President Obama addresses the death of Frankie Knuckles
- Published
US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have written a letter to the friends and family of the late Frankie Knuckles, saying the musician will be missed.
The house music legend died unexpectedly in March aged 59.
DJ David Morales, who worked closely with Knuckles, uploaded a scan of the message to his Facebook page.
Before posting the letter, he wrote: "Frankie's memorial service was emotionally special."
He added: "To have his friends, family and the Governor speak about Frankie goes to show the impact he has had on people.
"You know you're a TRUE LEGEND when you get one of these."
The message, which is dated 17 April, reads: "We were deeply saddened to learn of Frankie's passing, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies as you mourn his loss and reflect upon his life."
Frankie Knuckles was known for remixing tracks by Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, as well as his own songs, such as Your Love and The Whistle Song.
His death was confirmed by Morales on Twitter.
The note from President Obama adds: "Frankie's work helped open minds and bring people together, blending genres to capture our attention and ignite our imaginations.
"He was a trailblazer in his field, and his legacy lives on in the city of Chicago and on dance floors across the globe."
Barack Obama, who served as state senator in Illinois, had previously met the DJ.
In Chicago, 25 August is celebrated as Frankie Knuckles Day.
Inducted to the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2005, Knuckles also had a Chicago street named after him in 2004, on the former site of the Warehouse club where the DJ made his name.
Following the DJ's death being confirmed, tributes poured in from the music world.
The letter closed: "While he will be dearly missed, we trust Frankie's spirit will remain a guiding force.
"At this difficult time, please know we are holding you all in our thoughts and prayers."
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