Carlos Diaz

Carlos was born in Ojocaliete, México, to Carlos Díaz Lopez and Rosa Díaz Zermeño. He graduated from Bellarmine College Prep in 1982, where he played football and ran cross country. He continued cross country and his education at Santa Clara University ’86 while beginning his college radio career at KSCU, playing Classic Hi-Energy.

After quickly becoming a household name, he took his talents to Stanford’s KSZU, “La Voz de la Gente,” on Sunday afternoons and Friday nights at KSJS “Radio Atzlán.” He was a “Brown Beret of The Airwaves,” promoting Chicano culture, education, and giving Freestyle and Classic Hi-Energy artists a platform through valuable airplay and interviews. “Escuchaaaaa”

In 1997, Carlos opened his record shop Knight Sounds in Eastside San José, which became a staple in the DJ community and Bay Area. After 40+ years in the industry, he stayed true to the art of DJing and vinyl. He never wavered coining the phrase: “Real Vinyl Doesn’t Crash!”

Carlos shared his passion for music and entertainment at his shop by providing space to build community and educate up-and-coming DJs. As a DJ and sound and lighting professional, he performed for millions through radio, concerts, festivals, and private events. His family will continue to operate the family-owned business.

As a devoted Catholic, he sent all his children to Catholic school and volunteered his time to take church-school festivals to the next level. He gave local talent a stage and helped mold the entertainment experience attendees now expect at Holy Family, St. John Vianney, Most Holy Trinity, and St. Christophers.

He was a dedicated community advocate committed to strengthening the Alum Rock and Eastside area by founding the Alum Rock Business Network and partnering with organizations like SOAC on cultural-focused events. He enjoyed serving on several entertainment and community boards, such as Vice President of his neighborhood association.

Becoming one of the Black Hole’s 1st official DJs, Carlos was an avid Raider season ticket holder since 1997, never missing a game, rain or shine. TV news clips of crazily decorated tailgates with a full DJ system and vinyl, both in Oakland and Las Vegas, will live forever as rain of confetti falls from the sky and “The Autumn Wind” becomes a little colder.

Carlos is survived by his mother, Rosa Díaz Zermeño; wife, Vera Escobedo; his five loving children: Audrey A. Díaz, Carlos C. Díaz, Mateo Díaz, Sarah M. Díaz, and Marisa R. Díaz; and his five sisters: Rosa Díaz, Maria Díaz, Delia Garcia, Raquel Flores, and half-sister Mireya Díaz.

In place of flowers, please send donations to help cover funeral costs to Knight Sounds at (408) 926-DJDJ (3535). Text or call.

The Rosary and Viewing are June 5, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 710 Willow St., San José, CA, 95125.

The Funeral followed by a memorial service will be held on June 6, 2023, starting at 11:00 a.m. at Five Wounds Church, 1375 E. Santa Clara St., San José, CA 95116, followed by the burial at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St., Santa Clara, CA 95050.

All are welcome to attend to celebrate Carlos Díaz’s life.