutions, and the people and places that keep him inspired.

What would the title of your autobiography be?
“Is That It?”

What can’t you travel without and why?
Xanax. I need it when I fly. Actually, I don’t usually even take it, but just knowing that I have it makes me relax.

What’s your favorite travel destination?
We have a house in New Orleans, and that city is always great.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon in NYC?
I just love to walk.

If you could choose one person to show you “their New York City,” who would it be and why?
Fran Lebowitz. She is a hoot and always has such a brilliant take on things.

What or who has inspired you recently and why?
John Bartlett and his Tiny Tim Animal Rescue Fund. He is tireless and does so much for the animals.

What are your favorite NYC restaurants? What do you order there?
Il Posto Accanto is always good. I order the linguine vongole. Bar Pitti is like home. I order the linguine vongole.

What’s your go-to spot in NYC for drinks?
In the East Village, it’s Club Cumming and Lucky. In Hell’s Kitchen, it’s Red Eye.

What are some of your favorite NYC brunch spots? What do you order when you go?
Little Ruby’s on E. 11th Street. I always order the chicken avocado salad.

Where do you get your art fix in NYC? Do you have a favourite artist?
The Chelsea galleries always have interesting things going on. Francesco Clemente is my favorite artist. His work is poetry.

What are some of your favorite late-night hangouts in NYC and why?
I like Red Eye in Manhattan. In Brooklyn I like Animal and Good Room. The music is always good.

What are some of your under-the-radar must-do recommendations for NYC visitors?
Governors Island!

What are some of your favorite NYC stores and why?
Patricia Field has been home for me since the late ’70s.

What music are you listening to these days? Who are some of your favorite musicians?
For the past few years, I’ve been getting into Afro house. I just connect with it right now.

What album or song would you consider your personal soundtrack to NYC?
“Jelly Roll” by Nina Simone.

When you think of NYC, are there any particular emotions or memories that immediately come to mind?
I came to New York in 1975 to go to art school. When I first got here, I had no friends, no job, no place to live. I sat on a bench all night in Sheridan Square and just watched. I saw that New York was a lady. I said to her, “If you let me stay, I promise I’ll do something that adds to the city.” She let me stay, and I’ve always tried to keep up my end of the bargain.