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Frankie Knuckles
1955 - 2014
Frankie Knuckles
1955 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1955
DIED
2014
Frankie Knuckles Obituary
Knuckles died Monday in Chicago, the Cook County medical examiner said Tuesday. The medical examiner said a cause of death was not available.
Knuckles is considered a key figure in the evolution of the house music genre, dating back three decades to venues in Chicago and New York.
"When you're as fortunate as most of us working DJs to be able to share our creative blessings with the rest of the world, no matter how great or small, wouldn't you agree that it's best to give the world the best of who you are?" Knuckles said, in a quote provided Tuesday in a release from his company, Def Mix Productions.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Tuesday that Chicago has lost "one of its most treasured cultural pioneers."
Knuckles was born Francis Nicholls on Jan. 18, 1955, in the Bronx. He worked as a DJ in the early 1970s in New York before moving to Chicago in the late 1970s. In Chicago he was resident DJ at the city's The Warehouse club until it closed in 1983.
It was there that he defined House music's distinct style and took on the role of DJ as tastemaker, said Phil White, co-author of "On the Record: The Scratch DJ Academy Guide." Knuckles "defined really what House music was in terms of style," White said. Knuckles even would cut and tape together pieces of reel-to-reel recordings to make extended tracks, he said.
Knuckles went on to have a high-profile a recording career, putting out his own albums on Virgin Records and working as a producer and remixer with many famous musicians. He had a hit with his first album's first single, "The Whistle Song."
Knuckles won a Grammy in 1997 for Remixer of the Year and Chicago named a stretch of road near downtown for him, calling it "Honorary 'The Godfather of Hous e Music' Frankie Knuckles Way." He also was a governor and trustee for the New York City chapter of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
___
AP researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
175 Entries
January 18, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
JOHN LANGHART
August 30, 2019
MY DEAR FRIEND , I WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS
YOU WILL FOR EVER BE IN MY HEART AND SOUL, TILL WE SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN
March 31, 2016
May God be with the family and friends during this time of grief.
How you can show support
craig
December 10, 2015
Thank god you existed frankie your music was one of a kind which hit the nail on the head every time. Your name was always the first i searched for in cd shops to make sure i didnt miss any new jams by the legendary FRANKIE KNUCKLES r.i.p
Candi H
February 8, 2015
Frankie, you were one of the few to be a legend during your lifetime. It still seems like yesterday I danced to your music growing up in Chicago. Your music was enjoyed by many, remembered forever, may you rest in peace.
Erica StarforLife Adams
April 28, 2014
Thank you for making the best music to grow up on!!!! House music will forever play in my mind because of you. Rest in Paradise Frankie!
Terri Clair
April 28, 2014
Frankie, you've made people closer thru your music. God bless you for the many talents you shared with us. RIP
Lee Jones
April 24, 2014
Rest in Power. Thank you. Job well done..
Rodney Felton
April 23, 2014
The Whistle Song is forever playing in my head .....Thanks for the music Frankie....Hey when u see Ron Hardy tell him thanks as well I can still hear the theme song to the Flinstones in the mix that he use to spin....Hats off to both .....
Fred Rossi
April 22, 2014
Rest In Peace Frankie! You were a class act, a legend that will never be forgotten. Generous, Friendly & Humble, you made beautiful music that made people feel good. You were the Michael Jackson of House Music. I will miss you buddy! RIP
laura house
April 21, 2014
Rip FRANKIE KNUCKLES much love and respect
April 21, 2014
Peace King!
Rodney
April 21, 2014
Thanks 4 all the memories, from the warehouse,and powerplant. As part of our family, and always looking out 4 my mom gypsy. Thank 4 all the help u have given me as well, and the dinners at the coach house. U will b truly miss. Ur music lives on through the house heads, i am playing one of ur cassettes now. Rip.!!!
RON HARDY
April 19, 2014
TO A GREAT MAN OF MUSIC! SEE U WHEN U GET UP HERE BRAH!
Noemi Aragon
April 19, 2014
For you to have a light for ever I can't believe I won't see you anymore
April 18, 2014
Frankie why did you leave? I will always miss you Noemi
April 17, 2014
To a great man of music who brought down the house wherever he was spinning , I remember meeting and shaking his hand @ the Chicago's greatest dance club The Warehouse and I was thrilled I asked him to play Dr Love and he did ! May your house Music be forever! A True House Head fan,may you rest in peace my brother,I thank him bring this kind of music to the Gay and straight communities will always live on! Well Done My Servant !House Head 4 ever Rick from old skool Chicago
April 17, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the Knuckle family. The God of comfort feels your pain and will provide what is needed at this time.
LM
Bev Smith
April 16, 2014
Thank GOD for those times at the Warehouse. Thank GOD for giving you the love of music and those BEATS RIP
Cymberly Bains-Burns
April 15, 2014
Frankie you will be greatly missed, your music was the best part of my high school years in chicago. We had Calumet High rocking (1986).
Rene Hewitt
April 15, 2014
Frankie you will be missed and thank you for the greater part of life with your music. Rene Hewitt - imusicradio.biz
Lloyd Gooden
April 14, 2014
You brought a unique sound to the soul of many....R.I.P
Lloyd Gooden
April 14, 2014
You brought sound to the soul of many.....R.I.P
April 14, 2014
my sympathy goes out to all you beloved ones who knew and loved frankie. may the God of all comfort be with you (1cor.1:3).
c. langlais, bronx,ny
Antoinette Byrd
April 13, 2014
Thank you for the gift of decades of phenomenal music. There will be none other like you.
Marcus Burnett
April 12, 2014
I found peace in Housemusic thanks to this man. I feel like I lost a brother. I can hear you and Ron Hardy spinning at the party of the century! Rest in paradise.
Kimbo King
April 12, 2014
My DJ life can be traced to a 1988 Frankie Knuckles mixtape a friend let me listen. Thank you Frankie for your life.
Loretta L.
April 12, 2014
Condolences to Frankie Knuckles family -
Amidst this painful and shocking news, please find comfort in knowing that Frankie is in God's memory, with so many others of our dear ones. It will help you day to day in finding endurance. Draw even closer to family and friends for support during these difficult times.
April 11, 2014
Thank you Frankie for all the beauty you gave us you will truly be missed.Max E. Seattle
April 11, 2014
A true legend who will never be forgotten. May the God of all comfort be with Frankie's family and friends.
Keith Dumpson
April 10, 2014
I'm Gonna Miss You. R.I.P. & Thank YOU for the LOVE & Friendship..God Bless. Love Keith...
Pete Fowlks
April 10, 2014
Thank you. Your legacy will live on. R.I.P.
willie cox
April 9, 2014
Frankie I will miss you
THE NEEDLEMASTER
Willie Cox
April 9, 2014
Rest in Perfect Peace. You are truly missed and loved.
April 9, 2014
Frankie you will be missed. Radio station WGCI - Chicago had a house music marathon that paid tribute to you and it was off the chain. We felt your presence. My condolence to the Knuckles family.
Nedra Lias
Fans Forever
April 9, 2014
Our hearts are deeply saddened by Frankie's death; he will always be remembered through the House Music he shared so well with us. May the God of all comfort be with the Knuckles family as you join yourselves unitedly to comfort one another. Our prayer is that your hearts be uplifted as you look forward to a time when sickness and death will be no more.
James Foreman
April 9, 2014
After meeting and talking with Mr. Knuckles in East Orange, New Jersey, he became my FAVORITE DJ. Whenever I went clubbing, and he was the DJ, he always recognized me and shook my hand. He will forever be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. We've lost a GEM!!!!
willie cox
April 8, 2014
Frankie I will miss you
THE NEEDLEMASTER
Willie Cox
April 8, 2014
RIP GODFATHER OF HOUSE THANK YOU FOR ALL DID AND FOR INSPIRING ME IN MY DJ VENTURES AND FOR GIVING ME LOVE FOR HOUSE MUSIC RIP MY FRIEND WHISTLE IN PARADISE
WAREHOUSE. BABY
April 8, 2014
Last night a Dj saved my life through his music..I. SMILE..FRANKIE
G
April 8, 2014
All, I can say is love, may God be with u, and prayers 2 the family, friends, and fans, I can't turn around. ..Godfather!
Brenda & Michael Pesce
April 8, 2014
To our dear friend, we will remember the good times!!!
God Bless rest in peace.
We pray for your family and friends.
Nikki Hill
April 8, 2014
My Condolences to the family! Frankie will be missed...dearly!
Lisa Swan
April 8, 2014
Rest in Beats Godfather!
Pryss
April 8, 2014
RIP FRANKIE!! I LIVE FOR HOUSE & U R THE REASON!!!
Manny Murillo
April 8, 2014
You will NEVER be forgotten Brotha.... Rest in Peace. OneLOVE.
Gregory Smith
April 8, 2014
Rest in Peace my dear Friend.
