The Obamas Honor Dance Music Legend Frankie Knuckles

Dj/remixer Frankie Knuckles died from diabetic complications on the first of this month. http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2014/04/dj-buddy-bs-tribute-to-house-musics.html

In 2004, Senator Barack Obama helped to declare Frankie Knuckles Day on August 25th in Chicago. Today, President Obama and First Lady Michelle offered condolences to his family, fans and friends. Dj David Morales said today: "You know you're a true legend when u get one of these." Back in June 2012, I wrote of Morales and Obama on this blog:

David Morales is back, ready to get everyone on their feet to his nouveau disco sound with "Golden Era," a retro-tinged dance number with orchestral flourishes associated with classic dance-floor arrangements. None other than club-fave Roisin Murphy (pictured), the contralto Irish diva of dance and electronica fame, is the featured vocalist on this and she rises to the occasion beautifully. So, swirl, hands up in the air, Sunday tea dance style, on the day our President officially and historically pronounced June "Gay Pride Month!" And have a cocktail or two to really celebrate. Happy days are here again this summer; toast to a new Golden Era! Disco's back!

Below, both the Morales "Disco Mix" & the President's announcement, courtesy of YouTube. (Btw, Prezzie O is so cool, he even tosses in a Whitney quote, "bit by bit, step by step.")

Today's letter from the First Couple read: "Frankie's work helped open minds and bring people together, blending genres to capture our attention and ignite our imaginations. He was a trailblazer in his field, and his legacy lives on in the city of Chicago and on dance floors across the globe."

Huffington Post wrote today: Also this week, musician Elton John announced the creation The Frankie Knuckles Fund, a new charity fund that will support HIV research in black communities and operate under the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

"Frankie was such a lovely man and a great talent," John said in a statement, "and his legacy provides a powerful voice to reach out to people, particularly men of color, about their essential role in helping to create an AIDS-free future."

Knuckles' family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in Knuckles' memory be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Gay Men's Health Crisis in New York.

The dance-music community applauds our President, First Lady and Elton John for the recognition and the tributes to the Godfather of House Music deserves. Class acts all.