Frankie Knuckles

R.I.P. The Godfather Of House – the music industry pays it’s respects

Words : Dan Prince

Look at me baby
I’m crying
Tears so many Tears
So so many tears

Regretting nothing but the pain
My heart my life my world is filled with rain
I’m drowning when the curtain comes down and the circus is through
No one is left but me you and all my tears

One word could wash them away
One word could take their place
One word could wash them away
One word could take their place

 

The world awoke today with the devastating news that Frankie Knuckles, one of dance music’s all time greats has passed away aged just 59. Born in the Bronx, his DJ career started in the early 1970s with the legend going on to mix records by artists such as Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson alongside his own masterpieces ‘Your Love’, ‘Tears’, ‘Baby Want’s To Ride’ and ‘Whistle Song’. Tributes and thoughts have been pouring in via social media through the night since his long term business partner Frederick Dunson confirmed that Knuckles had “died unexpectedly this afternoon at home”…

David Morales…“I want to thank everyone all over the world for the outpouring of love and support for our loss. I want to apologize to everyone for being quiet and not answering my phone or emails. To say that it’s been a difficult time is an understatement. Thank god for family and friends and having some comfort in knowing that my dear brother has touched so many souls and was loved by many. Although we are all mourning his passing, it’s something that he would not have wanted. He would want us to celebrate his ascension to a better place. Frankie was always a leader, never a follower. I have to admit to say that I wish he had taken me with him, that’s how much it hurts but he would not have agreed. Frankie was many things to me. He was beyond an inspiration. He was a brother, a mentor, a friend and my king. I am very fortunate to have been able to spend so many incredible moments with him. We travelled the world together. We laughed, we cried and we danced together so many times. I was introduced to Frankie in 1987 by Judy Weinstein at our office. It was the beginning of a brotherly love. He came to Brooklyn to visit and meet my son Brandon when he was just born. We started along with Judy a company which is now considered one of House Music’s brands of our generation DEF MIX. We’ve mixed and produced many records together. Together we created the “DEF MIX” sound. I can only describe Frankie in one word….EPIC…Frankie had class, finesse. He never raised his voice. He never had to. Frankie had a natural death stare lol. He was an amazing cook. I would go visit him after my set at Red Zone when he was playing at Sound Factory. I would bring him reels of my new productions. When we were together in the booth, you felt it. Frankie was the parent and I was the kid on a leash lol. I have so many fond memories of my brother. I will always cherish them. The “TEARS” will never stop flowing but they will be “TEARS” of joy knowing that he is watching over all of us. He would want us to carry on and that is what we all must do. I will always play a song in his name. HAIL THE TRUE KING OF HOUSE. We will once again dance, cry and laugh together. “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”…FRANKIE KNUCKLES….ENCORE!!!…I LOVE YOU!!!”

Nicky Siano…“It was 1972. I had just finished playing an eight-hour set at my new club, The Gallery, which had been open for only a week at that point. Robin, The Gallery’s door person and my business partner at the time, walked up to the booth with a large African-American man. “This is Frankie Knuckles,” she said. “He wants to work for us.” That began a forty-year friend-and-mentorship with one of the finest human beings I have ever known, my good friend, the Godfather of House Music, Frankie Knuckles. I hired Frankie on the spot—he was in love with the club, and I could see that his motives were to help make it the best party in New York. His first job at The Gallery was blowing up balloons and decorating the club in the hours before it opened. Two weeks after getting the job Frankie came to me and said, “I have this friend who would love to work here—his name is Larry Levan. He’s a little crazy, but very talented.” On Frankie’s recommendation, I hired him immediately. Larry became my best friend, roommate, and for a time, my partner, and wherever Larry went, Frankie was not far behind. Two years passed quickly at the first Gallery, and just as we were about to open the second location of the club, 172 Mercer Street, Larry announced that he had secured a job playing records at The Continental Baths. And of course, Frankie was at his side, filling in for Larry when he overslept, working the lights for him when he played. On opening night of the Gallery’s new location, Frankie came to the back door about a half-hour before we opened. Already an established DJ, but forever humble and loving, Frankie asked me, “Is there anything I can do?”

“Come and help me set up my records,” I told him. As we set up the DJ booth, Frankie and I laughed about the early days: just two years prior we had hoped the music we were playing would catch on in a big way… and here we were, about to open what most consider to be the first disco. When we opened the doors and I played that first record, “Lanzana’s Preistess” by Donal Byrd, Frankie was the already on the dancefloor. Meanwhile, Larry’s career had taken off. The great soundman Richard Long hired Larry to play his house parties at a spot called the SoHo. And Frankie had taken over Larry’s spot as DJ for the Continental Baths. As Larry blew up, Frankie felt he needed to make his own mark, and an opportunity to move to Chicago unfolded. His life unfolded perfectly when he got there, and he would soon outgrow his role as Larry’s sidekick to become the undisputed Godfather of House Music.

It was already 1978. I was playing at Studio 54, then took a few gigs at an after-hours clubs called the Buttermilk Bottom. A year or so went by and I heard that Frankie had secured a job at a new club in Chicago called The Warehouse. But disco was seeing hard days, and many people were crying, “Disco is dead!” I was one of them. The record industry had taken a pure, loving idea and turned it into their cash cow, ruining all its credibility along the way by pushing bad songs with disco banners across their record jackets. But Frankie was playing a new type of dance music—house. In Chicago, disco fans began a new trend by investing their own money to record a more stripped-down, funkier style of dance music. They immediately brought their records to Frankie, who had a great ear for music, and he picked the hits from the beginning. Sharing them with his NYC counterpart at the Paradise Garage, Larry Levan, the two of them made house music the dominant dance music of the 80s and 90s. One of Frankie’s production hits was “The Whistle Song,” a house music monster.  His name circulated in the industry as “the man with the new sound.” He went on to mix songs for Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. His version of “Unbreak my Heart” by Toni Braxton has always been my favorite. His name was everywhere, and everyone started calling him—and rightfully so—the Godfather of House. He introduced the world to artists like Jamie Principle and his song “Baby Wants to Ride,” then in 1989 it was Frankie Knuckles presents Marshall Jefferson’s “Move Your Body”—now that’s house music at it’s best!

