Frankie Knuckles, Chicago House Pioneer, Has Died

Tributes pour in for dance legend...

Born in the Bronx in 1955, Frankie Knuckles came of age during the classic funk era.

Together with close friend Larry Levan, the two would explore discotheques and develop their own ideas, their own tastes and fascinations.

Becoming known for his lengthy, excursive, post-disco sets at Chicago club the Warehouse, the style of music Frankie Knuckles pioneered became known as 'house'.

Venturing into production, Frankie Knuckles would help to define that early Chicago house sound via iconic cuts such as the much-covered 'Your Love'.

Retaining an ability to push back boundaries, Frankie Knuckles continued to tour across the globe until very recently – for example storming a FOUND-organised Shoreditch street party last year.

Complex broke the news of Frankie Knuckles death, with Chicago Tribune then confirming that the producer has passed away. Complications due to Type II diabetes are believed to have been a factor in his death.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

Photo via Frankie Knuckles Fan Page

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