A Life Set to Music: Meet The Rhythm of a Dream

Every great song has a story behind it. So does every great DJ. In The Rhythm of a Dream: A Memoir of My Love, My Legacy, Luis Mario Orellana Rizzo shares the true story of his life, from a quiet start as a kid to the busy dance floors of New York.

From Ecuador to New York

Luis Mario was born in Guayaquil in 1952. After his father passed away, he and his mother moved to Canada and then to New York. He was young, new to the language, and short on money. He took any job he could find, from washing dishes to working in factories.

At night, he went to the clubs. There he saw DJ Francis Grasso at work and decided that this was his path. He learned by watching, and by his early twenties he was playing records for packed rooms.

A Love Story on the Dance Floor

The book is also a love story. Luis Mario met his wife, Riki, at a Queens club in 1972. They married in 1974 and have been side by side for more than fifty years. Riki appears on almost every page, from the DJ booth to the trips they took together. Her note to the reader adds a personal touch.

Protecting a Legacy

Later in life, Luis Mario started the Legends of Vinyl Music Hall of Fame. His goal was simple.

He wanted the early DJs and music makers to be remembered. The book explains how the idea began, how the first board came together, and how the first award nights took place. He also looks back at the clubs, the road trips, and the people who shaped his life.

Along the way, he faced setbacks, loss, and illness. He writes about them plainly, and he always comes back to the same message: stay thankful, and keep going.

Who Should Read It

This memoir is a good fit for music fans, disco lovers, and anyone who enjoys a true story told with heart. You do not need to know the music world to enjoy it. The writing is easy to follow, and the stories are lively.

You can get The Rhythm of a Dream from the official website or from Amazon. Order your copy today and meet the man who spent a lifetime keeping the music alive.