Out, loud and proud, DJ Ghost is a familiar name in the Carolinas’ LGBTQ+ community. An unapologetic advocate for equality and social justice, he’s never been one to mince words. In fact, his Facebook page boldly declares: “If you voted for Trump, don’t add me.”
For years, DJ Ghost, also known as Michael Todd Calton (named for one of Elizabeth Taylor’s many husbands), was a fixture at Charlotte’s legendary nightclub Scorpio, where his love of music and magnetic presence made him a familiar face on the nightlife scene. Today, the tall, handsome DJ remains as passionate about music as he is about speaking out against injustice. Through it all, he’s managed to maintain a razor-sharp wit, an infectious sense of humor and an unwavering commitment to living authentically.
In this candid conversation, we go beyond the turntables to discover more about the man behind the music, his journey, his advocacy and his hopes for a more inclusive and compassionate future. Until now, Ghost says, “The only things written about me have probably been on bathroom walls.”
L’Monique King: Where are you originally from?
DJ Ghost: My mother was born in Charlotte and lived in Charlotte until she was about 15 and then moved to Rutherford County, North Carolina, where I was born. It’s about an hour west of Charlotte. I moved back there several years ago when my stepfather passed but had lived in Charlotte from 2002 to 2016.
LMK: How do you make your livelihood?
DJG: I DJ, make mixes for drag queens and create flyers [for different events and occasions]. That keeps me busy. For years I was in retail management and then after 30 years, in 2018, I got to a point where mentally I couldn’t do it any more. I worked for one company for five years taking them from being ready to close to a top 10 retailer with never getting a raise. I was DJing also four to seven nights a week while I did it too. I burned the candle at both ends and thought I was invincible.
LMK: As a little boy, what did you want to be when you grew up?
DJG: [Without hesitation] Batman. I really thought that when I grew up I could take over for Batman; like he was a real person and that would be my job. But I was also really into music, so as time progressed I wanted to be a singer and make mixed tapes.
LMK: Are you partnered or single?
DJG: Single, but I was partnered last night [giggles].
LMK: Ohhhhh, do tell. What do you mean?
DJG: Ummm, I like to call those moments attitude adjustments. When you experience those kinds of things, sometimes it can get you back right. When you spend quality time, special time or sexy time with someone — that kind of activity can make you feel better and get you back on track. It’s self-care. As long as it’s legal, not hurtful and both people want to do it, I’m all for it.
LMK: How do you identify?
DJG: I’m gay and have pretty much known that all my life even when I didn’t have a word for it, I knew it.
LMK: How’s your family when it comes to accepting your gayness and affirming you?
DJG: It’s kinda strange, I didn’t come out until I was 22. I was forced to come out. My stepfather went through my things in my bedroom and wrote me a nasty letter telling me I should leave and never speak to my family again. Back then, we didn’t have the internet or cell phones, we had letters, magazines and videos. You had to reply to personal ads [in newspapers]. So [after reading the letter] I drove around thinking about what to do. When I got back home and showed my mom the letter, she said she already knew and has never disparaged me for being gay. She’s always been supporting and accepting of me. So I thought the rest of my family would feel the same, for many years after. Nobody ever said anything out of the way to me, and then came Donald Trump; when I saw how many family members were comfortable with being vocal about their worst feelings, I realized at that point that it wasn’t a matter of a switch being flipped. The moment he came down that escalator to announce his intention to run for president in 2015, I knew we were in trouble. I knew his history and didn’t realize until after the election that many of my family members voted for him. Thankfully, not my mom, that would have destroyed me. [She] has always been the peacemaker and caretaker of everyone, and she’s been in awkward positions with my gayness and with Trump. Still, [post Trump] I stopped going to large family gatherings. I’m not going to sit at a table with people who say they love me but support policies or a person who actively attacks my community. That’s insanity to me, like asking me to have dinner with Hilter.
LMK: Now that we’ve discussed some of the noise, let’s talk a little about you and the music scene. Where’d you get the name DJ Ghost?
