Unfortunately this isn’t an April Fools. Frankie Knuckles – a man widely regarded as the “Godfather” of house music, and who inspired a generation of producers – has passed away at aged 59, reportedly due to complications relating to diabetes.
The news was broken by his long-time friend and fellow DJ David Morales.
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
Knuckles had recent played Ministry of Sound, London just this weekend, and had a string of DJ dates planned throughout April.
Knuckles’ impact on dance music was so far reaching he was Inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2005, and also had a Chicago street named after him in 2004, on the former site of the Warehouse club.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
R.I.P #GodfatherOfHouse Frankie Knuckles R.I.P gentleman genius groundbreaker inspiration blessed to have worked with you. Sad news.
— Pete Tong mbe (@petetong) April 1, 2014
Big up @andydaniell for finding this pic of Frankie Knuckles with Obama, who helped name a day after him in Chicago pic.twitter.com/J8LICkjYuM
— Ben Gomori (@bengomori) April 1, 2014
RIP Frankie Knuckles ..had the honour of working with you last year,,,, Eternally grateful for laying the blueprint, that is House.
— Duke Dumont (@DukeDumont) April 1, 2014
Speechless about the passing of Frankie Knuckles. We not only lost an amazing & generous person, we lost an institution that inspired many.
— Sharam (@DJSHARAM) April 1, 2014