The Obamas Send a Condolence Letter to Frankie Knuckles' Family
Say what you will about the weather, but Chicagoans certainly know how to look out for each other.
The family and friends of the late Frankie Knuckles, the legendary pioneer of house music who passed away on March 31, received a very special condolence letter recently — from none other than the President and First Lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle Obama.
Knuckles' close friend DJ David Morales posted the letter to his Facebook page on Tuesday, following Monday night's memorial in Chicago to the godfather of house music. A second memorial to Knuckles will take place Tuesday night in New York City.
"Frankie's memorial service was emotionally special," David's post read. "To have his friends, family and the Governor speak about Frankie goes to show the impact he has had on people. You know you're a TRUE LEGEND when u get one of these….
[Related: 10 of Frankie Knuckles' Best Remixes and Productions]
"We were deeply saddened to learn of Frankie's passing, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies as you mourn his loss and reflect upon his life," the Obamas' letter read.
"Frankie's work helped open minds and bring people together, blending genres to capture out 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. … While he will be dearly missed, we trust Frankie's spirit will remain a guiding force. At this difficult time, please know we are holding you all in our thoughts and prayers."
The Obamas aren't the only famous names paying their respects to Knuckles. Elton John recently announced that his Elton John AIDS Foundation was establishing the Frankie Knuckles Fund "to support HIV information, testing and treatment."
More specifically the funds will be used to "work with men at high risk of HIV in Africa as well as African communities in the UK, and African American communities in the U.S.A."
"Frankie was such a lovely man and a great talent," Elton wrote on his foundation's website. "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."