JAYFORCE

Senator (now President) Barack Obama, pictured with First Lady Michelle (left) helped declare August 25, 2004, Frankie Knuckles (right) Day in Chicago.

The psalmist wrote, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the mourning.” Often, mourners gain comfort from these words; because they remind them that the pain of losing a loved one will not last. But the memories, legacy and love… those should. But first the respect due, demands we take a somber moment, family.

For House heads, dancers, and fans worldwide, it is not ‘breaking’ news so much as heartbreaking news that the
The Huffington Post reported yesterday: “Frankie Knuckles… Godfather of House Music… dies at 59 in Chicago.”

Bronx, New York (USA), native DJ Frankie Knuckles died unexpectedly on Monday afternoon; his cause of death not officially disclosed as of Tuesday morning. Having started DJing in The Bronx in 1972, Knuckles moved to Chicago in the late 1970s and played regularly at major venues through the late 1980s. His sets laid the groundwork for electronic dance music culture — his best known tracks, crossing and puling in fans from many genres, included “Your Love,” “The Whistle Song,” “Tears” and remixes of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Pet Shop Boys, Chaka Khan, Depeche Mode and many others. Knuckles won a Grammy in 1997, had a stretch of Jefferson Street in Chicago (where the famed Warehouse venue once stood) named after him in 2004 and was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

Knuckles remained active until his sudden passing, playing a show just two days before his death.

For the legend, the set has now moved to another venue. Yet, we have much to celebrate and celebrate with here. Take your time, fam. Join the party when you’re ready… after the jump.

READ: FRANKIE KNUCKLES, GODFATHER OF HOUSE MUSIC DIES, AT 59 (HUFFINGTON POST)

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