Tracy Young, Madonna's Favorite DJ, Is Breaking the Grammy Glass Ceiling

Tracy Young has made herstory as the first woman nominated in the category of Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the Grammy Awards.

For Young - who has spent more than 25 years in the music industry, and who was recognized for her Pride radio remix of Madonna's "I Rise" - the nomination is "overwhelming."

"First of all just to be recognized, I feel like I won already," she told The Advocate in a recent interview. "If I do win, that would just be a bonus."

A win for Young would also be a major victory for women and LGBTQ people. For Young's entire career in the music industry, the lesbian DJ has worked in a field dominated by mostly straight men - particularly in music production and remixing.

This lack of representation reflects itself in her category. Since the Grammys first launched Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical in 1998 (that year, the trophy went to Frankie Knuckles, the "Godfather of House Music"), not a single woman has received a nod - a span of over 20 years.

"It's just hard for women to break through in this industry," Young said. "It's just very male-dominated and I think always been that way."

Young's commitment to her craft is one of the reasons she was able to have a breakthrough. She has worked to create remixes of hits by over 100 top artists, including Lady Gaga, Cher, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Madonna, with whom she has 14 collaborations. Over 50 of her tracks have reached the number 1 spot on the Billboard Club Chart Hits.

"Music for me is not an option. That's the only thing I know how to do. So it has to work for me," Young said.

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