Frankie Knuckles DJ and house music pioneer, died Monday. He was 59. The “godfather,” a Chicago resident, “died unexpectedly” at home, his longtime business partner Frederick Dunson confirmed to the Chicago Tribune . Bronx-born Frankie Warren Knuckles Jr. (yup, his real name) honed his DJ skills in NYC, moving to Chicago in the late ’70s as the disco scene was dying. Along with a group of house music innovators, the young Knuckles went on to become a cult hero overseas in Europe’s rave-oriented club scene. Also a producer, Knuckles went on to work with some of music’s biggest stars, including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Depeche Mode, and Diana Ross. Morales, along with Knuckles’ successors, mourned his passing Monday. “I am devastated to write that my dear friend Frankie Knuckles has passed away today,” he wrote. “Can’t write anymore than this at the moment. I’m sorry.” Chicago DJ Vince Lawrence wrote on his Facebook page, in memoriam: “A legend has fallen. All hail Frankie Knuckles an inspiration to us all.” Knuckles once told the Tribune in an interview why he championed house music . He felt as if the dance floor was a “safe haven” for all communities. “God has a place on the dance floor,” he said. “We wouldn’t have all the things we have if it wasn’t for God. We wouldn’t have the one thing that keeps us sane … music.” “It’s the one thing that calms people down.” Celebrities We Lost in 2014 Open Slideshow 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014). He will forever be missed! View As List 1. Philip Seymour Hoffman R.I.P. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014). He will forever be missed! 2. James Avery James Avery has passed away. The beloved star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was 65. 3. Pete Seeger Pete Seeger has passed away. The late singer and activist was 94. 4. Shirley Temple Shirley Temple was a childhood star in the 1930s. She passed away at the age of 85. 5. Phil Everly A photo of the late Phil Everly. He passed away in early 2014. 6. Anna Gordy Gaye Anna Gordy Gaye passed away in early 2014. She was the sister of Berry Gordy and the wife of Marvin Gaye. 7. Eric Lawson Eric Lawson stars here as The Marloboro Man. He died from lung cancer at the age of 72. 8. Roy Garber Roy Garber passed away in January 2014. He was a star on Shipping Wars. 9. Cassandra Lynn Hensley Rest in peace, Cassandra Lynn Hensley. The Playboy Playmate was found dead in January 2014. 10. Darryl Robinson Darryl Robinson of Cooking Channel fame has died. He was just 50. 11. Sid Caesar Sid Caesar has died. He was 91 years old and will be missed. 12. Ralph Waite Ralph Waite is seen here on NCIS. The actor died at the age of 86. 13. John Henson Picture Rest in peace, John Henson. This member of The Muppets family died in early 2014. 14. Jamie Coots Jamie Coots has died from a snake bite. The reality star appeared on the series Snake Salvation. 15. Michele Savoia Michele Savoia, a famed Broadway costume designer, has passed away at the age of 55. 16. Bob Casale Bob Casale, second from right, was the guitarist for the ’80s band Devo, best known for the hit song “Whip It.” R.I.P. 17. Harold Ramis Harold Ramis passed away at the age of 69. We’ll always adore the actor for his role in Ghostbusters. 18. Jim Lange Jim Lange has passed away. The Dating Game host was 81. 19. Tim Wilson Comedian Tim Wilson, who incorporated NASCAR into his routines, has died. R.I.P. 20. Speaker Knockerz Speaker Knockerz has passed away. The young emerging rapper was only 19. 21. Sheila MacRae Sheila MacRae, best known as Alice from The Honeymooners, died in March 2014 at the age of 92. 22. Cynthia Lynn Cynthia Lynn has died. The Hogan’s Heroes star was 76. 23. Bob Thomas Veteran journalist Bob Thomas has passed away at the age of 92. R.I.P. 24. Wesley Warren Wesley Warren, The Man with the 132-Pound Scrotum, died in March 2014 of a non-scrotum related injury. 25. David Brenner David Brenner has died. The fixture on The Tonight Show was 78. 26. L’Wren Scott L’Wren Scott, a fashion designer and the girlfriend of Mick Jagger, is dead. She was 49. 27. Scott Asheton Scott Asheton of The Stooges has died. The drummer was 64. 28. James Rebhorn James Rebhorn enjoyed a long, impressive acting career. He died at the age of 65. 29. Kate O’Mara Kate O’Mara of Dynasty fame has died at the age of 74. R.I.P. 30. Frankie Knuckles Frankie Knuckles, acclaimed DJ and house music mastermind, died March 31 at age 59.
