Last month’s passing of Frankie Knuckles touched a lot of us, including myself, triggering random lapses of crying throughout the day I found out. Yet, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a tribute from a U.S. President + a First Lady, but that just goes to show you how super cool the Obamas really are.
Barack + Michelle Obama’s open letter was put on DJ David Morales’ Facebook page – Morales + Knuckles had worked together over a number of years on various remixes including Alison Limerick’s ‘Where Love Lives‘ + his agency, Def Mix, represented Knuckles. Morales said online, “Frankie’s memorial service was emotionally special. To have his friends, family + the Governor speak about Frankie goes to show the impact he has had on people,” + the worldwide outpour of tributes from musicians + artists who worked with him is a testament to that.
But it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise as Obama’s adulation for Knuckles was instilled a few years earlier. As Illinois state senator, Obama pushed for the street where the The Warehouse once stood, to be renamed Frankie Knuckles Way + in 2004, Obama also declared August 25 as Frankie Knuckles Day.
Obama + Knuckles in 2004
(via DAZED DIGITAL)