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Darryl Pandy RIP

One of house music's first voices passes away

Darryl Pandy, one of the most distinctive voices in house music, has died aged 48. He shot to prominence as the voice on the 1986 breakthrough hit ‘Love Can’t Turn Around’ by Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk, one of the first house records to crack the charts, responsible for helping to kick off house music worldwide. He also appeared on a number of other notable house tracks.

 Pandy had been a singer in the Church Of Universal Awareness in Chicago. He was a huge man, but his voice veered from deep soul to high-pitched squeal – a six and a half octave range. In the late 80s he released ‘He’s My Best Friend’ and ‘Free Man’ with Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk on DJ International, and went on to vocal a number of other tracks including ‘Sunshine & Happiness’.

Pandy had been ill for a few months, which led to a number of benefit gigs by other Chicago music luminaries in order to help him pay healthcare bills. It was Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk who alerted the world to his passing.

Carl Loben