L to R: Vince Lawrence, Wayne Williams, Curtis McClain, Byron Stingily Chip E, Marshall Jefferson
Jesse Saunders
Producers (L to R) Joe Smooth, Chip E & Frankie Knuckles with Lady Maia in the studio.
The Hot Mix 5 DJ Collective (L to R) Kenny Jammin Jason, Scott Smokin Silz, Ralphi Rockin Rosario, Farley Funkin Keith, Mickey Mixin Oliver
In 1984, Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence released “On and On”, shortly after, Chip E. released “It’s House” and “Time to Jack”. The artistic efforts of these and other pioneers would go on to incite an explosion across Chicago and, eventually, the world, as House Music became a staple of dance floors everywhere.
HOUSE 40 not only lets us celebrate the origins of House Music, a music form that has been seminal and irreplaceable in the roots of Techno, EDM, Electrohouse and more, but also so many of the originators, people of color, who build the culture around us.
It is a celebration of Black origination, a celebration of Black excellence, a celebration of the Unity, Power, Passion, and Positivity that defines house music. It lets us really explore what makes us similar, what makes room for all of us on the dance floor, and what we can do to make that go on and on and on...
UNITY THROUGH:
POSITIVITY PEACE PASSION
In 2024, let’s get together and raise our hands to the spirit of a city that has birthed multiple musical genres and great artists of all kinds, that has seen great Black originators and pioneers, and has touched the world with what we do, every day, in joy. Let’s look up, not down, and turn up the music.
DJ Pierre
Larry Heard
Byron Stingily
Steve “Silk” Hurley
Marshall Jefferson
Vince Lawrence
Ron Hardy
Frankie Knuckles