Chicago House Legend Paul Johnson Has Passed Away

The house music scene is hurting after the news that DJ and producer Paul Johnson lost his battle with COVID-19 and passed away. He was 50.

Late last month, legendary DJ and producer Paul Johnson was hospitalized and placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) after contracting COVID-19. While many reached out with their thoughts and hoped that he would be able to beat the virus, today the news broke in a post to his Facebook page that he had tragically lost his battle and passed away.

One of the true movers and shakers of the house scene in Chicago, Paul Johnson had proven his worth over the years with countless releases that have spanned some of the scene’s most iconic imprints. He didn’t let life get in the way of his career either, as after being paralyzed from the waist down after being shot in 1987 he pressed on using a wheelchair. In 2003 he had his left leg amputated, and in 2010 he lost his right one after a serious accident as well. Still, he continued to release music and play shows around the world.

A self-taught DJ and producer, he impressed with releases like 1999’s “Get Get Down,” an international hit that also reached the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart in December of that year. Other releases that have stood the test of time include 1995’s Bump Talkin and 1996’s Feel the Music on Peacefrog, while he also recently delivered the I Can Make You A Big Freak EP earlier this year on Discodelic. In 1997 Paul Johnson also created his own label, Dust Traxx, which featured his own releases and those of others over the years as well.

Beyond his work in the studio, Paul Johnson also was one of the greats behind the decks, spinning sets at some of the most beloved nightclubs to the delight of his fans around the world. Whether he was taking the stage for special Boiler Room experiences or playing in Europe, one thing was for certain – he always knew how to set a proper groove.

H/T: Mixmag