Mon. May 17, 2004
Chicago, IL -
This Sunday night, May 16th, was quite a bit more than ordinary at Hydrate Chicago as resident DJ, the legendary Frankie Knuckles (photos), was honored by the Illinois legislature. The efforts of State Senator Barack Obama (D - 13th District) and State Representative Kenneth Dunkin (D - 5th District) resulted in the House and Senate passing a resolution commemorating the Grammy Award winning DJ and producer for his 30 years of achievements in the music industry. Representative Dunkin was on hand at the Halsted Street nightspot to present Knuckles, known globally as the "Godfather of House Music", with framed copies of the resolutions as Frankie's many friends and adoring fans looked on. Knuckles was visibly moved by the recognition and in brief remarks to the assembled crowd on the dance floor said he was "glad to be back in Chicago where he has always felt at home."
After the presentation ceremony, Knuckles took over the DJ booth from Julius "The Mad Thinker" of 3 degrees, the opening DJ, and spun a set of classic house music. It was a demonstration to all as to why he so justly deserved the official governmental recognition.
Related: Resolution Event Photos
Related: Full Text of House Resolution 0822
Frankie Knuckles Bio
Frankie Knuckles, born January 18, 1955 in South Bronx, New York, has been dubbed "The Godfather of House music." An appellation he has earned.
The Grammy Award Winning Knuckles career began in 1977 when he was offered a job by (the late) legendary DJ Tee Scott at Better Days.
From 1977 to 1982 he was invited to appear on a regular basis until 1982 at Chicago's Warehouse.
Knuckles then returned to NYC where he took the "House" sound back to the Big Apple. After the collapse of his own New York club, the Powerplant, he moved into producing and recording.
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