Chicago house music DJ and producer Paul Johnson has passed away at age 50 after a battle with COVID-19.
Johnson recently shared updates via Instagram, where he confirmed the news that he’d been hospitalized with the deadly virus. He was later transferred to the intensive care unit where he was placed on a ventilator. No official cause of death has been released, though Johnson had confirmed that he’d contracted the virus in July. An update was shared to his Facebook page yesterday confirming his passing.
Many of Johnson’s friends, family, and associates have already taken to social media to give their condolences, including Defected Records, Mike Servito, Ghostly, Anna Lunoe, and many others who know how greatly the producer impacted the Chicago house music scene.
So sad to hear that Paul Johnson has lost his fight. Today has been tragic for our scene. Much love to my friends in Chicago & Detroit. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dLY98CKKDN
— Simon Dunmore (@SimonDunmore) August 4, 2021
There is nothing more House than Paul Johnson. Prolific, euphoric, otherworldly. The absolute feeling. RIP Legend. pic.twitter.com/MnhbFpR1Bx
— Ghostly (@ghostly) August 4, 2021
Paul Johnson taught us how to bounce to the beat. A groove like no other, honestly. This is so depressing. But the records, the music will remain timeless and uplifting. We will always have that Chicago groove. godspeed PJ! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TX5BcxbujI
— Mike Servito (@mikeservito) August 4, 2021
Paul Johnson’s hits “Get Get Down” and “Hear The Music,” his seminal record imprint Dust Traxx, and an honorable mention from Daft Punk in their classic track “Teachers” are just a few highlights of the innovator’s great legacy. He will be remembered for these and other accomplishments across a fruitful career that spanned well over 30 years.