Eric Bennett, otherwise known as DJ Eric B', uses his talents on Hot 104.5 to show Knoxville that he is redefining the art of mixing music.

"I always try to keep myself separated from other DJs," said Bennett. "I try to play the best remix version...before everyone else plays it."

As a teenager, Bennett found that he enjoyed working for Delta Airlines, where he was able to meet numerous celebrities including former University of Tennessee quarterback, Peyton Manning. However, he found his true calling in being a disc jockey.

"I've been DJing for a living since I was 18 and I have never looked back since," said Bennett.

Several things catalyzed his dream of being a DJ, including hanging out at the skating rink as a child. He credits several people, including Jam Master J of Run DMC, with his rise to celebrity status in the Knoxville radio industry.

"My dad was very much into music when I was a kid," said Bennett. "I still plays guitar and he was in a band my entire childhood. I had a bunch of family members who were in bands."

One might wonder with all of today’s changing technology, has working in the radio industry become frightening?

“Maybe to a little bit of an extent,” answered Bennett. “But radio is going to be there forever. I don’t think it’s really affected the radio industry.”

There is quite a bit more to DJ Eric B', however, than just the microphone and the turntables.

"Family comes first," he said. "I love my daughters very much. I love my wife very much. Family is a big part of my life. I hang out with my family more than I hang out with my friends. Family is always first."

DJ Eric B’ is not just your average DJ, as his promotional material implies. He works tirelessly to ensure that the music he plays leaves his listeners begging for more. He has realized throughout his tenure as a DJ that it’s not always easy, but in the end, it’s worth it.

“You’ve just got to stick with it,” he said. “It’s just proof that if you keep sticking with it, it opens other doors.”

You can hear DJ Eric B’ live on Hot 104.5 Monday through Friday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm and from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. He also performs every Thursday from 9:00pm until 3:00am at Tonic in the Old City.