I took a long break from the music industry to work with People with AIDS from 1984 to 1996. When I came back to play records for Larry Levan’s birthday party at Body and Soul, Frankie was one of the first people I spoke with. We started our friendship up all over again. When he couldn’t play a gig because he was booked too heavily, he would recommend me. By then, he had won a Grammy award for Mixer of the Year, which he would keep out on the table at his loft in Manhattan. I remember going over, and asking, “Can I hold it for a while?” We laughed hard. Around 2004 I learned he was diagnosed with Type ll diabetes. I didn’t think it was that serious until seeing him on the road having so much trouble with his leg. Eventually, pain and constant drug-resistant infections in his foot forced him to make the difficult decision to amputate. I called him regularly that year, and we’d usually talk on the phone for an hour or more. He always remained upbeat, but I know that this was an intensely emotional time for him. I remember him telling me, “I was putting this off, I knew this had to be done years ago—so when it finally came time, I was ready to have it done.”

Frankie was a proud, strong person. I remember him telling me about his prosthetic. “There’s a designer prosthesis, and then there’s the one I have, the one better than that!” We laughed about it, but this is part of what killed Frankie—not the diabetes but the prohibitive costs of healthcare. During the long period of time he spent out of work recovering, he had gone through his savings, and was forced back to a life of playing records on the road. John Brown, a good friend and record company casualty, started traveling with Frankie and helping him on the road. Most people see this as a glamorous, wonderful life, and it is, but for people who are ill, it is a stressful, poor environment for the body to recover. Plane rides three times a week wreak havoc on the body: long sitting periods cause blood clots in the legs, and the air onboard is unsanitary.  With the economy crashing, all of us were getting less money for the same gigs. In 2006, I had gotten back the footage from a film made at the Gallery in 1977. I decided to step in as director to get the film finished. The first person I sought to interview was Frankie and he graciously agreed, finding time for me through his busy tour schedule. About a year ago I heard that John, Frankie’s right hand man on the road, had died. I know this broke Frankie’s heart.

About three months ago, I heard Frankie was unwell again. Now I know it was much more serious than he told me. He was hospitalized at the time, and had to have several more amputations—I am not sure which. I was busy finishing and releasing the film and we didn’t get a chance to talk. Two weeks ago I called him and said, “The movie is out! I want to send you a copy!”

I sent it out right away, but Frankie had to head to Miami for the Winter Music Conference. Again, if he wanted to maintain his lifestyle, he had to work. It’s a great injustice that DJs who grew up in my era—who paved the way for all the massively successful DJs today—never had their pay day. We survive paycheck to paycheck, with great respect from fans and DJs alike, but without the security of money in the bank we often have to load up on jobs to pay the bills. Frankie put on his happy face, and played his heart out at the Winter Music Conference this year. He left the conference and was en route to London for a gig when we last spoke. He was in the airport waiting to fly to London. I asked him if he’d seen the film. “Not yet. I left for WMC, and it didn’t come yet,” he told me. “Well it will be there when you get back,” I answered. But Frankie never got to see the film. He died Monday night, and right now the word is from complications related to Type ll diabetes. 

Frankie, you were one of the kindest, gentlest people I’ve ever known. And looking back, it’s OK, Frankie, that you didn’t see the film, because we had something so much better. You were there with me.

Nicky Siano has been a DJ and club owner since 1971. His new film, Love is the Message: a Night at the Gallery 1977, featuring Frankie Knuckles and David Mancuso, is now available at www.loveisthemessagemovie.com

Tedd Patterson…“Frankie Knuckles, one of my sweetest friends and favorite inspirations has passed away. It was just last week that we shared a lunch, a car to our gig, and sat in the sun and laughed for hours the day after. We talked about upcoming projects that he was excited about, and even a remix that I would do for one of his classic records. We spoke of one of his nights at Sound Factory Bar. I named off a few of the records I remembered…when I got back to NY, there in my inbox was the live mix that he had recorded back then. So thoughtful, so generous! His sudden departure pulls on my heart. I’m forever grateful that I knew him. Because of his achievements, I still have a career in music! Because of Frankie, I’m still inspired! I’m comforted that he knew that he was loved and surrounded by a family that adored and respected him to the fullest. I offer LOVE and condolences to his family at Def Mix and to all who were blessed to have known him. I will do my best to keep his spirit alive. x”

Arthur Baker…“Shocked and saddened by the passing of the great Frankie Knuckles. He was the true definition of a gentleman and a legend. He made timeless music and kept playing for the dancers…Was so fortunate to spend a night last week dancing to another one of his amazing sets at the def mix party at vagabond and to get to speak to him. When my sister-in-law saw the dancers going off to his set she told me she had never seen people dance like that. Well they were responding to music that will never be played like that again. My condolences to Judy, David Morales and the rest of the Def Mix crew and all of Frankies friends. RIP brother. x”

François Kevorkian…“Truly crushed by the news of Frankie Knuckles untimely passing yesterday. Besides being so obviously talented and such a major influence on so many of us, the fact that keeps coming back to me is what a kind and gentle person he truly was. Make no mistake, he was a true class act! Always striving for positivity and exuding good vibes wherever he went. Greeting his many friends in ways I had come to treasure like those big long hugs you were guaranteed to get when you visited him. While all of this has sadly come to an end, I know I will treasure these many precious memories for as long as I live. I truly feel blessed to have counted you among my friends. Thank you for all of this beauty and inspiration you gave us. It has already become the stuff of legends, and will live on forever. R.I.P. brother Frankie.”

