Born in Dartford, Kent in 1960, Pete Tong was the first Radio 1 presenter to present a 'Club' music show, the Essential Selection, which he began in 1991.

He began his DJ career as a wedding DJ in Kent during his mid-teens, later presenting Soul Weekenders in sea-side towns. In 1979 he worked at Blues & Soul magazine as  features editor and began making appearances on BBC's Radio London and Medway. He DJ'd at a club in Baker Street, and booked bands for the weekend  (the first one he hired was the then unheard of  Culture Club!)

1981 found him presenting a short 'dance' news and music spot on Radio 1's Peter Powell show.  He launched a soul show on Kent's  local radio in 1984.  Pete  DJ'd in Ibiza for the first time in 1986.

The following year upon return to London, he succeeded in presenting the Ibiza experience across clubland, giving birth to the 'house' generation.  Tong then worked for  Capital Radio broadcasting club music, and started a record label in 1988, FFRR,  introducing the careers of groups such as Orbital and  Salt 'n' Pepa. With the new club culture in 1991, Radio One needed to cater for the new  youth market and Pete began a  Friday evening show called the Essential Selection, broadcasting to the nation's club-going youth. In the mid-nineties, Radio 1 sought Tong's advice on new presenters and so arrived Judge Jules and Danny Rampling.

The Essential Selection spawned the Essential Mix, enabling DJs worldwide to demonstrate their mixing talents on Radio 1. He has mixed many Essential Mix CD compilations.

Pete takes part in a residency in Ibiza each summer since 2002 along with other dance DJs and his current Radio 1 show is;

• The Essential Selection Fridays 6pm till 9pm

Pete Tong Introduces US3 in 1993

The Selection Continues! 1993

Pete Tong got POWER