House Masters: Frankie Knuckles

Defected are honoured to announce the release of House Masters Frankie Knuckles, a charity release in collaboration with Def Mix Management and the estate of Frankie Knuckles.

House Masters Frankie Knuckles is a project that began in February 2014, with Frankie hand-selecting the productions and remixes he wanted to include on a retrospective release of his illustrious career. On the sad news of his passing on 31 March 2014, the project was duly paused. Now, with the creation of The Frankie Knuckles Fund established in partnership with the Elton John Aids Foundation, the release will finally see the light of day, with all profits being donated to the charity.
 
Frankie Knuckles left behind perhaps the greatest house music legacy that ever was or ever will be, having made dance music at a spiritual level for nearly four decades.
 
He established both his name and his legacy with the sound he created. Labelled ‘house’ after the Chicago club, The Warehouse, where he played during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, it was a sound that has been copied and adapted – but crucially never bettered – by literally thousands of DJs and producers since.
 
The outpouring of respect, praise and love from every quarter following his death showed just how far his influence reached, and just how much he had meant to people from all walks of life.
 
“I miss my friend dearly. Words cannot describe my emptiness and I derive my strength from the memories that will be with me for the rest of my life. The music that we made together with our hearts will always sooth me when I take a listen.” David Morales
 
The tracklist for House Masters Frankie Knuckles includes many of the most influential and highly-regarded records from the Grammy-winning producer, including ‘Tears’, ‘Your Love’, ‘The Whistle Song’ and ‘Baby Wants To Ride’ alongside seminal remixes for Alison Limerick, Inner City, Chaka Khan, Hercules & Love Affair, First Choice and Pet Shop Boys.
 
“In the beginning there was Frankie Knuckles. His legend transcends the movement that he helped create. His many incredible production influences still bring House, Soul and Disco to dance floors all over the world.  I consider myself truly honoured, not only to have played and danced to his music but also to have worked with Frankie at Cooltempo, A&M:PM & Defected.” Simon Dunmore
 
The release will be accompanied by a limited edition commemorative t-shirt, available exclusively from the Defected online store, with all profits being donated to the Frankie Knuckles Fund.
 
“The Elton John AIDS Foundation is honoured to be administering a new Fund in memory of Frankie Knuckles. This fund will support the Foundation’s work with young men of colour around the World, particularly gay men, who are often subject to severe discrimination and abuse and who struggle to get compassionate information and treatment about HIV and AIDS.” Anne Aslett, Elton John AIDS Foundation
 
The passing of Frankie Knuckles may have left a gaping hole in many of our lives, but the music lives on.
 
Defected presents House Masters Frankie Knuckles is out 26 April 2015 (2CD and digital) on Defected Records. 100% of the profits will be donated to the Frankie Knuckles Fund.