Simon Marlin from The Shapeshifters…“It has taken me a while to get round to writing this, as in all honesty I am still reeling from the passing of my good friend and soul mate Frankie Knuckles. I’m overwhelmed how much has been written in the last 24hrs about his passing and the gentleman he was and rightly so. He was a giant of a man in every aspect and his love and passion filled more than just any room he entered, it resonated across the globe. He had many admires and followers but some of us were lucky enough to share a little more of the man they call ‘The Godfather’.  So I’d like to pay my own tribute to the man who made such a difference in my life personally. I still can’t quite believe he has gone and it has left me with a heavy heart and a big hole in my life but I know he would of even looked at his own passing in a pragmatic and unselfish way because that ‘s was what he did. No matter the problem or the situation Frankie had a totally unselfish and logical solution or explanation that always made me consider things in a different way. He taught me so much about how to conduct myself in this sometimes fickle business we found ourselves in, always guiding me through and always having time for me. In my darkest times he stood tall when others shrank and kept me focused on the important things in life. Musically he kept me true, every time I made a record my first sub conscious thought was ‘would Frankie play it’ and when he did play it the feedback was always heart felt and true and never patronizing. If Frankie loved it, I really didn’t care what anyone else thought, for me a kid from the UK who grew up on US House and thought DefMix was the pinnacle, it was enough.
I sometimes used to wonder how I’d been so lucky to be able to share this part of my life with him, then I remembered the day I met him, we exchanged pleasantries and he said we should work together, I assumed it was another throwaway comment that gets overused in this business but, he called me the following week going to the trouble of asking others for my number, that was what I loved about Frankie he didn’t do bullshit. He said it and he meant it and I was lucky enough that he saw something in that moment and wanted to explore a friendship.
I was with him 48hrs before he passed he was not feeling great I could tell but he still insisted we ate together, I will now cherish that moment, a chance to do one last time what we always did, listen to music and laugh about the silly things in life. I have met many people with stories of disappointment when finally getting to meet the people they have admired for years, but I met a man whom I had listened & bought every record he ever made, paid to see play live many times and inspired every record I ever made and he never disappointed me once in the real world. Frankie thank you for sharing so much with me, I am a better man for having you in my life, I love you and I will miss you terribly.
Give our love to JB. My thoughts go out to Family Knuckles, DefMix Family & Global family & friends. I urge any young producer/music lover to take time and understand what so many people loved about Frankie’s contribution to music. If your wondering what all the fuss is about and why Twitter & Facebook have literally exploded with respect, just listen to it and put his music into perspective alongside others today. You will quickly realize there is a magic that transcends from every beat, chord & vocal he touched. It is the essence of every other dance record being made today. That is Frankie’s legacy.”

Pete Tong…“R.I.P. gentleman genius, groundbreaker, inspiration. Blessed to have worked with you.”

Amy Thomson…“Two days ago I was hugging Judy Weinstein, the woman that made jobs for girls like me possible and today we hear about Frankie Knuckles. When I was working with Erick Morillo we only dreamed of being like him. He was legend. He is legend. Respect on a whole other level for what he did for this scene and how lovely he was as a person. RIP. Massive Respect and condolences to all his family and to Judy…his second Mom.”

Danny Rampling…“Bless you FK for all the love and inspiration you brought to us…many of us may not be the Djs we become without your music influences. Deepest condolences…love and respect to all the family and Def Mix family…we have lost the king of House the creator a sad day for House Music.”

Nick Navaro…Lots of lovely tributes saying what a kind and caring man Frankie Knuckles was, and indeed he sure was. I was lucky enough to have worked on some projects over the years, and I will remember him for his cheeky charm and wit as well as the music. We were on a shoot in Miami all getting along very well. He said something to me and I was like, “Huh?”. He looked up and said “Oh, I thought you were David [Morales]”. I said, “I’m not THAT buff”. He replied, “Oh you got it baby, don’t you worry”, with a wink and a smile. It was a really good day , we all had fun. Afterwards he said “Well, I’m around later if you fancy a drink?”. I nervously laughed and just walked away. lol I felt a wee bit flustered. It reminded me of Mel Cheren hitting on me a few years previously. Pretty cool ‘man love’ kudos, getting hit on by the Godfather of House AND the Godfather of Disco lol ! If I was gay I could have slept my way to the top LOL. I also remember Mr. Knuckles remarking on how he loved the “Amsterdam nightlife” with a cheeky chuckle a few ADE’s ago. I only knew him professionally, nevertheless, he really did have that special vibe, charisma, presence, whatever you want to call it, that many people lack and a lot of the top DJs ooze. People focus on records and technical abilities but the vibe/energy/presence is one of the most important things that flows from the DJ through the music to the dance floor. It’s something spiritual and unquantifiable, but Frankie Knuckles had oodles of it. In Lovebox last year I was dancing at the front and an exchange of smiles from dancer to DJ can lift the vibe that much higher. He had a wonderful smile, as did John Brown (Frankie’s right hand man). When I first met John in Ibiza years ago I first recognised his smile and vibe. A very very sad loss to music. I will always remember the smiles more than anything else I think. So sad when people leave the physical world forever. RIP lovely gents.”

