Governor Quinn Statement on the Passing of DJ Frankie Knuckles

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the passing of the legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles:

"Today, the people of Illinois mourn the untimely passing of a true musical trailblazer, the iconic Grammy Award-winning "Godfather of House Music", DJ Frankie Knuckles.

"Frankie Knuckles influenced generations of music lovers and the entire music industry by developing House music from The Warehouse and Power Plant nightclubs in Chicago in the late 1970s and 1980s, into an international phenomenon. He was in the vanguard of a totally new sound and is credited with adding House to the pantheon of music forms - including blues and jazz - for which Chicago is known worldwide.

"Although born in New York and ultimately celebrated the world over, Frankie Knuckles was a proud son of Illinois, and always embraced Chicago as home. His legend and legacy here will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who loved him."