I’m 24 years old and a Chicago native. I recently got into house music a couple years ago. I was always curious about the history of it all and this was very insightful. My mom and my uncles tell me stories of growing up in Chicago in the 80s/90s and the music scene. It’s crazy to think how life comes full circle. I now go out and listen to the same music they did. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been to one of DJ Terrys show. I went to a show of his at Smart Bar a while back and had a fun ass time. Danced my butt off.
Great job by Terry showing the world the inner workings of the Chicago house music party scene. Ron Hardy was definitely changing peoples lives with his DJ style. It wasn’t mentioned but after The Box closed Ron did his thing at COD’s up North and can’t forget The Powerhouse (2210). DISCO FOREVER 💪🏾
I really appreciate how Terry explained how each area from the city had contributed and brought experiences. It wasn’t just the south side. Great job Terry in dispelling the myths. There were countless DJ battles on the north and northwest sides, dance group battles and a culmination of disco, early house and italo disco sounds blasting through speakers on Fullerton Beach.
The early 80s, WBMX 102.7 FM, it’s where my love for house began. 40 years later, I still have a set of 1200s in my house that I play with often. The Latin community in Chicago was also very instrumental in helping launch this genre.Thank you to Terry and the OGs of this genre!!!
What did the Latin community do? My dad was also a DJ prior to that. A very well-known DJ in Chicago. So, please tell me the names and what they did. And do not mention the DJs that started in the mid 80’s and 90’s because house music started before that time. House music is a product of gospel, RnB, etc. It started before disco ended and took off once it did. The birth parents of House are Gospel, RnB,… Afro-American music. Latin musicians injected themselves afterwards. Now that Frankie is gone, people want to come along and change the history but, I lived it and I know. So STOP!!! And Latin music is born from African music.
@@maryjo5512 lol. Oh you’re a testy one. FIRST of all let me educate you. We’re talking ‘80s house and the Chicago movement (and beyond). Not gospel, nor any of the genres you mentioned. My comment is purely based on the Latin grasp and contributions to HOUSE in the 80s. Major Latin Chicago DJs at that time: Lugo Rosado, Ralphie Rosario, Sly Fox, Martín Luna, the. Julián Jumpin Pérez whom still plays to this day. You cannot dispute their contributions to the HOUSE community. Yes out African American brothers created the vehicle for this sound (no one is contesting that) but you also cannot deny the Latin influences that became part of the genre. If your Dad was a DJ of any substance here in Chicago I guarantee you that he has played along side some amazing talent, including Latin DJs. Now I’ll go fire up my 1200s and play some Traxx vinyl while enjoying this Saturday morning here. Have a good day.
@@maryjo5512 OMG MAN in the video Terry Hunter talked about how there was no separation or racism. (AND HERE YOU GO) He is right if WBMX didn't exsist the history of House Music would be totally different. Latin Djs were playing House on the radio. (He didn't say they created it) Think about it The Hot Mix 5 Ralph Rosario Mickey Oliver Kenny Jason Scot Silz Farley Keith(he was the only black man there). You said Latinos came aboard later, yea and that grew it further
The one thing that Terry did not add was the awesome high school parties. Like Mendel, Academy of our lady, And Leo, And a slew of others, those were the days😂
He’s telling the truth. In the 80’s there were hundreds to thousands of teenagers at those parties. Playground, Mendel, Academy of our lady, Sauers, music box, Leo, etc…. And no fights. Zero violence. We was different all we wanted to do is dance and dress preppy. It was amazing. The Muzic box was something else. The bass would vibrate through your body. I had a fake idea at 16 too😂😂😂
I graduated high school in 83 so my spot back then was the Playground on 13th Michigan. Farley was the main DJ and threw the best parties everywhere back then. The story I always heard was that Frankie Knuckles was djing at somebody’s house and threw on some Philadelphia music at the end of the party that was different. So the next time he did a party some people asked him to play that music he played at that last “house party “ and became known as Frankie’s House Music.
I used to go to the Playground located at 1347 S Michigan Ave. Farley Funkin Keith, that was his name back then used to come through and dj, so did Steve Silk Hurley. Some of the best times in my life. My best friend, Lisa, is still my best friend (for about 45 years now) and I would meet up on the Kedzie El platform, she lived on Fulton and went to Westinghouse so she really thought she was all of that. I attended Marshall, the best female basketball team, Lady Commando. Shout out to Ms Dorothy Gators, the best coach ever!! The name of the Playground later changed to the Candy Store. There's three more people I need to mention... Sunny, Jackie & Tyrone. If you were going to the Playground back then you knew who these three were. Jackie went to Marshall also so I knew him from school, these guys were the nicest, coolest guys. If Lisa and I were outside or any female they'd ask why & tell us we should come inside since no one is outside. I miss this place and many that were regulars. They closed at 4am and we had a good time the whole night/time we were there😂❤❤❤❤
This was a great documentary! I lived through this era. The playground, the warehouse, Dingbats (early 80s), the shelter (90s), Red dog (90s), etc...It would've been awesome to see photos from that time.