Justin Berkmann…“When I saw Frankie on Saturday, I suspected it was to be the last time, but didn’t realise just how close he was to passing. I was aware Frankie was really sick and last week it was mentioned he probably wouldn’t make playing at Ministry this last Saturday, but clearly worse than anyone had thought he, being the consummate professional, came over to do what he loved to do and lived to give us, his love and his music, his generosity of a pure spirit. I am truly honoured to have know Frankie, a legend for a reason, a giant in the music scene and a friend. RIP Frankie Knuckles, and condolences to his loved ones he left behind, especially David and Judy xx”

David Dorrell…“To a gentle GIANT of a man…so many nights made special by his great music and his good vibes. I know I’m sharing that tear in my eye with many friends worldwide…for Lola, Hein, CJ, Kim, Judy, David, Laura, John, Cathal and the many, many more…remembering New York Nights and HAPPY DAYS. Purse your lips once more and whistle down the wind that will send a wonderful spirit to somewhere more wonderful still…music is the answer to your problems and DEEP in OUR HEARTS the music will PLAY ON AND ON AND ON….Goodbye Frankie…”

Ben Turner…“It’s all too much to comprehend how somebody as beautiful as Frankie Knuckles leaves this world so soon in life. At the age of 59, this man put more smiles on faces through the purity and infectious nature of his music than anybody I can think of. And then there was him the person – a beautiful soul who always took time to ask about your world and not want to just talk about his. I have so many special personal memories of this wonderful man – from being invited into his home in New York to our special accolades we created for him at the Muzik & DanceStar Awards over the years, to seeing him make me DANCE so hard last November at Shoreditch House when he DJ-ed from a chair and reminded me once again of why I fell in love with this music. Here is a little video we put together to honour Frankie and the Def Mix family at the Dancestar Awards in 2002. For those who don’t know, feel the love for this man from the stage from his partners David Morales and Judy Weinstein – it was a beautiful moment – and kind of ghostly that he missed the moment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYLgR70tDk0.

When I knew very few people in American dance music in the early nineties, the Def Mix family opened their doors and welcomed me in. They have been mainstays in our world. Often ignored today by a young media who care little for our history, tragically it takes something like this to make people to respect the past. I know a few close friends tonight who will be devastated: Maria May, David Levy – the two people who connected so many of us from the UK into the wonderful world of Def Mix and Frankie, David and Judy. All too sad. Gone, but never ever forgotten.”

Tim Fielding…“Very sad day in House music. RIP Frankie Knuckles, one of the true giants of dance music and someone who spread love and good times everywhere he went. I never heard anything but the nicest things said about the man. Huge respect for his talent and universal affection for him as a big-hearted guy. By all accounts he was still ruling on the decks at 59. I recently read Tim Saunders’ Love Saves the Day which was largely about how he and Larry Levan went from David Mancuso’s Loft as teenagers to spearhead the House music scenes in Chicago and New York, it’s an excellent book and recommended especially to my friends in America where House music is still a weirdly marginalized and under-appreciated genre. Frankie was up there with the biggest and best. Very sad news, he will be missed by many. And from this one clubber, thank you Frankie for so many inspiring moments. Tears, it is…”

Tony Prince…“The DJ world says goodbye to Frankie Knuckles, a true legend in our world of dance. I remember when Dave Seaman and I visited his apartment in New York to interview him for Mixmag. His music and mixes enriched the dance-floors around the world. On behalf of DMC DJ members around the world our deepest sympathies to Frankie’s real family and all those who were close to him.”

Dave Beer…“Today is a sad sad day for house music. Frankie Knuckles was the true godfather of house. He inspired so many artists and pathed the way for all who followed in his footsteps. Words are not enough to express the loss of this true legend. He was a big man with an even bigger heart. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met who always had time for everyone. He was an hero to me and i’m proud to have been a friend. My love is with all the Def mix family today. God bless him. Thank you for the music and for your love RIP xxx”

Eats Everything…“This morning I woke up at 5am to the news that Frankie Knuckles had passed away. His actions, along with some notable others basically enable me to do this amazing, privileged job that I do. He created House Music and it’s legacy will live on forever. So raise a glass, turn it up and remember the true founder of our beloved scene.”

Aaron Ross…“FRANKIE KNUCKLES. Rest in peace. What a kind and gentle soul who I was lucky enough to meet on a number of occasions..part of my journey from my very start of my career in the music business at Virgin Records when I was 16 years old when the label released his album with Adeva “Welcome to The Real World”, right up until more recently when I interviewed him and had him remix one of my Defected signings Hallelujah Anyway by Candi Staton…never has the term legend been more fitting…a sad day indeed.”

Barbara Tucker…“In Tears…My Heart Is Heavy Right Now, We Have Lost One Of My Mentors. I Just Saw Him In Miami…This Truly A Great Loss For All Of Us In The Industry. You Will Be Missed Godfather…Make The Angels Dance Frankie. I Love You. We Will NEVER Forget What You Have Done For Us!!!!”

LTJ Bukem…“R.I.P. Frankie Knuckles ‪#‎GodfatherOfHouse‬.Can’t put into words the musical inspiration and joy you fed my soul with, then, now, forever!”

Hector Romero…“We are truly a family. Although Frankie is not directly related to me I can’t believe the amount of messages I have received in the last couple of hours and this made me realize that we are a family through music. Thanks to all that continue to reach out. I truly appreciate it. My heart is heavy at this moment but I know he’s in a better place. And now he’s joined our other family member John Brown. 2 angels together forever. Love you Frankie.”

Roger Sanchez…“I can’t begin to count the ways he influenced me but I will never forget.”

Harry Romero…“With a heavy heart I write this. There are very few people I call a legend. The world lost the godfather of something that is very special and dear to me and that’s HOUSE MUSIC. Without the legendary FRANKIE KNUCKLES I can honestly say my life would have totally been different. Quite simply he made my life better. We shared many conversations through the years and I always left those conversations with more knowledge and wisdom. He was always a gentleman and always had words of encouragement. MAY YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND!”

Paul Rutherford…“R.I.P. Frankie Knuckles. Thank you for the music.”

Mike Sefton…“FRANKIE KNUCKLES…GENTLE GIANT…GENTLEMAN…PIONEER…ICON… BUT MOST OF ALL…A FRIEND… WHAT A VERY SAD DAY…WILL NOW DIG OUT “TEARS” AND PLAY VERY LOUD IN MEMORY OF A GREAT MAN…X”

Alex Lowes…“I cannot believe i’ve come into the Office to hear the sad news about a true legend & friend Frankie Knuckles – A true gentleman & pioneer of the music we all love – Only yesterday Frankie was tweeting the Southport Family saying how much he was looking forward to Croatia & praising the line up for May – Today is a very sad day & my thoughts go out to Frankie’s family & everyone at Def Mix, Judy, David, Quentin & the many many others Frankie has touched over the last few decades. RIP Frankie xxx”

Graeme Park…“No, no, no, no, no, no, no! Frankie Knuckles has left us. A true pioneer, legend and inspiration. A sad day.”

