Manny Lehman stands above and beyond the cadre of circuit DJs. In his career, he has headlined every major event once, if not more, including Montreal’s Black & Blue Ball, Chicago’s Fireball, D.C.’s Cherry Ball, Philadelphia’s Blue Ball, the San Diego Zoo Party, the White Party… the list goes on and on. His most recent high-profile San Diego appearance was headlining Pride 2006’s Circuit Daze party at the Sports Arena.

Lehman’s high-octane blend of aggressive big-room vocals, infused with hard tribal beats has also landed him in the booths of virtually every important dance club in the country. He currently holds residencies at New York City’s Roxy, Miami’s Crobar, D.C.’s Nation and Los Angeles’ Here.

In addition, Lehman has produced a host of Billboard charting remixes for artists such as Madonna, Janet Jackson and Cher. He’s also released a laundry list of top-selling compilation CDs, including Winter Party, Bangin’ and, most recently, Freedom. His next album, a two-CD album with nine original tracks, will be out on Tommy Boy in January.

Lehman, known also as the “Latin from Manhattan,” was actually born and raised in the Bronx. “As a child, music was an escape from the ’hood,” Lehman says. “I’d listen to Barry White, Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. I lived and breathed their music. They remain a part of my soul even today.”

Lehman began his music career at a Manhattan record store. “It was one of the most important experiences in my musical education,” he says. “Eight years behind that counter instilled in me a street sensibility for hot dance beats.”

The store also offered Lehman unparalleled access to industry heavyweights who frequented the shop: legends like Shep Pettibone, Junior Vasquez, Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, David Morales and Hex Hector.

With Lehman’s connections, he became a producer at A&M [Artists & Repertoire – the department at a record label responsible for finding and cultivating new talent], developing and nurturing new artists. Among them was powerhouse diva CeCe Peniston, whose mega-hit “Finally” is still a dance floor staple. He had his own artistic aspirations and left A&M to follow his dreams.

And with making the latest “Out 100,” Out magazine’s annual list of the year’s most interesting, influential and newsworthy GLBT people, Lehman’s star continues to rise.

Rocket: Congratulations on being named an Out 100 honoree.

Manny Lehman: Thanks. It caught me totally by surprise! And such an honor!

Rocket: How did you make the transition from record producer to DJ?

ML: I worked in A&R. I was always a DJ first. I used to do it as a hobby and as a record [executive]. I kept it up to stay street smart. It was the thing that kept me going.

Rocket: What was DJing like for you in the early days?

ML: When I lived N.Y.C., I played mostly straight clubs. Only when I moved out to L.A. did I play my first gay event – it was at Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party 1990, the first or second one. There were three parties and I played all of ’em!

Rocket: Who are your musical influences?

ML: Everyone from Larry Levan, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Donna Summer, Victor Calderone and Junior Vasquez, to name a few. They made me want to figure out how I could put my touch and personality – my imprint – on the styles that meant so much to me. And Paradise Garage [legendary N.Y.C. nightclub], it was my school, it was my friends, it was my family, it was my life. There was nothing like it and there will never be.

Rocket: What’s been your favorite gig so far and what made it so?

ML: That’s hard to say. I’ve been blessed to play so many amazing events, celebrations and Prides. I can’t say there’s just one. Each experience is so different: different kinds of cities and different themes. I’ve just been so lucky to play so many.

Rocket: What’s your dream gig and what makes it so?

ML: To play Wembley Stadium like Oakenfold.

Rocket: What’s been your favorite remix project to work on?

ML: “The Wings” from Brokeback Mountain was special for me. The fact that it was an important film with a distinct story and I was asked to do a mix was awesome. And then my friend Tony Moran and I decided to work on a mix together, too. [Brokeback Mountain film composer] Gustavo Santaolalla called and said: “I could never have imagined my music in this style. I love it!” Tony and I were on the phone and almost burst into tears when he won the Oscar!

Rocket: Who are some artists to watch out for and why?

ML: It would be nice to see Inaya Day, Kristine W., Kim English and Suzanne Palmer get more mainstream recognition; to be heard more on the radio. To expose the masses to the music that we love, that would be awesome.

Rocket: What are your plans for the future?

ML: More productions and mixes. Right now I’m finishing my latest album for Tommy Boy, a double CD with nice originals coming out January. The first single comes out in a month. I can’t say who is singing yet, but I can give some hints: big voice, multi-platinum artist… and everybody loves a comeback.

Lehman has undoubtedly found his voice through the decks. He’s also discovered there are millions of people from all corners of the world who thrill to hear and experience it. Check out Manny Lehman this Saturday, Nov. 11, at Club Montage in San Diego.