Tony Moran may just be the numero-uno DJ in the country today. He continues to spin the sounds on the world party circuit with a passion that still burns within his body and soul. And that isn’t bad for this 40-year-old Latin heartthrob who started mixing and singing as part of a two-man hit machine called The Latin Rascals (with Albert Cabrera) in 1981.

Moran has proven that he has the staying power to remain in a tough business, and has worked with some of the best and hottest entertainers in the music industry: Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Patti Labelle and George Michael. His latest release is called Tour de Beats and includes “Waiting for Allegria” and Deborah Cox’s “Easy as Life.”

Tour de Beats is a Brazilian/Babylon mix recently described by one reviewer as “tribalistically divalicious.” Moran claims to be a follower, except when he’s assigned the arduous task of being a hunky DJ leader or producer. He is obviously helping both the gay and straight community express themselves with musical celebration, and there isn’t anything wrong with sending out upbeat, positive energy into the world.

It’s obvious that Moran loves his work. Aside from the most obvious dividends (personal satisfaction), Moran has felt the professional satisfaction of having been nominated (twice) for a Grammy, in addition to being paid very well for spinning and mixing music. In his own words, he recently “tore up New York’s Roxy,” and no doubt he’ll be returning to other cities like Atlanta, Montreal and even Rio on his never-ending DJ circuit.

Moran advises that when you find yourself at a creative crossroad, choose the road where life will provide you a fine balance between your professional and personal life. And even though he feels that the music he plays is a reflection of himself, he knows that he is simply the catalyst for all the sweating and grinding on the dance floor that results in having a great time.

You might say he has it all: money, a knockout, ab-tight body and a multi-tasked profession (DJ, singer, songwriter and record producer), as well as a newly purchased multi-million dollar apartment in New York City’s SoHo district, a residence in Miami, Fla. and a Fire Island getaway. But Moran has come a long way from the ghettos of New York (Irish/Columbian heritage), where he was brought up in public housing. He’s the middle child in a family of five siblings, and has made his musical mark in the world. I’m going to assume that many of you have already downloaded his music into your constantly changing iPod repertoire, but I might caution you to leave a little space for more of Moran’s music because he “ain’t done yet.”

Gay & Lesbian Times: In a recent interview, you said that the music you play is a reflection of who you are. As a way of finding out who Tony Moran is, I’m going to ask you to describe yourself in five words. Go!

Tony Moran: One who loves people and music.

GLT: Of all of the celebrities you’ve had the pleasure of working with, who did you most respect as a musician?

TM: It’s hard to single out any one entertainer. However, I had an incredible experience with the late, great Luther Vandross that will stay in my mind forever. He was the consummate entertainer.

GLT: Can you spell success for Tony Moran?

TM: Continuing what I am doing; DJing and producing music.

GLT: Is there an age when you might find yourself too old to be spinning songs as a DJ?

TM: I’ll DJ until the public, my fans, tell me to stop.

GLT: Speaking of age, you look marvelously guapo in those publicity pictures on your Web site. Do you feel as good as you look, and is it the moving to the grooves that keeps you in such fine shape?

TM: I’m on the go constantly; that’s probably how I manage to keep in shape. I don’t have any special diet, but I pack up my iPod and head to the gym whenever possible.

GLT: You recently commented on the Black Party, saying that “it propels you into decadence.” What does that mean exactly?

TM: Simply that the music I played for that event allowed those in attendance to set their minds free, casting aside their inhibitions while out there on the dance floor.

GLT: Isn’t that what they call the circuit’s trance music?

TM: Exactly; it’s where you lose yourself to the music.

GLT: Do you feel you are personally responsible for all that touching, hugging and even groping that goes on down there on the dance floor, and do you get a sensual thrill from that communal arousal?

TM: Yes and yes.

GLT: For those who have to know, are you single?

TM: I’ve had three longer-term relationships. I’ve been with my current lover, Beau, for about six years now, and I haven’t made it easy for any of them, what with my crazy schedule and all.