‘Godfather’ of house music Frankie Knuckles dies, aged 59
By Sam Rigby
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House legend Frankie Knuckles has died at the age of 59.
The DJ – who is referred to as being the ‘Godfather’ of house music – passed away unexpectedly at his home in Chicago on Monday afternoon (March 31).
His sudden death – which was confirmed by his business partner Frederick Dunson – comes just two days after he played at London’s Ministry of Sound.
Knuckles is famous for tracks like Your Love (1987) and The Whistle Song (1991). He was inducted into the Dance Musical Hall of Fame back in 2005. He also mixed records for prolific artists like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.
Award-winning Chicago DJ Vince Lawrence led the tributes, posting on Facebook: “A legend has fallen. All hail Frankie Knuckles an inspiration to us all.”
Meanwhile, UK house act Disclosure described him as “an inspirational pioneer of the music we love…”
The DJ won a Grammy Award for Remixer of the Year in 1998, becoming the first to receive the award. A Chicago street was named after him in 2004, while August 25 of that year in the city was named Frankie Knuckles Day in celebration of his achievements.