Steve Anderson…“So sad to hear we’ve lost one of not only house musics but remix cultures true pioneers – a massive inspiration on what Dave Seaman and I did and also one of the nicest men you could ever meet. Heaven is already dancing.”

Roland Clark…“I was at Def Mix party listening Brandon Morales spin in the first room, It was still kind of early and the smoke in the first room was getting to me, so I decided to go sit in the bigger room at the Vagabond that’s where I ran into Shorty who was doing the sound at the time, excellent sound guy by the way. Not a lot of people was in the room besides us and some of the workers from the club. Then I saw looked up and saw Frankie was at the opening of the booth. I didn’t know anything about his legs or even him being sick, but came out of the booth for lack of room, it was obvious they were getting ready to start. I was about to leave and go back into the smaller room, when I turned and saw a few of the guys helping Frankie up in the booth…and it was only then that it became obvious that he had could not do it on his own, I turned around and put my hands on Frankie’s lower left side of his back for support. At the time I felt like I was helping the guys prompt up royalty to his throne. I came back in the booth to properly greet Frankie, the man whom I met so many years ago at the Sound Factory Bar day party, who when he shook my hand it felt as if I’ve arrive, no song prior to that, no recognition from all the deejays and producers I met over the years prior to that moment ever gave me that feeling of arrival. That night I sat in VIP area, clearly not for me, but reserved for Judy Weinstein , but no one had arrived yet so I sat and just watched Frankie listening to my song “Whuup” and giving me a thumbs up. There was that feeling of arrival once again and it was then that I remembered I brought a camera with me to the conference. In prior years I never brought my camera…something told me to take it out and take a picture of Frankie, no one was in that part of the club as of yet and he was just listening to the system in which Shorty tweaked earlier with fine precision…I started snapping away. Who knew that would be the last time I would see my friend Frankie…it didn’t take long for the room to fill up after the started letting people in and to see everyone come up to the booth and start snapping away with their cell phone cameras and trying to get a closer look at the man who we call The Godfather of House Music I knew that I had indeed help prompt up royalty into the booth that night.”

John Saunderson…“I think I first met Frankie Knuckles when DMC flew the ‘Chicago House DJ’s’ over to perform at the DMC DJ Convention. It must have been about 1987? I then visited him, Judy Weinstein and Dave Morales every time I went to the New Music Seminar in New York. I hung out with Frankie in June last year at Ushuaia Towers where he whooped the crowd as always. My heartfelt thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very sad time. He really was the Godfather of House. R.I.P.”

Steve Proctor…“There are ONLY two other words, apart from the words themselves, which mean HOUSE MUSIC…and those two words are FRANKIE KNUCKLES.”

Caroline Prothero…“The dance world lost one of it’s greatest tonight. I for just one would not be the same without his music. Remember making a pact to dedicate my life to House when I heard him play this at Hacienda in 1989. Thinking of his friends and family. R.I.P. Frankie.”

Toni Tambourine…“So sorry to hear that my all time most inspiring and legendary producer and DJ passed on Monday night. The word legend gets used a lot these days but in Frankie Knuckles case is absolutely justified. He created a musical style and scene that will continue to thrive for many years to come and will be his ultimate legacy. RIP FK you will never be forgotten.”

Alfredo…“Adios Frankie Knuckles. Thank you for all your music and your energy and love that you gave and will continue…”

Guy Ornadel…“One of my first jobs in this crazy business was handling the press for Frankie Knuckles’s “Whistle Song”. I was 18, he was one of the nicest artists I ever worked with, and Judy Weinstein set the benchmark for everything I’ve done since. I’m digging out a comp I did with him and David at the time – United DJs of the World. A really sad day for us all, but thank you for all the good times Frankie.”

Nancy Noise…“A total inspiration…maestro…legend…love you Frankie R.I.P. Thank you for the joy and happiness you gave us x”

Sarah Foote Favouritizm…“I just woke up to some very sad news that I can’t quite believe…
RIP dear Frankie Knuckles, you beautiful man, you were an amazing talent and one of the warmest people I’ve ever met, spreading love wherever you go with everything you do. The world has lost an incredible person and we have lost our house papa. Rest in peace my friend, colleague and hero, may your legacy continue through the gorgeous music you created. Sending massive hugs out to all the Def Mix Crew, Nocturnal, family and his friends and fans everywhere. LOVE FKAlways.”

Marc Vedo…“R.I.P. Frankie Knuckles. Here is just one of his classic songs which ended up being used by Donna Summer for the massive hit “I Feel Love”. Only last month I used the same riff for one of my tracks, that’s the influence of this great artist…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOLE1YE_oFQ

Dom Phillips…“R.I.P. Frankie Knuckles. Godfather of House – one of its inventors. Interviewed him a few times, including one where he demonstrated the technique of cutting up disco tracks on a reel to reel to repeat the most hypnotic parts. A lovely, warm, and hugely talented man.”

Russell Morgan K Klass…“Through 25 years of being involved in House music I have met a lot of people and very few have had the same effect on me as when I first met Frankie Knuckles. I was star struck and in awe of him. But he was such a gentle giant humble guy who made you at ease around him. Devastated at the very sad news this morning and the term Legend can truly be attached in front of his name. Rest In Peace the Legend Frankie Knuckles, you really did make the world dance to your beat and helped create the genre we all love…House Music.”

