Legendary Chicago artist DJ Deeon has died

Legendary Chicago producer, DJ, and ghetto house pioneer DJ Deeon has passed away, his official Facebook page has confirmed.

The post, made by an admin of the page and posted just before midnight Central Daylight Time on July 17, announces: “I am sorry to announce the legendary Artist, Producer, DJ, Label owner, and my friend Deeon "DJ Deeon" Boyd gained his wings today.”

“The family thanks you for your support and will announce arrangements in the coming days. Thank you for your understanding. #DJDEEONforever #GRC #lowendforlife”

No cause of death has been revealed, although Deeon has been known to have suffered ill health in recent years. In 2020, a crowdfunder was launched after the producer suffered multiple “mini strokes”, and other prolonged health issues including quadruple bypass heart surgery, cancer and chemotherapy, and the amputation of one of his legs.

Last year, Deeon was admitted to the ICU with a heart infection and pneumonia.

Last Thursday, he posted another photo from hospital where he could be seen wearing a breathing apparatus, asking fans: “PRAY FOR ME”.

Having cut his teeth as a DJ on the South Side of Chicago, DJ Deeon was instrumental in the transformation of house into its X-rated cousin ghetto house — alongside contemporaries Parris Mitchell, DJ Funk, Jammin' Gerald, Traxman and DJ Slugo.

The producer was famously named as one of Daft Punk's inspirations in their track 'Teachers' from 1997 album 'Homework'.

Through label Dance Mania he's released a series of dancefloor classics including 'Bomb 96', 'Freak Like Me', 'Wicked', 'Back 2 Skool' and 'House-o-matic'.

In May, DJ Deeon released four EPs in two days adding 25 new tracks to his already extensive discography.

Read some tributes to DJ Deeon below.