The years Terry is talking about are the years I wanted so much to make a record. Listening to him speak he and I started around the same time. I remember meeting Lil Louis every Thursday Morning to help him pass out the Diamond Corp Flyers. I remember The Warehouse, and never got to experience AKAs though. I spent lots of Money on the Records as they came out. I just love to hear interviews like this that let me know what was going on behind the scenes when the thirst was so strong to make records. I didn't have family support when it came to music back then, yet I didn't let that stop me I'm fortunate to be releasing music today. So, I thank Terry, and all of the names mentioned in this interview for paving the way for me to do what I love today. Truly an awesome interview.
Thanks for the memories Terry! AKA's was the spot, and then Coconuts after. Great video (And BTW... Kenwood was definitely representing at the Racquetball Club ) LOL!
The DaVinci Manor, C.O.D.'s, The Candy Store Mendel, and most amazing spot where House magic happened, and what I calked Frankie Knuckle's laboratory- THE POWER PLANT! Ahh, the memories ❤️❤️❤️
As one of the 1st Generation DJ's it's refreshing to hear you give us props. Usually the high school set considers themselves the first. I was in my mid-20's playing black/gay clubs starting in the early 80's in Chicago (and Minneapolis before that).
Props to TH for the insight. There is much Northside history left out. On the Northside you had the first generation discos: - Coconuts on Sheridan. - Bananas on Broadway. - Foot Loose & Fancy Free - Coconuts on Broadway - AKA - The Rainbo - The Riv - The Aragon - There were gay clubs on Clark Street. Not too familiar. - There were various banquet halls were all ages parties were thrown by Sunset Mobile Disco. - The Uptown Theater was a historic venue where Prince and Rod Stewart performed. These venue were huge pre-house Era.
I didn't even cover other first generation discos clubs like The Phoenix, Charlie Club, and Century Disco. The first generation DJs Frank LaPomie, Jeff Davis, Murphy Quintero Lou Devito, and so many more.
The House DJ's were very competitive as well. I'd see them in Imports Etc. on 711 S Plymouth Court. The Italo Disco, UK, NY, and other imported new tunes could be found. The djs would put blank labels on the records so you couldn't see the name of the record, which made them unique. I also remember something called The DJ Pool. There was this cat named Andre Holman, who was friends with Frankie Knuckles. He used to get new tunes directly from the labels before they hit the stores. I remember around 87, he got this record from I think, Transmat Records. It was like no other I had heard before. It was BANANNAS! That tune was Rhythim Is Rhythim, which is better known as Strings Of Life by Derrick May. The Chicago House Music scene in the 80's was unparalleled!
House culture is a straight vibe.I love AKAs,Rivera,LaSalle Club and Heroes,Chic Ricks even skating rinks played the music.The warehouse was the best when i closed we was so upset.Terry Hunter interview is factual about the classics us old heads we didnt want the music to evolved but we love it now .AKAs was my spot every thursday it was ladies night.
I remember going to a club in Chicago in 1984. Everyone wore leather clothing, spiked belts, and mohawk hairstyles. I was there in blue jeans, hiking boots, and short hair which was common in my high school in Pennsylvania. I was an 18-year-old sailor who had never seen this before.
Yep! The Riviera, Aragon Ballroom and Medusa’s (Sheffield and School) were the spots. Me and my friend had a phase where we were into Puerto Rican dudes so we used to go wherever the Culitos (spelling?) were. Lol!😆 That was back in the day too when there were dance groups that threw parties. Front Row was another group.
This is a very good piece of work crafted around the "House Culture," which includes various styles of music leading into the "House Genre" of music created in the early 80's in Chicago. Great work, guys!
The crazy thing is that there was a House music/Hip Hop civil war going on at that time. Some of us didn’t go to any of those parties, and those who did only attended because the prettier girls were into House and viewed us break dancing, graffiti writing, rappers as “Thugs” (which they didn’t like at the time) but we had marvelous Hip Hop parties back then too at a place called Steppes on Loyola, the Blue Gargoyle around the Hyde Park area (where the college radio station Whpk 88.5fm was located) and several other places. Whpk had the first and best rap radio show in Chicago and the motto was “No House people allowed!” 90% of the well known DJs in Chicago who play rap now was House at first and jumped ship when rap started to gain more popularity, before that we would call the Chicago located record labels shopping rap demos only to be told that “Rap isn’t music and won’t last another 2 years.” by the people at those labels. This was 1987.