CJ Mackintosh…“Well I’m still in shock from the very sad news. I’ve been sitting here for a couple of hours now reading all your tributes on facebook and twitter. Frankie not only inspired me as a DJ, Remixer & Producer from the mid to late 80’s onwards but judging by all the messages I have seen so far, he has inspired each & everyone of you in some way or another regardless of what music style you are into. A Godfather he was indeed. I have been so lucky to have played alongside him on many nights over the years. I used to call him Jack as in: In the beginning there was jack and jack had a groove….He would always chuckle at that. My sincere condolences to his family and friends and especially the Def Mix Crew, Judy Weinstein, David Morales, Hector Romero & many more. R.I.P. my friend. You will NEVER be forgotten. xx”

Mark Moore…“Huge love going out to Frankie Knuckles. A man with a big heart and an inspiring passion for music. The love flowed through both the man and his music.”

Dave Pearce…“So sad that we have lost our brother Frankie Knuckles – a DJ legend, house music superstar and a lovely man. I will miss his music, his smile and his hugs.”

John Burgess…“Sad to wake up to the news about Frankie Knuckles. We were honoured to have him close the Weekender in Jan 2013 and it was touching to see him still nervous before a set (“there’s a lot of people out there!”) nerves that I’m sure subsided as Mala and Zed Bias came into his dressing room to pay their respects (“you’re the reason I took this gig!”) and Maya Jane Coles giving him a big hug before he started playing. He bought the house down with an absolutely joyous set, touching yet another generation with his music.”

Derrick Carter…“I wanted to write a post about all of the things I’m thinking. If nothing more than to get it out of my head. But, I don’t have words for that. There is no way I could express to any of you with any accuracy, any of the things that I am personally feeling. Vagueries aside, when someone you love passes away, you try to deal with the flood of emotions that come from within as well as the onslaught of other people’s emotions being hurled your way. You realize that death is a part of this journey and that it will happen to all of us. There are so many things to consider when attempting to sum up a life. Impact, personality, attitude, affect. Hopefully you remember the smiles and the laughs, the shared experiences and the way that they made you feel. And that the small oversights and missed opportunities pass by the way side.  Now, as many have sent messages expressing condolences and shared experiences, I want to thank you all for caring enough to take the time and effort to do so. Still, this isn’t about me and my sadness. I am not important here. Our community has lost one of its pillars and one of its founders so we all mourn. We all share this. Blessings and light to you all. Now count those blessing and live in that light.”

Kevin McKay…“Such sad news about Frankie Knuckles. His records inspired me to make house music. I can remember this one especially [Sounds of Blackness – The Pressure (Frankie Knuckles Classic Mix)]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDAr7WKmxk0 Hearing it for the first time in a darkened Sub Club with my serotonin levels rocking at full tilt was one of the most moving experiences I’ve ever had on a dancefloor. I get tingles down my neck just thinking about it. I interviewed him for Muzik magazine in 1996 and he was one of the most down to earth, humble and genuinely nice men I’ve ever met…and considering what he did – laying the foundations of what millions people enjoy today as house music – he could have been so arrogant. Here’s my favourite pic from the photo shoot that day, the big man teasing his new kitten with a headphone lead. If you want to read his amazing story, I’ve uploaded it here. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4142018/frankie_knuckles.pdf
Cheerio Frankie, you total gent. Thanks for all the amazing tunes.”

Justin Robertson…“Thank you Frankie Knuckles, a lovely man and an inspiration.”

Derek Dahlarge…“He Paved The Way for us all x”

Elliot Eastwick…“My entire timeline on Facebook is now Frankie tributes. Would this happen with anyone else? The ORIGINATOR. I wouldn’t even know 90% of you on here or in real life had it not been for Frankie xxx”

DJ Paulette…“Devastated to hear this this morning. ‪#‎RIP‬ Frankie Knuckles – one of the nicest guys I have known. A true pioneer, a gentleman, funny, open, real, always encouraging, motivating and always had the and a big bear hug for you. My thoughts are with his partner, Judy Weinstein, David Morales, Hector Romero and all the Def Mix family. The house music fraternity feels your loss deeply. But happy? Yes happy – without this man I would not be who I am now. The galaxies gain a bright shining star.”

Kelvin Andrews…“I’ve truly been lost for words about Frankie Knuckles passing . I didn’t expect it and I didn’t imagine being so tearful. At 59, it’s way too soon. Since we very first heard house music, his name has been nothing short of legend…from day one. Let’s face it, it changed things in a bigger way than Punk or Rock n Roll ever said they would. I feel humbled and proud to have shared the booth with such a giant. Rest In Peace Frankie.”

Markus Schulz…“RIP Frankie Knuckles. One of the most beautiful human beings to have ever graced this earth. I’ll miss that smile.”

Jon Carter…“My Dad just asked ‘what’s the actual definition of House Music?’
Frankie Knuckles would have told him…”

Duke Dumont…“R.I.P. Frankie Knuckles…had the honour of working with you last year…eternally grateful for laying the blueprint, that is House.”

Darren Emerson…“RIP Frankie Knuckles .Thank you for the amazing music that touched me and so many people around the world XX R.I.P. Frankie Knuckles.”

Lisa Loud…“I don’t even know what to say…
Frankie Knuckles, what would any of us ever have done without your influence, skills, incredible music making talents, and wonderful smile. You paved the way for SO many of us.
Sleep well darling, It was a blessing to have known you, and have promoted some of your records. NEVER FORGOTTEN.”

Mitch Clark…“I first had the pleasure of meeting Frankie Knuckles at the Paradise Garage  in NYC in 1987 and then to hear him play in that incredible club that same night was a dream come true. Definitely one of the biggest highlights of my days on the dance floor. Frankie has remained an incredible inspiration to us all for so many years – I just hope they have a kick-ass DJ booth set up beyond those Pearly Gates cos that is going to be one big welcoming party for Frankie. Thank you for the music and everything that went with it whilst getting lost on the dance floor with you, Frankie. You will forever remain very loved and an unforgettable legend. R.I.P. dear Frankie Knuckles.”

