Barack and Michelle Obama Remember Frankie Knuckles
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have shared a letter offering their thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Chicago house pioneer Frankie Knuckles, who died earlier this month, FACT reports.
Check Out these 5 Defining Tracks from Frankie Knuckles
“Frankie’s work helped open minds and bring people together, blending genres to capture our attention and ignite our imaginations,” the President and First Lady wrote. “He was a trailblazer in his field, and his legacy lives on in the city of Chicago and on dance floors across the globe.”
The letter was posted by renowned DJ and friend of Knuckles David Morales on his Facebook page. “Frankie’s memorial service was emotionally special,” Morales wrote. “To have his friends, family and the Governor speak about Frankie goes to show the impact he has had on people. You know you’re a TRUE LEGEND when u get one of these….[referencing the Obamas’ letter].”
Knuckles passed away from diabetes-related complications on April 1st. Credited as the godfather of house music, Knuckles laid the groundwork for all contemporary electronic dance music during his marathon, genre-hopping sets from the DJ booths of his Chicago clubs the Warehouse and Power Plant. At the same time, his collaborations with artists like Jamie Principle, Satoshi Tomiiee and Robert Owens resulted in some of the most important dance tracks of all time, including “Your Love,” “Baby Wants to Ride” and “Tears.”
Back in 2004, then-Senator Obama was a driving force in declaring August 25th Frankie Knuckles Day in Chicago. “While he will be dearly missed, we trust Frankie’s spirit will remain a guiding force,” the Obamas’ letter concluded. “At this difficult time, please know we are holding you all in our thoughts and prayers.”