You need a second part to this video to complete this story .. I'm from a freestyle group who was on regular radio rotation during Chicago's peak of being House/Freestyle's mecca. Not just limited to mixes, but on regular rotation with everyone else. We performed at the Riv, Kaboom, Alkatrazz, Aragon Ballroom, Pan American Fest, Puerto Rican fest.. and everywhere in between. you should also do interviews with all the hotmix 5 including after that Tim Schommer and from before during that like Julian Perez as they made this underground movement transition into Chicagos mainstream, but you're missing a huge part of this history in Chicago especially when it started getting to its peak with DJ international and Striktly Hype Records and the likes of Dj Trajic by ignoring this entire aspect which cemented this entire movement altogether .. the rabbit hole is hella deep in Chicago which im very well still connected... hit me up if you wanna get deeper in this or not if this is good enough for your channel.
I traveled to Argentina, Buenos Aires recently and met a very young girl who listened to House Music. I told her that it originated in my home town of Chicago and had her listen to classic house music. I was pleasantly surprised how house music has reached far ends of the earth and into the new generation!
I went to Loyola University, I use to go to AKA every weekend. And in high school, Hyde Park n Warehouse was the spots. Class of 88. Househead for life❤️
Cascades was one of our favorite places to go for House parties, The early days of the Hot Mix 5, Julian "Jumpin" Perez and the gang. Been a fan of Terry for decades. Hales Franciscan , Mendall, Unity highschools used to have the best parties. The Chosen Few Picnics have evolved to a massive house music event. Keep doing your thing Terry
Last time I saw Frankie knuckles was when he did a set at Neo night club on Clark. Predominantly a Goth and Industrial club, it really showed how the OG House Music genre was well appreciated across all scenes. Every Goth was in the mix, And the crowd was bumping that night over 10 years ago. 😎
I was at most of those spots. In high school, my introduction to House was the Playground. You could hear Farley's trademark Tarzan call and that booming bass a few blocks away.
You can't mention Chicago club culture and not mention Medusa's. It was such an influential space that captivated so many who embraced the underground and the offbeat side of Chicago nightlife.
Medusa’s all night long!!!!!! The giant videos on the walls, the different rooms, the wild outfits, dancing hard while everything else just melted away!
Amazing video man! I've been going to clubs and DJing in Chicago for years. I love hearing these old stories about the House scene back in the day. My buddy Moose who is much older than me tells me stories, like how he met his wife at The Warehouse back in the day. So cool to see a video I've always wanted to see posted 2 weeks ago!
If I may…..Import Records contributed to the term “ HOUSE” follow me. Import records on Plymouth Ct. had a section called “WareHouse Music”. It had all the records played at the ware house because patrons would ask “ do you have this song played at the warehouse”. Now the section has been created within the music industry. And eventually as a result the section became “house”. And now the term “house” is introduced to the music industry as a result of Import Records on Plymouth Ct.
I'm in my 50's. I remember dancing to all those DJ's , 13th and Michigan Playground, Heros,Cilque, Mendel, Warehouse Cotton Club, Blue Gargle in HydePark, Rivera,Mother Furgerson,Grand Ballroom, Music Box, The taste, What's Poppin,Glass House, Chic Rick,
I was a senior in high school in 1992-93, I listened to Metal back then, a hispanic kid sitting behind me in a class listened to House music, I said what's that never heard of it. I went to Waukegan High School.
Yes!!.the Hyde Park Raquetball Health Club!!...I went there a few times !..Chip E had a Remix of "It's House" in 1985!.that was on Reel to Reel!...good times!...
I was way out in the south burbs (Homewood-Flossmoor) . I had friends that would drive into the city to party at Medusas. I wasn't allowed to do that. And being the baby who came after my always partying, always in trouble big brother...security was TIGHT for me😅
The Rivera had rock bands back in the 1970s. I saw Foreigner, Kansas, ZZ Top, Johnny Winter, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, and many others there. Great place to see a show with an excellent sound system!
