FOLIO
The life of Eric Leffler (aka DJ E.L.)
Words by Folio Staff
1978-2025
Typically, when an artist passes, there’s a surge of admiration — people suddenly share how much they loved them and their music. But for Eric Leffler, DJ E.L., that wasn’t the case. He didn’t have to wait until after he was gone to feel the love. Jacksonville made sure he knew it every single day.
Since Leffler’s unexpected passing on Feb.10, the community has felt a deep void. Friends and family have turned to Facebook and other social media platforms to share the impact he had on their lives. Leffler’s career was nothing short of remarkable, but he was more than just a local DJ. He was a son, a brother, a friend, a partner, an inspiration and a driving force in Jacksonville’s music scene. Since his passing, one thing has echoed across the community — who he was beyond the stage mattered just as much as the music he played. One common thread runs through every tribute — his infectious joy — for that was Leffler’s biggest mission in life … to spread joy through heartfelt connections and spinning tracks that broke any barriers.
107.3 Planet Radio shared a heartfelt tribute to Leffler, saying “He had a gift for creating unforgettable moments and spreading joy wherever he went. He transformed every event into a celebration. We’re celebrating his legacy and keeping the music alive in honor of him. Thank you, DJ E.L., for all the amazing memories. The party will never be the same, but your rhythm will always play on in our hearts.”
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Leffler always dreamed of moving to Florida and making his mark as a DJ. That dream didn’t just come true — it took off. He became Jacksonville’s No. 1 DJ, captivating audiences everywhere he went. From hosting on 107.3 Planet Radio to spinning at NASCAR events, Caddyshack with Bill Murray and Welcome to Rockville, Leffler had a rare gift. The moment his hands touched the board, the crowd felt it — his energy, his passion, his undeniable talent.
DJ “E.L.” was no stranger to us here at “Folio” either. “Folio” owner and attorney John M. Phillips recalled him fondly. “Eric was the soundtrack of much of our lives. With that smile and constant call for oneness,” he recalled. “When Jordan Davis died in 2012, Eric Leffler helped us TURN UP for Jordan. When we celebrated, he was the soundtrack. Every Florida /Georgia. Every Christmas party. Caddyshack. On and on. It was always DJ E.L. He was always positive and brought people together, sometimes hiding his own problems and down days in order to bring happiness to others.”
As a resident DJ for some of the city’s biggest events, he was a staple of the game day experience. In Jacksonville, tailgating isn’t just a pregame ritual — it’s a full-blown event and if you wanted to be at the best tailgate or Block Party you knew to follow the music straight to where DJ E.L. was on the decks. His beats set the vibe during any gathering to an unforgettable party.
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena shared the following: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Block Party DJ and radio host Eric Leffler. We are truly grateful for the cherished memories he created and the contagious energy he infused into our concerts. You will be missed! Thank you for everything, DJ E.L.!”
One of his proudest moments was when he got a last-minute gig to open for Jane’s Addiction at Daily’s Place in 2024. “Folio” general manager, Teresa Spencer, got a call from him that afternoon. Excitedly, he said, “Are you going to the Jane’s Addiction show tonight? Guess who’s opening for them? Let me give you a hint… Got my BIG BOY pants on today!” He was thrilled, and so was Spencer — along with so many of his fans. We even considered featuring him in a future issue to highlight the incredible strides he was making as a professional DJ. We always knew this was just the beginning. With his talent and ability to electrify a crowd, it was only a matter of time before he landed big gigs like this — and many more to come.
A few weeks later he posted about his experience on his social media “Still in awe, that I got to play the same stage as one of my favorite bands on their final tour. Thank You Live Nation Concerts, Jane’s Addiction, Love & Rockets, Daily’s Place. Never know where the thing you choose will take you!”
Leffler’s talent traveled throughout Jacksonville, from the crowds Downtown to those at the beaches. One of his staple sets was at Lynch’s Irish Pub, and for some, this is where they fell in love with Leffler’s infectious energy. Patrons and staff alike recall the many late nights they spent with Leffler, claiming them to be some of the best nights. And that is a sentiment shared through hundreds of friends and fans.
Lynch’s had this to say after hearing about Leffler’s passing, “Rest in peace to DJ E.L., a true Jacksonville legend. The pub won’t be the same without you behind the decks, dropping the best beats and making the whole place move. We’ll forever miss hearing you shout, ‘Somebody scream!’ and the way you brought the energy every night you played. Your music and spirit will live on in all of us. Fly high, E.L..”
While Leffler took the big stages by storm, he was also loyal to performing at more intimate events like weddings and charity events.
