Obamas Pay Tribute To Frankie Knuckles In White House Letter

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 22, 2014 6:00PM

Photo credit: Getty Images

The tributes to pioneering House music DJ Frankie Knuckles continue to pour in. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama released a condolence letter to Knuckles' family and friends that cited Knuckles as a "trailblazer in his field."

"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."

Knuckles died March 31 from complications related to Type II Diabetes. The Elton John AIDS Foundation recently announced the establishment of a charity in Knuckles' name to help the fight against AIDS and HIV in the African American community.

The Obamas' tribute isn't the first time they've honored Knuckles. As an Illinois state Senator in 2004, Obama moved to declare Aug. 24 "Frankie Knuckles Day."