That’s one thing I can say dancing aways have been my hobby and all the dance we did back in the day i still can do them all thank you Dj’s for your performance and your entertainment in good spirits God Bless you all over the years👍
"House" came from the Warehouse in reference to the type of music that Frankie would play there. There wasn't a pigeon holed label for it. As it wasn't quite "Disco" ( and right at that time the term was getting a little dated ) because it consisted of more than disco per se but an almost eclectic mixture of tunes. For instance, Frankie would play a tune like Ian Dury's "Spasticus Autisticus" which is definitely not "Disco" nor anything like a "I Got My Mind Made Up" ( Instant Funk ) which isn't "Disco" either but has more of an underground feel, if you will. But they were both "House" because they were played and the way they were played there. "Parties in homes, mostly in basements were called 'Sets" for which "Pluggers" were written on Index Cards ( and sold for $1 ). But "That's House" was the phrase in reference to the type of music Frankie would play at the Warehouse and later the Power Plant. And this predated the first "House Music" tracks by several years. Interestingly, Frankie himself was unaware of this reference at the time. But the sound at the Warehouse was phenomenal, the walls would sweat and whole building would seem to be moving.
I'm 60 years old now! When I was going to the music box I was still in high school! My music box membership number was 0052! I lost it years ago. I still wish that I had this thing! It would go into a Museum!
@thespiceypimp423, hey boo. Terry knows he got me geeked up. You know my memory is sharp as a dime when it comes to Ron and the Box and Frankie at the Powerplant. Baby, what happened to us getting together? You know you gagged me with the answer to Terry about seeing the Box doors. Chil you know that Wicked Stick would be Wicked Now. Haha haha haha. I wouldn't know about the stick cause I was an Acid head. I got one correction that I'm gonna post. It’s a great memory of The Rock gathering that Frankie gave.
With all due respect to the House Music cultura... We as Mexicans & other Hispanos on the South/West sides had our parties as well in the early 80's. Same as in Elementary school & High School parties, we also had our tern parties in Banquet Halls & Teen clubs with some of the dopest DJ's from our side of town. Chicago Dance Promotions, Magic Sounds Productions, Fusion Dance Promotions, and several others all catered to the South/West sides of Chitown. Places like: The Palace Regency, Grand Manor, Studio Mexico (those that know, know) Casa Blanca, The Boston Club, Western Ballroom, American Legion Hall, I.H.M., St. Agnes on Archer, The Lawndale Hall, Blessed Agnes, Dancing Wheels, Isabel's Skating Rink, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc. and many more were the weekend party scene for many of us. Yes, we also did adventure up north to experience other party scenes as we got a bit older in our teens. For myself, my experiences which were my favorites up north were: The Rainbow Skating Rink, The Riviera Night Club, Aragon Ballroom, The Warehouse, Faces on Rush St., Centrum Hall, Steps, Navy Piere, and several others. Now in to my adult years began the Night Club scene to where we were all bouncing around from the South/West sides to the North/East sides to enjoy the various Night Clubs & DJ's which were too many to mame, and various genres of music being played syluch as: Alternative, Newave, House, Hip Hop, High Energy / Italo Dico, 80's Classic Dance Electro - Break Beats, Punk Rock, Reggae, Blues, Rock, Goth / Industrial, etc ... The 80' and 90's decades were the epitome of the Chicago party scene PERIOD 😎 Let me not get started on the Suburban party scene or .. or..... Lol. All of the ditch daytime parties we experienced in Chitown. ❤🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶♥️
Rivers Edge, Sarah J's, strictly business, illusion, Sandpiper lounge, Mr. G's, Charlie Club, Cotton Club, Tiki Hut, and many more! Those were the days.
House music made the city small... made friends from everywhere
I'm from NY never been to Chicago though kudos to house music
I’m 24 years old and a Chicago native. I recently got into house music a couple years ago. I was always curious about the history of it all and this was very insightful. My mom and my uncles tell me stories of growing up in Chicago in the 80s/90s and the music scene. It’s crazy to think how life comes full circle. I now go out and listen to the same music they did. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been to one of DJ Terrys show. I went to a show of his at Smart Bar a while back and had a fun ass time. Danced my butt off.
80s, 90s, and even into the early 2000s Chi was always poppin off with the house and techno.
The Bismarck Hotel parties from 1988-1990 what a fun time.
Yassssss💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾
Holy Shit!!! The Fucking Bismarck!! Totally forgot until you reminded me just now.. Damn those parties were Live.. Ah Man! Great Times
Met my husband at the Bismark n 32 years later still house heads
The Biz!! Waiting in freezing Temps outside with no coat. Dancing in the speaker. 😂 Good times.
YES
Great. . .and I mean GREAT interview. The Chicago history is on full display here. Big shout to Terry Hunter & Shae!