DJG: In late 2003 I was at Scorpio as a customer. There was a drag queen playing on one side. After the show in the main area, people would go over to the other side and listen to her play a few hip-hop songs she liked to perform to. At that time, techno was dying and hip-hop was what people wanted to hear. So I went home, made a mixed CD and went back [a few months later in early 2004] with my CD and a letter selling what I could do — how I could get more people in the door because hip-hop [I played] was popular and offered the opportunity to increase their business. Rick, the owner, said he listened to “my little CD” and asked me if I wanted to start on the next Sunday. He offered to pay me $50 to play from opening to close. When I first started I didn’t have a DJ name. GreenEyedSoul was my screen name on gay.com so I used that for about a month, but it wasn’t really working for me. Then, as a white guy with a bald head, Casper popped into my head, people had already called me that — but it didn’t flow. I thought Casper the Friendly Ghost might work but didn’t like that much either and shortened it to DJ Ghost. It stuck.
LMK: How long were you at Scorpio?
DJG: I started at the old Scorpio club on Freedom Drive and worked there from 2004–2011. I left because of things that I had long disagreed with and was vocal about … I ended up at Club Cabaret at Hickory at the end of 2011. In 2014 Scorpio called me back [and] I stayed until 2016.
LMK: What are your thoughts on AI Music?
DJG: I absolutely hate it! I find it disgusting. It’s not real people singing and all the songs have the same sound to them. It harms real artists. I don’t care how you try to sell it to me. I’m all for technology, but I’m not for replacing human beings.
LMK: As a DJ, what if any concerns do you have with AI music?
DJG: I have no doubt that there will come a day when people will be able to click on something and they won’t need me anymore. And the people that support it don’t realize that they too will one day be replaced by something not real. Just because it hasn’t affected your particular job yet and you’re okay with it, don’t think it won’t or be surprised when it does.
LMK: When you’re not playing music or making flyers, how do you decompress?
DJG: “Bob’s Burgers.” [Chuckles] It’s a cartoon with 16 seasons so far. It’s my comfort show, my sleep with the TV show. There’s something so good about it that just makes me feel better. I still watch soap operas too. [Laughter] I’ve watched soap operas since I was tall enough to see the TV. I love “Beyond the Gates.” It’s the first hour-long soap opera that centers a Black family. They are wealthy, politicians and the show is diverse enough to include a gay couple, a lesbian couple, a homeless character and my favorite villain Leslie played by Trisha Mann-Grant who is so gorgeous and actually married to one of the newer members of The Temptations.
LMK: When you think about our current political climate, do you have any words of advice for our youth and younger community members?
DJG: I would say that in history things have been difficult for our community. This is not the first time. It is the scariest of times — because people are so emboldened to say what they really feel. The only way we got through those times is by people refusing to accept those conditions; they fought so hard against those things. Many young people have had an easier time until now, so many don’t feel it’s necessary to be vocal or to protest or get out there and do things for the community. Let me be clear, the younger LGBTQ community is no less valid because they didn’t go through what we did. That was the point, for them not to have to share our experience. But now, we need to remind them of that — without being mean about it. So I encourage them to be vocal, stand their ground and know they are not less of a human being because of who they love or have sex with. So, make sure you stay plugged in; know what’s going on. Stay involved with the people who represent you and don’t let old white men tell you who you can be. I’m sick of it, the majority of the country is sick of it and we have to get them out of there.
LMK: When you think about your future, what do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
DJG: The same exact thing I’m doing now, if I’m fortunate enough to still be relevant, useful and wanted. I have no intentions of slowing down unless something forces me to. Otherwise, I still see myself playing music and supporting other entertainers [hoping] they benefit from my experience and not repeating my mistakes.
LMK: Any final thoughts before we let you go?
DJG: If you have an issue with someone in the community, instead of taking it to social media, speak to them in person and work out whatever it is if possible. Adult conversations can take you places that bashing each other online can’t.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
