Tiësto

Tijs Michiel Verwest, known globally as Tiësto, was born on January 17, 1969, in Breda, Netherlands. An influential figure in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene, Tiësto began his career as a DJ and record producer, captivating audiences with his innovative sound. Initially using various aliases, he ultimately adopted the name Tiësto, a nod to a childhood nickname.

In 1997, Tiësto co-founded Black Hole Recordings with Arny Bink, where he launched the acclaimed Magik and In Search of Sunrise CD compilations. His collaboration with producer Dennis Waakop Reijers began in 1998, resulting in numerous successful tracks. Tiësto gained widespread recognition in 2000 with his remix of Delerium’s "Silence," featuring Sarah McLachlan. His debut solo album, In My Memory, released in 2001, solidified his status as a leading artist, generating several major hits and earning him the top spot in the DJ Magazine Top 100 from 2002 to 2004.

A watershed moment in his career came in 2004 when he became the first DJ to perform live at an Olympic opening ceremony in Athens. Following this, he released the mix compilation Parade of the Athletes. Tiësto’s third album, Elements of Life, released in 2007, topped both the Dutch and U.S. electronic music charts and received a Grammy nomination. His fourth album, Kaleidoscope, debuted in 2009. By 2012, he was recognized as the #3 DJ in the DJ Mag Top 100, continuing to evolve his sound while occasionally revisiting his trance roots.