Great job by Terry showing the world the inner workings of the Chicago house music party scene. Ron Hardy was definitely changing peoples lives with his DJ style. It wasn’t mentioned but after The Box closed Ron did his thing at COD’s up North and can’t forget The Powerhouse (2210). DISCO FOREVER 💪🏾
Also AKA'S
Edge of the looking glass
I really appreciate how Terry explained how each area from the city had contributed and brought experiences. It wasn’t just the south side. Great job Terry in dispelling the myths. There were countless DJ battles on the north and northwest sides, dance group battles and a culmination of disco, early house and italo disco sounds blasting through speakers on Fullerton Beach.
The early 80s, WBMX 102.7 FM, it’s where my love for house began. 40 years later, I still have a set of 1200s in my house that I play with often. The Latin community in Chicago was also very instrumental in helping launch this genre.Thank you to Terry and the OGs of this genre!!!
What did the Latin community do? My dad was also a DJ prior to that. A very well-known DJ in Chicago. So, please tell me the names and what they did.
And do not mention the DJs that started in the mid 80’s and 90’s because house music started before that time. House music is a product of gospel, RnB, etc. It started before disco ended and took off once it did.
The birth parents of House are Gospel, RnB,… Afro-American music. Latin musicians injected themselves afterwards.
Now that Frankie is gone, people want to come along and change the history but, I lived it and I know.
So STOP!!!
And Latin music is born from African music.
@@maryjo5512 lol. Oh you’re a testy one. FIRST of all let me educate you. We’re talking ‘80s house and the Chicago movement (and beyond). Not gospel, nor any of the genres you mentioned. My comment is purely based on the Latin grasp and contributions to HOUSE in the 80s. Major Latin Chicago DJs at that time: Lugo Rosado, Ralphie Rosario, Sly Fox, Martín Luna, the. Julián Jumpin Pérez whom still plays to this day. You cannot dispute their contributions to the HOUSE community. Yes out African American brothers created the vehicle for this sound (no one is contesting that) but you also cannot deny the Latin influences that became part of the genre. If your Dad was a DJ of any substance here in Chicago I guarantee you that he has played along side some amazing talent, including Latin DJs. Now I’ll go fire up my 1200s and play some Traxx vinyl while enjoying this Saturday morning here. Have a good day.
Best time to grow up.
@@maryjo5512This MothaSucker sounding like Lord Jamar 😂.. Your Daddy was probably Lame 🤡
@@maryjo5512 OMG MAN in the video Terry Hunter talked about how there was no separation or racism. (AND HERE YOU GO) He is right if WBMX didn't exsist the history of House Music would be totally different. Latin Djs were playing House on the radio. (He didn't say they created it) Think about it The Hot Mix 5 Ralph Rosario Mickey Oliver Kenny Jason Scot Silz Farley Keith(he was the only black man there). You said Latinos came aboard later, yea and that grew it further
The one thing that Terry did not add was the awesome high school parties.
Like Mendel, Academy of our lady, And Leo, And a slew of others, those were the days😂
I also remember going to the Resurrection on the west side and the Hotel parties on Michigan in high school
@@orlandocarson8308 and I remember St. Sabina parties
Yes, I remember dancing to Rock Lobster at St Ignatius
@@reggiedavenport3911yeah…they seem to leave out St. Sabina for some strange reason. I’ll NEVER forget those parties!
Is Someone A Mendel "Monarch" Up In Here?!!
Loved the Warehouse. I lost my shoe in there and everybody was kicking it around. Imagine drinking and trying to find your shoe in the dark. LOL
Some of the best parties in the 80s. This brought back great memories that the youth today could never understand. We were United In House!
He’s telling the truth. In the 80’s there were hundreds to thousands of teenagers at those parties. Playground, Mendel, Academy of our lady, Sauers, music box, Leo, etc…. And no fights. Zero violence. We was different all we wanted to do is dance and dress preppy. It was amazing. The Muzic box was something else. The bass would vibrate through your body. I had a fake idea at 16 too😂😂😂
Now they spend time on their phones🤦🏾♂️
I still have my fake ID I bought at the 63Rd & Halstead EL Train station where they sold those donuts.
God , we're did the time go
High School white kid from the burbs listening to WBMX and WGCI, such good times!
Same
I graduated high school in 83 so my spot back then was the Playground on 13th Michigan. Farley was the main DJ and threw the best parties everywhere back then. The story I always heard was that Frankie Knuckles was djing at somebody’s house and threw on some Philadelphia music at the end of the party that was different. So the next time he did a party some people asked him to play that music he played at that last “house party “ and became known as Frankie’s House Music.
I went there one night and everybody's car window was busted. We did have a ball that night.
I used to go to the Playground located at 1347 S Michigan Ave. Farley Funkin Keith, that was his name back then used to come through and dj, so did Steve Silk Hurley. Some of the best times in my life. My best friend, Lisa, is still my best friend (for about 45 years now) and I would meet up on the Kedzie El platform, she lived on Fulton and went to Westinghouse so she really thought she was all of that. I attended Marshall, the best female basketball team, Lady Commando. Shout out to Ms Dorothy Gators, the best coach ever!!
