A Salute to House Icon Frankie Knuckles

Born Frankie Warren Knuckles Jr. on January 18, 1955, the Boogie Down Bronx native moved to Chi-Town and jumped right into the DJ scene early on, going on to rock the Warehouse, a famed club in Chicago for many years before opening his own Power Planet establishment. Working with Chicago producer and DJ Chip E, Knuckles released his first recording “You Can't Hide” which kicked off his career.

Earning the nickname “The Godfather Of House Music,” Knuckles' contributions to the genre grew from that point on and he found success as a sought after DJ who secured residency stints at some of the world's most prestigious dance clubs.

In the late 1980s, Knuckles partnered with Judy Weinstein's Def Mix Productions and worked alongside David Morales, Satoshi Tomiie and Hector Romero. In 1991, Knuckles' major label debut Beyond The Mix featured his most popular single “The Whistle Song” and sparked a spate of remix and production work for the producer.

Knuckles worked House and club remixes for some of the greatest soul & pop icons which include Toni Braxton, the incomparable, Chaka Khan, Jackson royalty, Janet and iconic legend Michael Jackson as well as others. In 1997, Knuckles won a Grammy Award for Remixer of the Year, Non-Classical.

Morales tweeted the news shortly after 11 PM ET Monday (March 31) night. House fixtures DJ Deeon and Paul Johnson both posted their condolences shortly after on their respective social media outlets.

According to Wikipedia:

The Celebrated DJ died on Monday, March 31, 2014 due to complications from diabetes. He was 59.

FRANKIE KNUCKLES...One of the best that ever did it!!!

Soul in the City would like to honor the life and legacy of Frankie Knuckles, God Father of House Music by playing some of the dance classics that got you on the dance floor!!!

Post Your Favorite House Music Song and we'll spotlight your favs on our facebook page!!!

Listen to some more his mixes here.