April 8, 2014
My deepest condolence
Cassandra Benton
April 8, 2014
You have been my sanity since the 80's love and will miss you. House music is here to stay and you are the reason.
Cece
April 8, 2014
May u rest in Paradise & Enjoy the beautiful prayers so many have sent your way. God now has amazing DJ May your spirit shine down upon your loved ones ??
April 7, 2014
GOD BLESS YOU FRANKIE...RIP
Tommy Faulkner
April 7, 2014
To the family of Frankie Knuckles sorry for the loss!Frankie you will truly be miss!!!
Mila
April 7, 2014
To the family of Frankie Knuckles condolences for his passing .if ever music was music it was because of his genius way. We will remember the music he made and forever be thankful for the person he was when you are good at what you done what else can be said. Rest in peace for we will truly miss your presence .if we can all learn one thing is love the one you are with and cherish the life you live he love the people and the people loved him.
Gary & Valerie
April 7, 2014
Our deepest sympathy are extended to the Knuckles Family. Please accept our condolences on the loss of Frankie. He will tremendously be missed.
Richmond
April 7, 2014
My sincere sympathy. May you be comforted by the love of family and friends and throw your anxiety upon God because he cares for you.
Ms Toni Original HouseHead
April 7, 2014
To the family of Frankie Knuckles - May God comfort you each day through this difficult time. Please know that God has provided each of us with our purpose to be here on earth. Few are lucky enough to recognize it. Please know while it meant Frankie may have been away from you he was fulfilling a mission that was placed upon him. He has saved many lives; helped cure many broken hearts. His music even helped people that did not feel loved experience love through his music. I can not think of a better legacy. God Bless the Nicholls Family and all of the extended Family. House Nation Family we shall meet under the stars and pay tribute to Frankie - Prayers have been sent up and the healing has begun. Respectfully
Torie Bracken
April 6, 2014
To the family of Frankie Knuckles: Thank you for sharing this wonderful man and his gift with us and the world. We love you Frankie Knuckles and may your music and legacy live on and always be in our hearts. May God bless and keep your family during this time of sorrow.
Curtis Dunbar
April 6, 2014
God Has Stop By To Take One Of His Children Home Thank You Frankie.
April 6, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
April 6, 2014
To the Family of Frankie Knuckles my sincere sympathy. May the God of comfort, comfort you and your Family and give you His peace now and in the days to come.
Darius Hedgebeth
April 5, 2014
Rest in Power, Godfather! Thoughts and love are with Frankie's family. Thank you for sharing his wonderful life with us, those who enjoyed his music, his vision, and his humanity. God Bless!
Deborah Renn
April 5, 2014
He's making music in heaven
Marie J
April 5, 2014
Frankie was one of the greatest DJ's in the Nation. He will be truly missed. My prayers goes out to his family.
T Winright
April 5, 2014
Heartfelt condolences...house music is in my blood and Frankie helped pioneer that innovative musical movement which can still be heard around the world today...its a great loss for us all but I am comforted in knowing he is in eternal peace & happiness with loved ones.
April 5, 2014
No words can express the pain and sorrow the family must feel at this difficult time. May you find comfort from the God of all comfort who helps us to cope with our grief. Deepest sympathy.
April 5, 2014
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I hope John 15:28,29 brings your family comfort
Yl
April 5, 2014
To Frankie music was his passion, unfortunately today he leaves behind what he liked to do best! My sincere sympathy to the family and friends who now mourn their loss. (Those trusting on God will never be abandoned.) May the God of love and mercy grant them strength and inner peace.
April
April 5, 2014
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. May all be comforted by the promise: "and he wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more....the former things have passed away."
April 5, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
April 4, 2014
A dj saved my life
Tina Jackson
April 4, 2014
Rest in peace music maker/ Godfather!
C. Jeffrey Wright
April 4, 2014
Rest in peace my friend, you brought great joy to us all your music and your smile gave us exactly what we needed on those weekends after a long work week or tedious studies. My condolences to the family, friends and fans. I can hear that train coming through on the dance floor and the crowd going absolutely wild. You'll be missed Frankie.
bruno kauffmann
April 4, 2014
rest in peace frankie you are an example to us all dj's from around the world... My condolences to your family... bruno kauffmann from france
House Head
April 4, 2014
I was blessed with witnessing Frankie do his thing over 15 times and I am so saddened to know I will never get to scream "WORK ME FRANKIE" again. Thanks for being my mentor! Each and every party he gave his all and will be deeply missed!