Jumping Jack Frost…“Frankie Knuckles was so under-appreciated. He was the DJ that DJs aspired to be like. A true dance pioneer and I was happy to have met him a few times. Rest in Peace.”

Charlie Tatam…“R.I.P. Mr Frankie…

Tonight in the city that never sleeps
We feel the sorrow as she stands and weeps
Chicago, Detroit, New York and London unite
We’ve lost a Legend and a forefather tonight
The 5 boroughs stand in dismay
Tonight our hero Frankie Knuckles passed away
Brooklyn born, Chicago raised
Let the House music forever play!”

Ricky Morrison…“I’m still in shock…today it has hit me harder the enormity of this….I have lost first and most importantly foremost a true friend and secondly a fellow dj. He left us way too soon. I can honestly say he was and still will be an inspiration to us all. Whenever I personally heard him play or saw a flyer with him playing somewhere in the world I knew everything was alright in clubland, there was order. He was one of those last bastion of DJs who always played with emotion in his sets rather than just playing ‘tunes’. I remember him saying ‘When your feeling it I’m feeling it too’ Never a true word said when you heard (and felt) him playing. Now he is in the console in the sky…I will miss you terribly Frankie and I personally will keep your legacy going by playing at least one of your timeless tracks in my sets until the day I go to that console in the sky. I hope other Dj’s will do the same. RIP Frankie, gone but will never be forgotten.”

***

I had the fortune of interviewing Frankie in November. Here are the words we shared…

Frankie, welcome back to DMCWORLD. Let’s kick back to begin with. You left New York to take on a then undiscovered Chicago on behalf of Robert Williams and his Warehouse club. Most of the clubs in the city catered to a white gay audience, they had rude, restricted door policies only allowing 1% of black people in, all the white DJs were white and there was only one black gay bar in the city – Our Den/Den One where Ron Hardy was resident. You though had your boxes of music that had been tried and tested in New York, were there any doubts at the beginning that you were going to do something special in the Windy City?

 

“Hey Dan, well if there were any doubts I hadn’t entertained them. I gave myself 5 years to get the club up and running properly. If it didn’t happen in that time frame I would have packed up and move back to NYC.”

 

You worked with Lawrence Philpot aka Larry Levan at the Continental Baths in New York. Tell us about the night a young Bette Midler performed with an equally young Barry Manilow on piano…

 

“It was a “Cabaret Saturday Night”. One of those Classic Saturday nights that featured a special show during the early hours before dancing. Our job was to adjust the lighting and sound to accommodate the evening as well as the seating all around the dance floor. Larry and I never gave much thought to the show although I really thought Barry was very talented. I would listen to him work on songs like ‘Could It Be Magic’ or ‘The Miracle Is You’ when they were just ideas.”

 

Ron and Larry were radically different from you as a DJ, it was if they were two sides of the same coin with an energy coming from a completely different place from you. But you admit they both shaped you musically, care to elaborate on that…

 

“They were more relaxed and chilled as DJs and I always felt myself taking things more seriously. Just my own personal feelings but, they took their craft as serious as I did. I witnessed both of them at their best when it came to playing. But when they were high and playing at the club it didn’t always make for a great experience, musically.”

 

How did you come up with the idea to incorporate drum machines/rhythm boxes into your sets…

 

“I can’t say I really remember it being a conscious thought. It was one of those occurrences that organically happened on their own. I was teaching myself to edit and cut tape and found myself layering drum beats under certain sections.”

 

True or False : The first time you saw a sign in a bar window in Chicago’s South Side saying ‘WE PLAY HOUSE MUSIC’ you had to ask your friend “what is House music?”

“True.”

 

How important have Frederick Dunson, Judy Weinstein and David Morales been keeping you on the right path over the years?

 

“Extremely important! They are all my closest friends and family. They are the people who help keep my head out of the clouds and my feet firmly planted in reality. They allow me room to grow creatively and nurture my creative spirit. They do what parents and siblings do in the best way possible.”

 

You once said to me…“sometimes I feel like I’m all alone in this industry when it comes to keeping House music in the forefront of the industry’s mind.” That was a few years ago, has your opinion changed on that now?

“I believe I was speaking of the quality of this music. No, I don’t necessarily feel that way now. Though technology has made it possible for every bedroom DJ/Producer to stretch their creative abilities in the privacy of their own homes, I believe a lot of guys are stretching the imaginations by looking beyond the sound effects and learning to develop songs no matter simple or elaborate.”

 

I know you think God has greater plans for us all after this brief pitstop on planet earth…and I know that you recognize that some of us will leave our mark on this planet either with our children or the legacy of our life’s work. Your music is obviously your legacy and the audience you play for are the children who will benefit from this legacy. Looking back at an extraordinary career, what is your proudest achievement?

 

“I’m not sure I’ve lived it yet completely. I learn so much on a daily basis. From other peoples music, old music I listen, my memories from growing up with people like Larry and Ronnie and the countless people that worked along side of me in practically every club I had residencies. I’m fortunate to live this life with all of its ups and downs. They are necessities in a creative life.”

 

You have worked with some incredible talents, Diana Ross, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross…the list goes on and on. Your biggest influences on your musical mind however are Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, what is it about this duo that made such an impression?

 

“They were the truest and most organic songwriters I ever connected with. Going back to my childhood when I found myself collecting every record they had written or produced. They inspired me to produce dance music in a way the epitomized completeness. Even to the point where an instrumental could say as much as a fully lyriced song. Music can say so much and speak to a person’s heart and imagination. This is what I’ve learned from them as producer/song writers. They became my adopted parents in this business.”

 

Have you ever been starstruck?

“I get ‘startruck’ all the time Dan. I just try to keep some control over myself.”

 

You acknowledge that your Alison Limerick ‘Where Love Lives’ remix is your greatest ever. How excited were you to get out of the studio and play it to a dancefloor, can you remember the first place you played it?

