Frankie Knuckles (US)

Few figures in contemporary music have influenced their respective fields the way Frankie Knuckles has revolutionized dance music. As one of the most renowned DJs in the world, Frankie Knuckles is still packing dance floors with his unique style for almost 30 years. Legions of admirers during his travels penned Frankie's nickname The Godfather of House the press picked up on it and made it stick. He has played a pivotal role in the creation and evolution of house music, which has become the dominant staple of dance clubs throughout the world. It was this celebrity and his constant fundraising for some of his favorite charities dealing with aids, homelessness, and education of our youth, that garnered him one of the most prestigious honors by the City Of Chicago. On August 25th, 2004, the Mayor of Chicago proclaimed the date Frankie Knuckles day, and a street naming Frankie Knuckles Way. As a Producer and Re-Mixer, Knuckles lent his talents to some of R&B and Pop music's elite. Artists such as Mary J. Blige, Sounds of Blackness, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Michael Bolton, and Toni Braxton. Frankie's production and mixing career was officially recognized by the music industry in 1997. He became the first recipient of a Grammy for Remixer of The Year and has served as a Governor and Trustee, for the NYC Chapter of The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. As an artist enjoying the success of two Virgin Records releases, Beyond The Mix and Welcome To The Real World. The first album included The Whistle Song which is most memorable as the Lipton Ice Tea commercial in the mid '90s. Knuckles continues to use his celebrity and much of his spare time providing entertainment for various AIDS charity events. He supports anything that has to do with children, noted as saying I cannot stand to hear a child cry of want, hunger, or a lack of love. He has let his services for many past organizations, including Meals on Wheels, GMHC, Pediatric AIDS, and most recently Harvey Milk School.