TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS NICHOLLS A.K.A. FRANKIE KNUCKLES
WHEREAS, In His infinite wisdom, God has granted eternal rest to Francis Nicholls, an influential American DJ, record producer, and remix artist, who was popularly known as Frankie Knuckles; and
WHEREAS, Frankie Knuckles started life in the Bronx borough of New York City on January 18, 1955 and moved to this city during the late 1970s where he was significant in developing and popularizing the uniquely Chicago dance music genre known as "house music" thus earning him the moniker "Godfather of House"; and
WHEREAS, Frankie started spinning at "The Warehouse", on Randolph just east of Halsted, the dance venue where house music was born. He eventually opened his own club, "The Power Plant", in 1983. A prolific producer, he formed "Def Mix Productions" with fellow DJ David Morales after returning to New York City, working with major music notables including Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson; and
WHEREAS, Frankie Knuckles broke out as an independent artist in 1991 when Virgin Records released his debut album "Beyond the Mix" - containing his iconic singles "The Whistle Song," "Rainfalls" and "Workout". Generally known for extended remixes inspired by disco and R&B, including one for Chaka Khan's classic "Ain't Nobody" in 1989 and "Love Affair's Blind" in
1991"; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Roderick Sawyer, Alderman of the 6 Ward and the Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman of the 2nd Ward, have apprised this august body of the passing of this legendary and prolific dance music artist; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together on this 2nd Day of April, 2014, do hereby express our collective sympathy to the many admirers of Frankie Knuckles and extend our sincere condolence to all those whose lives he touched.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Fran...
Click here for full text