Friend Andrea Smith shared, “I am shocked to see this. Not only was he the DJ in my wedding, but I chose him because he was my friend. At 19, Eric coached me up and told me how to make a demo tape on my first radio job at Clear Channel. He encouraged me to not be intimidated even though I was so young. Then Eric was our top pick for Plush and Rain nightclub with our kittens Friday nights back in the day. I’m sick and saddened to see this today, and if by chance you are sharing these messages with him / his family – I pray to God, they all know what an impact he had on so many. It’s the love of music and love of Eric Leffler.”
Tu-Anh Pham Grabenkort also booked DJ EL for their wedding. “I’m so sorry to hear this. DJ EL was a huge hit as our wedding DJ – creating memories that will last a lifetime. We love you EL and will be thinking of you, Katie.”
The list goes on and on with friends, family and fans sharing their memories of Leffler, each more heartfelt than the last.
Vic Micolucci
I can’t believe this. E.L. brings the party and is so great at hyping everyone up. Praying for peace and comfort during this heartbreaking time.
Jordan Taylor
Nothing could have prepared me for seeing this post and the sad update it held. Eric was an awesome person, DJ, friend and downright entertainer that loved to smile and made everyone within his presence feel the music and come to life. I’m so sorry to be reading this and that his life will be cut short. Instead of focusing on the grim update, let’s focus on the massive impact this fella had on so many of us in Jacksonville and surrounding cities, and heck even countries. I wish you peace and pain free in your final days, Eric. Godspeed my friend!
P.S. I know the place you end up will have golden turntables for you to spin on eternally.
Josh Lachut
This is tough…I can’t even put into words how I am feeling right now! Jacksonville will never have another DJ E.L.! That dude and I had so many good times back in the day! And he always shouted me out and had a hug for me! This is a sad day for Jacksonville and people that called him Family!
Amanda Elie
I’m so incredibly heartbroken to hear this. DJ E.L. Eric Leffler was always a bright light, bringing energy, joy and unforgettable moments to so many of us. Whether he was behind the decks or just sharing his infectious positivity, he had a way of making every night feel special. I’m so grateful for the memories and the way he made every event feel like the best one yet. Sending so much love to him, his family, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Alexis Cannaday Maxwell
So heartbroken for us all. I have been at such a loss for words this past week. The only
thing I can do is cry in disbelief. I am so incredibly proud of him and the way he spent every minute of his life doing what he loved and always intended to do with his life from the time we were young young kids and we would turn our grandma’s kitchen into a nightclub, and he was the DJ. To know him is to love him. Our lives will never be the same. I’m still praying for a miracle.
Scott Gaylord
Thank you so much for sharing your light, your love and your passion with us, Eric Leffler!! I started DJing with Eric around the time he was about to embark on his cruise ship career. Fast forward almost 30 years and I just played on my first cruise ship. Ironic. You have been such a positive influence in my life, and I thank you from the depths of my being. If you hadn’t created a pathway of success for yourself, I probably wouldn’t have gone back to the craft after taking a 3-4 year break. You were a big part of that because of one conversation we had, and you were so fired up that I had to get back out there that it made an everlasting impact on me. I never told you that but I thank you so much brother.
In the past 6 months I have played at shows with my idols, played on an international festival Groove Cruise lineup and have plans to do even more in the future. Your passion will never die out, my friend. We will carry the torch from here. Rest easy. The people that know you and love you will continue to share your life, your story and your passion. I am sorry this has happened but I am privileged to know you. And I will always remember ……. Love you
Krystopher Salas Ramos
It’s beautiful to see that he created a community of people and we all connect in some way. He was loved and respected by so many !!!! He’s throwing a hell of a block party upstairs.
Katie Gerstmyer ( Leffler’s life partner)
Please keep him in your thoughts and one day, we will all see him spin again and yell “SOCIAL” or “SOMEBODY SCREAM” and it will take us all back to the greatest nights of our lives with him. Thank you to everyone who supported him throughout his amazing career.
“My nerves are turned on. I hear them like musical instruments. Where there was silence, the drums, the strings are incurably playing.
You did this.
Pure genius at work.
“Darling, the composer has stepped into fire.”
-Anne Sexton “The Kiss”
No matter where he played, Leffler had a signature moment — grabbing the mic and shouting, “SOMEBODY SCREAM!” It didn’t matter if it was a packed club or a small gathering; that energy was his trademark. And while he has taken his final bow, that spirit lives on in the voices of those who loved him. His legacy isn’t just in the music he played, but in the memories, the moments and the people who will always hear his voice in their hearts, urging them to scream one more time.
A plug-and-play party will honor the legendary RKSTRDJ “DJ EL” with live performances by local artists on March 6 from 4-9 p.m. at Lynch’s Irish Pub.
A celebration of his life will also be held on March from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with an open house at the family home, 223 South Butler Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana.
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