Chicago house pioneer Jesse Saunders hospitalised after “major stroke”
His group The Chosen Few DJs shared the news, asking for the love and support of fans
Jesse Saunders, Chicago house pioneer, has reportedly been hospitalised following a “major stroke”.
The Chosen Few DJs, the collective in which Saunders is a member of, posted the news on social media — claiming he will “likely be facing a long and difficult rehab.”
Their full statement reads: “We have to sadly share some difficult news and ask for your prayers and support. Our brother Jesse Saunders has suffered a major stroke and is currently hospitalized in the Las Vegas area.
"Jesse will likely be facing a long and difficult rehab, and will need the love and support of the house music community to which he has given much. Please keep Jesse in your prayers. Thank you.”
The Chosen Few DJs was founded by Wayne Williams in 1977 with Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King and Andre Hatchett to celebrate Chicago house.
The group became a seven in 2006 with Terry Hunter and with Mike Dunn in 2012.
He also opened his own nightclub Playground in 1982 after being exposed to the Chicago scene through the music of Frankie Knuckles.
Saunders is known to have created the very first house record with ‘On and On’ along with Vince Lawrence which was released in 1984 seeing the start of the Chicago movement.
Other notable tracks from Saunders include ‘Funk U Up’, ‘Real Love’, ‘Love Can't Turn Around’ and ‘Dum Dum’.
Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Video and Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter