http://www.complex.com/music/2014/03/frankie-knuckles-dead-at-59
Godfather of Chicago House Music Frankie Knuckles Reportedly Dead At 59
BY DAVID DRAKE | MAR 31, 2014 | 10:46 PM | PERMALINK
Image via TheFader
UPDATE (11:32 PM): DJ David Morales adds his name to the artists apparently confirming the news:
I am devastated to write that my dear friend Frankie Knuckles has passed away today. Can't write anymore than this at the moment. I'm sorry.
— David Morales (@DJDavidMorales) April 1, 2014
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5 Magazine reports that legend of Chicago House Frankie Knuckles has passed away. This has been corraborated on social media by Chicago house artistsPaul Johnson and DJ Deeon, although we've yet to receive official confirmation.
If true, it's a major blow to one of the most important figures in modern music.
Knuckles was born in the Bronx in 1955, and became a disco DJ in the early 1970s, spinning with childhood friend and garage pioneer Larry Levan at the Continental Baths. In 1977, the Warehouse nightclub opened in Chicago, and Knuckles moved to the city to become its premier DJ. The music Knuckles would spin at "The Warehouse" became shortened to "house," and soon evolved into its own genre, as producers used drum machines to produce less expensive version of popular dance styles.
The Warehouse became the crucible of a genre that would conquer the world and can still be heard on radio stations to this day.
In 1983, Knuckles moved from The Warehouse to his own club, the Power Plant.
Knuckles also became a producer, recording iconic versions of Jamie Principle's "Your Love," "Baby Wants To Ride," and "Cold World." Other singles included 1991's elegaic teardrop anthem "The Whistle Song":
Knuckles was, however, primarily known for his skills as a DJ. In 2004, the City of Chicago renamed a stretch of Jefferson Street near the site of the old Warehouse "The Godfather of House Music" Frankie Knuckles Way.
Caption: "Much respect....... Frankie knuckles.... SALUTE!!!!!! REST IN PARADISE"
[via DJ Deeon]
Man, that sucks
RIP 
.
