GILL — Robert Campbell graduated from Greenfield High School in June 1985. Two months later, he worked as a DJ for a wedding reception in a small banquet hall at the former Howard Johnson’s near Interstate 91 and Mohawk Trail rotary.
And, thus, Bobby C’s DJ Service was born. The lifelong Franklin County resident has decided to celebrate four decades in the business by hosting a free party at Sundaes at Lena’s, 231 West Gill Road, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug 2.
Although Campbell started his company 41 years ago, health issues took him out of contention in 2025, when he had no gigs, so he sees 2026 as the 40th anniversary.
“You know, I love what I do,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have wonderful clients.”
The Turners Falls resident built a name for himself working parties, weddings and graduations. He has won numerous awards, and he has many times been ranked the best in the Pioneer Valley by the Valley Advocate Readers’ Poll.
Campbell also spent decades playing dances and proms at high schools as far south as Springfield and as far north as Brattleboro, Vermont, though he no longer takes those gigs.
“I’m letting the younger kids take over the reins of that,” he said.
Campbell said the party industry has changed significantly since the 1980s, noting that people more commonly get married in their 30s now as opposed to their 20s. Conversely, he said, Campbell hosts parties at nursing homes, where residents love music from the 1950s and ’60s.
He now performs shows with the help of his wife and grandson.
“I wouldn’t be able to do the shows if it wasn’t for those two,” he said.
Sundaes at Lena’s will have ice cream for sale at the anniversary party.
