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Defected presents House Masters Frankie Knuckles
House | Thursday 9th April 2015 | Christina
House Masters Frankie Knuckles is a commemorative release, out on April 26th, which celebrates the great man’s musical legacy. The project began in February 2014, with Frankie hand selecting the productions and remixes he wanted to include on a retrospective release of his illustrious career. On the sad news of his passing on 31 March 2014, the project was duly paused. Now, with the creation of The Frankie Knuckles Fund established in partnership with the Elton John Aids Foundation, the release will finally see the light of day, with all profits being donated to the charity.
Frankie Knuckles left behind perhaps the greatest house music legacy that ever was or ever will be, having made dance music at a spiritual level for nearly four decades. The sound he created, labelled “house” after the Chicago club The Warehouse, where he played during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, has been copied and adapted – but never bettered – by thousands of DJs and producers since.
The tracklist for House Masters Frankie Knuckles includes many of the most influential and highly regarded records from the Grammy-winning producer, including ‘Tears’, ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and ‘Baby Wants To Ride’. These tracks are the very foundations of house music, and the fact that they sound as fresh and as innovative today demonstrates just how much he shaped the genre. Seminal remixes for Alison Limerick, Inner City, Chaka Khan, Hercules & Love Affair, First Choice and Pet Shop Boys also appear on the compilation. As Sir Elton John has said, “This is a great mixture of Frankie's work. It shows his spirit and love of artists. His artistry will always be at the forefront of dance music and so will his energy”. Quite simply, you cannot call yourself a house music fan if you haven’t heard these tracks.
The passing of Frankie Knuckles may have left a gaping hole in house, but the music lives on. This release, plus the sublime, previously unheard Frankie Knuckles BBC Essential Mix, is a fitting way to remember the great man. The release will be accompanied by a limited edition commemorative t-shirt, available exclusively from the Defected online store, with all profits being donated to the Frankie Knuckles Fund.
If you want to make a donation, visit the charity page