The name of the Playground later changed to the Candy Store. There's three more people I need to mention... Sunny, Jackie & Tyrone. If you were going to the Playground back then you knew who these three were. Jackie went to Marshall also so I knew him from school, these guys were the nicest, coolest guys. If Lisa and I were outside or any female they'd ask why & tell us we should come inside since no one is outside. I miss this place and many that were regulars. They closed at 4am and we had a good time the whole night/time we were there😂❤❤❤❤
Best house music interview I’ve seen.
House music brings souls together
Friday and Saturday nights mixes on WBMX in the 80s in Chicago IYKYK! Shout out to Armando Rivera!
Thank you for giving Ron Hardy his flowers because I don’t really ever him talked about but he was Legendary!!! He died wayyyyyy too soon💖
This was a great documentary! I lived through this era. The playground, the warehouse, Dingbats (early 80s), the shelter (90s), Red dog (90s), etc...It would've been awesome to see photos from that time.
Don’t forget Medusa’s❤
The years Terry is talking about are the years I wanted so much to make a record. Listening to him speak he and I started around the same time. I remember meeting Lil Louis every Thursday Morning to help him pass out the Diamond Corp Flyers. I remember The Warehouse, and never got to experience AKAs though. I spent lots of Money on the Records as they came out. I just love to hear interviews like this that let me know what was going on behind the scenes when the thirst was so strong to make records. I didn't have family support when it came to music back then, yet I didn't let that stop me I'm fortunate to be releasing music today. So, I thank Terry, and all of the names mentioned in this interview for paving the way for me to do what I love today. Truly an awesome interview.
My boy. You've been having my support for years, even back in the day in high school with our friendly competitions.😂
Aaaah, I love this. So many memories! 🥲
I can smell the WIKI STICK looking at that 326 door!
WICKED NOW!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA SO TRUE!
@@thespicypimp423Hahahahaha. I’m so happy that Terry gave Ron his real props.
Yes...AKA. was my party spot.... Don't forget Coconuts was on Broadway Street on the north side
How about Erik's North and Jenals on Fullerton
Don’t forget Medusa’s❤
60616: The Playground, Sauer's, The Original Music Box, First Impressions, La Mirage/ Heroes, The Powerhouse and Chic Rick's
Thanks for the memories Terry! AKA's was the spot, and then Coconuts after. Great video (And BTW... Kenwood was definitely representing at the Racquetball Club ) LOL!
You mentioned AKA's....that was the spot. I can still remember Mario Smokin Diaz was the dj on new years eve 1985. Great times man.
I loved Coconuts after party
Beautiful piece. Truthfully honest. WE were the BEGINNING……..of House.
#MyCity #IwasatALLOFEM♥️♥️♥️
Back in the day - 1970’s there were a lot of Punk/Rock live bands playing at the Riviera ! So glad they brought it back !
The DaVinci Manor, C.O.D.'s, The Candy Store Mendel, and most amazing spot where House magic happened, and what I calked Frankie Knuckle's laboratory- THE POWER PLANT! Ahh, the memories ❤️❤️❤️
Those Musicbox marathons were the first raves
As one of the 1st Generation DJ's it's refreshing to hear you give us props. Usually the high school set considers themselves the first. I was in my mid-20's playing black/gay clubs starting in the early 80's in Chicago (and Minneapolis before that).
Outstanding interviews ! Thanks for sharing this.
Props to TH for the insight. There is much Northside history left out. On the Northside you had the first generation discos:
- Coconuts on Sheridan.
- Bananas on Broadway.
- Foot Loose & Fancy Free
- Coconuts on Broadway
- AKA
- The Rainbo
- The Riv
- The Aragon
- There were gay clubs on Clark Street. Not too familiar.
- There were various banquet halls were all ages parties were thrown by Sunset Mobile Disco.
- The Uptown Theater was a historic venue where Prince and Rod Stewart performed.
These venue were huge pre-house Era.
I didn't even cover other first generation discos clubs like The Phoenix, Charlie Club, and Century Disco. The first generation DJs Frank LaPomie, Jeff Davis, Murphy Quintero Lou Devito, and so many more.
