Dance Music Industry Mourns the Loss of Chicago Legend Paul Johnson

Tributes are pouring in following the death of legendary Chicago DJ and producer Paul Johnson from Covid-19 complications. Johnson passed away in hospital on Wednesday 4 August. He was 50 years old. Shocked by his passing, the dance music community is mourning Johnson via social media. One of many tributes describe the talented artist as “a symbol of strength and love”.

Most famous for his 1999 smash hit Get Get Down, Paul Johnson began DJing in 1985. At the heart of Chicago’s house music scene, along with pioneers like Frankie Knuckles, Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk and Ron Hardy, he began producing music in 1990. Founder of Dust Traxx, Johnson’s output appeared on a variety of labels, including Dance Mania, Relief, Cajual, Defected, Peacefrog and Moody.

Upbeat

A hugely talented DJ and producer, Johnson maintained an upbeat outlook on life despite several major setbacks. He was confined to a wheelchair in 1987 after a gunshot wound left him paralyzed from the waist down. In 2003 his left leg was amputated. His right leg was amputated in 2010. But his positivity was inspirational.

A video posted on Facebook shows Johnson saying: “I never let anything hold me back. I never let any type of experiences let me down or put me down. Even this disability couldn’t stop me. Nothing could. I just had that in me. I still have that drive in me right now. It’s a perseverant thing. I think I was born with it. I’m sure I was born with it.”

Heavy Heart

As news of Johnson’s passing swept through the international dance music community, Detroit techno producer Kenny Larkin said: “My heart is so heavy right now. Paul Johnson. Thank you for so much amazing house music. I hope you don’t mind that I tell people about our last conversation a few months ago, when we spoke about being members of an exclusive club no one wants to be a part of…The ‘Gunshot Victim’ club. I tried to not seem too star struck, as we spoke, but it was obvious I was. I told you that it was a lot of your earlier disco house that I played nonstop in my DJ sets that helped shaped my DJ style, even today. Thank you for the amazing music and the inspiration.”

London-based DJ and radio presenter Marcia Carr said: “Back in 1999, nightclubs worldwide became hooked on the dancefloor hit Get Get Down produced by Chicago icon DJ Paul Johnson. The single’s humongous success brought him much adulation ever since. Paul’s impressive studio productions and remix contributions in keeping Chicago House alive has rightly inspired a new generation of upcoming talent flying the flag Chicago style.”

House Music Legend

Mutiny UK’s Dylan Barnes wrote: “Gutted to hear about the passing of Paul Johnson. A true house music legend in my eyes and ears. Throughout the years I have been a producer and DJ his music was always a part of it. He will be sorely missed.”

British DJ Rebekah posted: “Another life taken so soon. When I think of real house music, Paul Johnson is always at the forefront of my mind.” Peggy Gou said Johnson was “one of my big influences from day 1” and Pitch Control Marketing boss Joe Berinato called Johnson a “house legend for real”. Berinato added: “Worked with him coordinating the release of his Acid EP on Dopewax Records a few years back. True gentleman and a great talent.”

Influence

French DJ and producer Sébastien Léger remembered: “I have learned the hi-hats pattern on MPC2000 from you, when you were at my place. We played together many times in France or Chicago. You were funky and soulful, a massive influence in my early career. I’m still here because of you!”

Fellow Chicago house music producer and DJ Joe Smooth posted: “Rest in heaven to one of my personal superhero’s [sic]. You have always been a symbol of strength and love. Your musical genius and your spirit will live on in all of us. We will all miss you, Paul Johnson!”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.

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