Tasha Mallard
April 4, 2014
Warehouse to the-power plant! Frankie you made a hard day so much better! R.i.P from class of 1988 Unity catholic Angles!!
April 4, 2014
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please be assured God feels your pain and wants you to draw close to Him. James 4:8
Charles Tracee Mack
April 4, 2014
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family...and extended family Frederick and Judd. I'm prayin for you're strength through this time of mourning.
Tracee
ANITA JOHNSON
April 4, 2014
REST IN PARADISE FRANKIE KNUCKLES <3 THANK YOU FOR TOUCHING MY HEART WITH YOUR TALENT THAT YOU SHARED WITH THE WORLD.YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED, I AM SO GLAD THAT I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DANCE AT YOUR CLUB AND LISTEN TO YOU PLAY SUCH GREAT MUSIC LIVE.AT THE WAREHOUSE AND POWERPLANT.I AM A OLDSCHOOL HOUSE HEAD FOR LIFE!MY HEART ACHES FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF GRIEF.MY CONDOLENCES!
April 4, 2014
Thanks for the post! Frankie Knuckles was amazing... I found some beautiful selected songs and remix of him in Art Days, here is the link! http://www.art-days.com/frankie-knuckles-homage/ Enjoy!
K H
April 4, 2014
You were the PURE Sound of House Music which will last forever in memory ! Rest in Peace Frankie
Michele Miruski
April 4, 2014
Rest in peace, sweet music man. Your impact on the human race was immeasurable.
Paris Vergel
April 4, 2014
the 90'Sound Factory barI knew I had somewhere to come every Friday to get my dance on I was in early recovery you help me get through the week cuz I know I would see you on FridayFrankie in my spirit
J L
April 4, 2014
My condolences to your family during this time of grief.
Mark McShane
April 4, 2014
Frankie, I was young when I first visited the Warehouse, September 5, 1981. From that day on, my life was transformed by the music you played. I still have every flyer from the US Studios/Warehouse. Love U Frankie, always & forever! Thank you for your personal touch on MUSIC!
Sonia Scott
April 3, 2014
Frankie Knuckles you can R.I.P with Larry Levan in true " Paradise". Thank you for the memories (N.Y.C.)
Felicia Moore-Rawlings
April 3, 2014
Frankie you will truly be missed.
Patricia Brown
April 3, 2014
To the Knuckles Family!!!
You have my deepest sympathy. Frankie will be missed, but not forgotten.
April 3, 2014
May you rest in peace. Thank you for being such a pioneer. House music lives on because of you.
Marilynn Brack
April 3, 2014
What you contributed to the planet will never be forgotten.. Many young kids such as myself and my cousin Chas will never forget the wonderful times we had at WAREHOUSE... Those times stay in my memory forever. R.I.P. Frankie ..YOU have done great work and left much happiness in the hearts of millions.
April 3, 2014
Please except my condolences for the loss of your loved one. During times of grief, allow God to comfort you and your family for he truly understands what you are going through. (Psalms 72:12-14)
Long Live Frankie
Dawnee Robinson
April 3, 2014
I grew up in Chicago...Frankie was a big part of the house music movement. He was beyond talented. I remember standing in line in the freezing cold just to get in to hear him spin. It was like going to church for us house heads. He will be forever missed. His legacy will live forever.
Pamela Regulus
April 3, 2014
Frankie Knuckles, Thank you so much for your music and insight on life. We 80 kids at a ball and knew how to party and enjoy house music. Prayers to all and memories will last forever.
Alex Magnoni
April 3, 2014
BIG HUG FRANKIE....ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
April 3, 2014
I WILL MISS U MY FRIEND WE HAD SOME GREAT TIMES I WILL NEVER FORGET THEM AND U
Pamela Strong
April 3, 2014
"A good name is better than good oil" says Eccliesiastes 7:1
Frankie made a good name for himself in the music industry. He will not be forgotten by those who loved him. He will also be remembered by the God of all comfort.
Anita Trice
April 3, 2014
I was one of the few that followed him from his beginnings @ The Warehouse and The Power Plant. He deeply influenced my life through his style of remixing music and implanted the deep beat within my soul that has kept me movin' throughout the years. It was a pleasure to know such a talented down to earth man. I'm saddened by his passing, but honored to have been apart of the history that has created today's dance club genre. No other party could ever compare to the "original Warehouse party" RIP Frankie and thanks for ALL the great memories!
April 3, 2014
Rest in power, party in heaven!
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