……..Medusa’s❤
The House DJ's were very competitive as well. I'd see them in Imports Etc. on 711 S Plymouth Court. The Italo Disco, UK, NY, and other imported new tunes could be found. The djs would put blank labels on the records so you couldn't see the name of the record, which made them unique. I also remember something called The DJ Pool. There was this cat named Andre Holman, who was friends with Frankie Knuckles. He used to get new tunes directly from the labels before they hit the stores. I remember around 87, he got this record from I think, Transmat Records. It was like no other I had heard before. It was BANANNAS! That tune was Rhythim Is Rhythim, which is better known as Strings Of Life by Derrick May. The Chicago House Music scene in the 80's was unparalleled!
Thank you guys for the memories 🙏 Ron Hardy was my friend 😢❤ he knew how to play your sound track when you danced in the club 🎉
I remember coming to the Riviera when I was at college of du page
I’m In Tears Because This Brings Back Great Memories!!!
Mike Hitman Wilson at Rivera Nightclub 1989
House culture is a straight vibe.I love AKAs,Rivera,LaSalle Club and Heroes,Chic Ricks even skating rinks played the music.The warehouse was the best when i closed we was so upset.Terry Hunter interview is factual about the classics us old heads we didnt want the music to evolved but we love it now .AKAs was my spot every thursday it was ladies night.
Which warehouse?
@@baa848the club was called The Warehouse.
Saturday night AKA would be jumping. Chicago House Music Rules!!!!!
The radio station would be lit and wkkc with pink house and BBQ Bobby would be crazy and I still have hot mixes from bmx, gci, and kkc💖
Don’t forget WHPK
I remember going to a club in Chicago in 1984. Everyone wore leather clothing, spiked belts, and mohawk hairstyles. I was there in blue jeans, hiking boots, and short hair which was common in my high school in Pennsylvania. I was an 18-year-old sailor who had never seen this before.
Mad Respect to DJ Leonard Remix Rroy!..and the djs at the Hummingbird, and The Sheba!..
Thanks for the reminder, I forgot all about those two club names.🎉🎉🎉
The Rinkzone also on 89th & Ashland.
Loved that! Being from the other side of the pond I love soaking up all this US soul/dance history.............keep it coming!
Wow I’m 54 I remember the warehouse that place was🔥🔥🔥the Rivera I went to a couple of times remember them good o days
Same!! The venues were always packed!!!!
Yep! The Riviera, Aragon Ballroom and Medusa’s (Sheffield and School) were the spots. Me and my friend had a phase where we were into Puerto Rican dudes so we used to go wherever the Culitos (spelling?) were. Lol!😆 That was back in the day too when there were dance groups that threw parties. Front Row was another group.
This is a very good piece of work crafted around the "House Culture," which includes various styles of music leading into the "House Genre" of music created in the early 80's in Chicago. Great work, guys!
Thank you very much!
Don't forget Saures 311 E 23 When Chicago Bad Boys Where started....
@@bradfordknazze1596 great place. People used to pronounce it as “ Soyers”. I heard it was a good restaurant.
The crazy thing is that there was a House music/Hip Hop civil war going on at that time.
Some of us didn’t go to any of those parties, and those who did only attended because the prettier girls were into House and viewed us break dancing, graffiti writing, rappers as “Thugs” (which they didn’t like at the time) but we had marvelous Hip Hop parties back then too at a place called Steppes on Loyola, the Blue Gargoyle around the Hyde Park area (where the college radio station Whpk 88.5fm was located) and several other places.
Whpk had the first and best rap radio show in Chicago and the motto was “No House people allowed!”
90% of the well known DJs in Chicago who play rap now was House at first and jumped ship when rap started to gain more popularity, before that we would call the Chicago located record labels shopping rap demos only to be told that “Rap isn’t music and won’t last another 2 years.” by the people at those labels. This was 1987.
Thats very interesting! thanks for your insight
You need a second part to this video to complete this story .. I'm from a freestyle group who was on regular radio rotation during Chicago's peak of being House/Freestyle's mecca. Not just limited to mixes, but on regular rotation with everyone else. We performed at the Riv, Kaboom, Alkatrazz, Aragon Ballroom, Pan American Fest, Puerto Rican fest.. and everywhere in between.
you should also do interviews with all the hotmix 5 including after that Tim Schommer and from before during that like Julian Perez as they made this underground movement transition into Chicagos mainstream, but you're missing a huge part of this history in Chicago especially when it started getting to its peak with DJ international and Striktly Hype Records and the likes of Dj Trajic by ignoring this entire aspect which cemented this entire movement altogether .. the rabbit hole is hella deep in Chicago which im very well still connected... hit me up if you wanna get deeper in this or not if this is good enough for your channel.
I traveled to Argentina, Buenos Aires recently and met a very young girl who listened to House Music. I told her that it originated in my home town of Chicago and had her listen to classic house music. I was pleasantly surprised how house music has reached far ends of the earth and into the new generation!