“I remember getting the call from David Morales about this tune that came in the we just HAD to do. I fell in love with it before we even began to lay down any of the overdubs. And playing it at Sound Factory for the first time sent chills down my spine and brought tears to my eyes when everyone in the room was responding the same way.”

Speaking of your remixes, how difficult was your rework of Michael Jackson’s ‘You Are Not Alone’ with all of his finger snaps going on? Or did that just add to the magic of it all?

 

“I remember my engineer John Poppo having a nightmare of a time trying to balance it out for me in post production, but I didn’t give it a second thought. I just worked around it and made sure it fit in well with where I was going musically. And it did.”

True or False : When you were offered your first DJ job at the Continental Baths you had to borrow some records as you didn’t own that many?

“False!”

Geez, Frankie that’s the first false I HAVE EVER HAD!! My painstaking research has finally caught up with me! Okay moving on…over the years you have always had a certain disdain for nightclub owners. You see their weaknesses to pull the plug too quickly when they have an empty dancefloor, you see their inability to keep their surly bouncers in check on the gate, you see their greediness to always rip off the DJ when they are doing well. Well it’s 2013 now, surely things have changed for the better now?

 

“You would think so but no. Club owners hire bouncers for the sake of security. But they completely disrespect their patrons when they sic those bouncers on their patrons at what the deem is the end of the night. These bouncers, like the DJs are work for hire but where we differ is a DJ would never treat their guest with such blatant disrespect as to put their hands in guest to usher them out and these guest have spent good money to enjoy themselves. Club owners enforce this kind of behaviour and the bouncers have to fall victim to being the bad guy in the grand scheme of it all. At ‘House Parties’ this would not happen. Everyone is treated with the same respect making for a great party atmosphere.”

Back in the day when your imagination started to go into overdrive you bought your first reel to reel machine. Kids today just have to buy a laptop and their production career has begun. My favourite storyof yours concerning your edits is when you saw Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ on TV and you knew you had to make something…

 

“I preferred the version of ‘Thriller’ from the music video to play versus what was available commercially. Therefore, I took to my reel to reel and re-edited ‘Thriller’ as it played in the music video for my dance floor. My dance floor appreciated the effort.”

 

You had a whole generation in the palm of your hand with the beautiful ‘Your Love’. What did you think of Jamie Principle’s song when he first showed it to you, you had quite a job making it dancefloor friendly…?

 

“I knew how special the song was to Lisa, Jamie’s girlfriend at the time. He wrote it for her and all I wanted to do was make really special for the both of them. The rest of the world tapped into that and the rest is history.”

 

“The digital world is too clean and too set in stone – there are too many rules. I miss analogue. I miss tape. I miss those other people in the room.” Disucss.

 

“I like the collective effort it takes to make a full on production. With all the hands involved the musical projects become more than 3 dimensional. All of the engineers and assistants that work together to create such a big sound and make my dreams and even greater success means everything to me.”

 

You are from the school of thinking that it is essential for a DJ to tell a story throughout the evening. My dad remembers you spinning ‘Land Of Make Believe’ by Chuck Mangione and ‘Street Life’ by The Crusaders as your first song. What are your thoughts on today’s superstar teenage producers and their ‘press play’ DJ sets?

 

“I guess it’s a sign of the times. I thinks it’s just as essential to know how to play to an empty room as a full room.  DJs are today’s storytellers like singers of yesteryear. When you have the luxury of 8 hours to create a mood, as a DJ you are allowed to tell a story because dancing is not what’s paramount. The fact that people are listening is what’s paramount. Today’s DJs want to dive in at the deep end and get all the glory without saying anything. For me, that’s not enough. I always, to this day put myself in the room with everyone else, listening for quality and substance, not just the flavour of the moment.  At the end of any DJ’s set musically it has to make sense and not just on the dance floor. Especially if their set is recorded and played back as much as it is online and radio mix shows. People are LISTENING!”

 

It’s incredible to think that in the 90s there was only a handful of big DJs who were also producers. It has gone full circle now, if you are not making records you ain’t opening that door! Why do you think it has changed so much?

 

“It’s a necessary evil.  Anyone can put one tune on after another. But if musically it’s not making sense it’s just noise. And with the advent of DJ Culture it’s not enough to just create tracks at home. You better create a sound that is appealing and diverse. These are the things that will garner the public’s attention and open doors.”

 

True or False : One night at The Powerplant, Derrick May turned up with a holdall and said to you”here is a gift for you Frankie, it’s the future”…and inside was a Roland 909.

 

“True to a degree!”

 

We cannot leave the interview without a mention of the huge resurgence in nightlife in Chicago, HOUSE MUSIC IS BACK!! How proud are you of the Wavefront Festival?

 

“I’m very proud of The Wavefront Festival happening in Chicago.  That festival has put Chicago on the map (commercially) on a global scale. But it is by no means representative of Chicago’s historical House Music Roots. Wavefront is a full scale festival pretty much like most of the great festivals that are put on worldwide. The Chosen Few Old School Picnic us the best representation but will never get the recognition commercially because it predominantly Black and on the Southside of the city. Not enough white patrons attend therefore it will always take a back seat.”

 

I remember interviewing you a while back and you were about to visit Russia for the first time, you were nervous as at the time only guys like Sasha and Oaky had been there, no one with a House sound. Do you still get nervous visiting new places, where have some of the interesting places you’ve touched down this year been?

 

“With the advent of the internet musically we’re all on the same page. There are still plenty of places I can travel in the world that I’ve never been but, there are people in these places that know who I am and my music.”

 

True or False : Being given the honour of the Mayor of Chicago was the most surreal moment of your life?

“Not completely. Being recognized by the music industry at the Grammys was the most surreal moment. Especially when you realize how many major players in the business recognize who you are for your work. AMAZING!”

And finally Frankie…what is your wish for 2014?

 

“That the world becomes a better place for all of us to live in.”