Pictured 1. Illinois State Rep. Ken Dunkin, Ald. Madeline Haithcock, Frankie Knuckles and Ald. Walter Burnett. Photos by Kirk Williamson 2. Frankie Knuckles and ald. Walter Burnett. 3. Frederick Dunson. 4. Ald. Walter Burnett holds up the honorary street sign.
D/E EntertainmenT and the City of Chicago hosted Frankie Knuckles Day Wed., Aug. 25, 2004. There was an Honorary Street Dedication at the corner of Jefferson and Adams streets, and a celebration later that day in Grant Park. Knuckles is a Grammy Award-winning DJ.
Speakers included Frederick Dunson of D/E, LeeAnn Trotter of CLTV, Ald. Madeline Haithcock, Ald. Walter Burnett, Illinois state Rep. Ken Dunkin, and Mayor's liaison Bill Greaves.
2nd Ward Ald. Haithcock's proclamation, passed by the City Council, reads in part: 'Whereas Frankie Knuckles has made defining contributions to the music industry for more than 30 years and has been dubbed by his peers as the Godfather of House. ... Whereas [after being in New York] Frankie relocated to the great City of Chicago in 1977 and established his mark as he began to engage in the foundation of the new musical form as 'house' music and became the resident DJ for the Warehouse, an after-hours nightclub where 'house' music derived its name. ... ' The proclamation notes the many famous people he has produced and remixed songs for, including Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson, The Pet Shop Boys and others, plus it notes all of his charity contributions and support. He is also in the city's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
