Jesse Saunders, Chicago house pioneer, hospitalised following “major stroke”
"Please keep Jesse in your prayers," wrote legendary Chicago collective Chosen Few DJs
Chicago house pioneer Jesse Saunders has been hospitalised following reports of a "major stroke".
On 26th November, Chicago collective Chosen Few DJs, of which Saunders is a member, shared the news via Instagram. "We have to sadly share some difficult news and ask for your prayers and support," the post read. "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."
Originally named the Chosen Few Disco Corp, Chosen Few DJs was founded in 1977 by Wayne Williams and has featured Saunders, Alan King and Tony Hatchett among others over the years.
Born and raised in the south side of Chicago, Saunders helped pioneer the use of loops and repetition via his turntable techniques from the 1980s. Inspired by the likes of Frankie Knuckles and others, he opened his own nightclub, The Playground, back in 1982, which helped cement Chicago as the birthplace of house music.
In the mid-1980s, Saunders released a string of his best-known tracks, including 'Funk U Up,' 'Undercover' and the iconic 'On & On'. Revisit the latter below.
