Audio By Carbonatix
In 1984, Jesse Saunders released “On and On,” the track widely credited as the very first house music in existence. Saunders used old-school funk, disco, early pop, hip-hop and R&B to create the template for what would grow into a worldwide phenomenon. Now, almost three decades later, he’s still making music as both a producer and a DJ, plus working as a filmmaker and author. Saunders brought house music to the masses when it was being spun primarily in gay clubs in Chicago; in 1997, Chicago mayor Richard Daley announced that July 17 would forever be known in the Windy City as “Jesse Saunders and the Pioneers of House Music Day.” Clearly, Saunders is a really big deal; his recent tour, titled Art of the DJ, incorporates a program of visuals that takes the audience on a journey through the history of this music that moves people all over the planet. On Saturday, June 18, he’s headlining a once-in-a-lifetime show at the Oriental Theater, presented by Supernova and with local support from Uriah West, Rescue, Brett Starr and Joey Mazzotta.
