The global dance music community mourns the passing of the legendary Chicago house music icon.
The Chicago house music legend Paul Johnson has died at age 50 following his battle with COVID-19. A statement released today on his official Facebook page stated, “Our greatness passed away this morning at 9 am.”
Roughly three weeks ago, Johnson announced his diagnosis and was being treated in a Chicago intensive care unit, providing his followers with multiple video updates from his hospital bed.
Johnson is widely regarded as one of house music’s all-time greats. Born and raised in Chicago, he and helped shape the city’s house music scene beginning the early ‘90s.
Eventually his music went global — both longtime fans and novice ravers will instantly recognize Johnson’s 1999 hit “Get Get Down,” which topped the charts across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Along with his era-defining music, Johnson was intimately connected to house music and spread his influence through his own record label, Dust Traxx, alongside Radek Hawryszczuk.
Throughout his life, Johnson faced multiple life-threatening incidents. He was paralyzed from the waist down after he was shot in 1987, and later lost both legs in separate accidents. Despite his struggles, Johnson remained an active member of the house music scene, consistently releasing new music while touring the world in his wheelchair well into 2020.
An outpouring of shock, grief and reverence was seen across Twitter, as artists and fans remembered his incredible legacy.
blasting this one out in memory of the legend Paul Johnson, RIP https://t.co/D6p6RwGxrh
— Good Lookingの作者JAKAZiD (@JAKAZiD) August 4, 2021
So sad to hear that Paul Johnson has lost his fight. Today has been tragic for our scene. Much love to my friends in Chicago & Detroit. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dLY98CKKDN
— Simon Dunmore (@SimonDunmore) August 4, 2021
Absolutely gutted 💔
RIP Paul Johnson
THANK YOU pic.twitter.com/8zEpwsMWnA— Nightwave (@iamnightwave) August 4, 2021
Kelli & Paul were legends who changed dance music, but on a personal note they both listened to me and encouraged me when I was a new nobody with 0 clout. They were really nice to loads of others too, just for the sake of encouraging young artists. RIP Paul Johnson & K Hand 🥺
— Chrissy (@chrissytrax) August 4, 2021
😢😩😳🤯 paul johnson man. He made the disco kick. Super Nice guy. Condolences to his loved ones ♥️
— Yousef (@yousefcircus) August 4, 2021
