Frankie KnucklesPioneering house DJ Frankie Knuckles has reportedly died at the age of 59.
Although no official confirmation has been released yet, Chicago's 5 Magazine have reported the news and American sites Complex and Fact are both pointing to social media posts by DJ Deeon and Paul Johnson as confirmation.
UPDATE: The sad news has been confirmed, with business partner Frederick Dunson telling the Chicago Tribune that Knuckles “died unexpectedly this afternoon at home.” More details will be revealed Tuesday, local time.
5 Magazine write, “We received word this evening from people close to him that Frankie Knuckles, universally regarded as the 'Godfather of House Music', has died in Chicago.”
Born in the Bronx before moving to Chicago, he made his name at the Warehouse nightclub. Famously, the Warehouse is believed to be where the name 'house music' came from.
Today DJ and Melbourne music industry identity Eric Powell told theMusic.com.au that Knuckles' influence could not be underestimated.
He said he was “The one DJ/producer that defined how I got into house music… as a punter, without Frankie Knuckles house music would be very different today.”
As recently as last Saturday Knuckles was the star attraction at London's Ministry Of Sound club.