This is amazing!
I went to Loyola University, I use to go to AKA every weekend. And in high school, Hyde Park n Warehouse was the spots. Class of 88. Househead for life❤️
Cascades was one of our favorite places to go for House parties, The early days of the Hot Mix 5, Julian "Jumpin" Perez and the gang. Been a fan of Terry for decades. Hales Franciscan , Mendall, Unity highschools used to have the best parties. The Chosen Few Picnics have evolved to a massive house music event. Keep doing your thing Terry
Hanging out at Belmont rocks! 1985, Frankie Kunckles spinning live at the beach! ...Club LaRays!
Oooh, I so miss all that!
@@crystalriley9671 Addison Rocks too!!!
yup until the cops would come with the megaphones and move everyone out
@@edwardkeenan7354 Or the shots rang out. Lol.
@@charlieramz3126 sometimes yes.
Terry, you didn’t show your guest the Muzik Box at 2210 S. Michigan or the Medusa’s on Sheffield.
Yep…..Medusa’s on Sheffield and School. Remember it well🎉
Great interview! Do your thang T!
Last time I saw Frankie knuckles was when he did a set at Neo night club on Clark. Predominantly a Goth and Industrial club, it really showed how the OG House Music genre was well appreciated across all scenes. Every Goth was in the mix, And the crowd was bumping that night over 10 years ago. 😎
Wow this bring back so many memories. RIP DJ Ron Hardy! AKA ❤Terry Birthday Party was LIT !!!😄
I was at most of those spots. In high school, my introduction to House was the Playground. You could hear Farley's trademark Tarzan call and that booming bass a few blocks away.
This is bringing back the best memories, the parties were epic!!!! I worked at J.R. Music shop and still have a lot of my records💖
Great episode, from my time, I remember all these places
You can't mention Chicago club culture and not mention Medusa's. It was such an influential space that captivated so many who embraced the underground and the offbeat side of Chicago nightlife.
Three words:
Medusa's
Lil Louis
Medusa’s all night long!!!!!! The giant videos on the walls, the different rooms, the wild outfits, dancing hard while everything else just melted away!
Amazing video man! I've been going to clubs and DJing in Chicago for years. I love hearing these old stories about the House scene back in the day. My buddy Moose who is much older than me tells me stories, like how he met his wife at The Warehouse back in the day. So cool to see a video I've always wanted to see posted 2 weeks ago!
I pulled up to the Factory in my Z28 I felt like the night was mine …all night long
This was amazing Terry and Wayne! Thx and make this go GLOBAL! House music all night long YASSS!
@29:25 I remember that time very well, Terry, Frankie, and Ron Trent all got the gas face for spinning groundbreaking new music...
If I may…..Import Records contributed to the term “ HOUSE” follow me. Import records on Plymouth Ct. had a section called “WareHouse Music”. It had all the records played at the ware house because patrons would ask “ do you have this song played at the warehouse”. Now the section has been created within the music industry. And eventually as a result the section became “house”. And now the term “house” is introduced to the music industry as a result of Import Records on Plymouth Ct.
Thank you Terry Hunter for representing the Chi!!!
Yes sir, my old stomping ground. Terry is keeping it 100!!! Great video.
I'm in my 50's. I remember dancing to all those DJ's , 13th and Michigan Playground, Heros,Cilque, Mendel, Warehouse Cotton Club, Blue Gargle in HydePark, Rivera,Mother Furgerson,Grand Ballroom, Music Box, The taste, What's Poppin,Glass House, Chic Rick,
Ron Hardy used to play the music loud as heck. You would leave out the music box drenched with sweat on a Sunday morning.
My ears are still ringing to this day!
And fast as hell!
He would open up the night by playing Welcome to the Pleasure Dome.
ILOVE Chicago history❤❤
I was at the Rivera to many Saturday nights. loved the 90s
That was a great venue.
Saw chemical brothers there back then
I was a senior in high school in 1992-93, I listened to Metal back then, a hispanic kid sitting behind me in a class listened to House music, I said what's that never heard of it. I went to Waukegan High School.
Yes!!.the Hyde Park Raquetball Health Club!!...I went there a few times !..Chip E had a Remix of "It's House" in 1985!.that was on Reel to Reel!...good times!...
The big homie Kool Rock Steady (r.i.p.) shot a video at the Riviera. Fun Times!
I remember going to the box, LaRay's and Medusas.
Oh, My god!!!! Club LaRay's WAS OFF THE HOOK!!!!!!
Basically it was Chicago's version of Studio 54🙂
I was way out in the south burbs (Homewood-Flossmoor) . I had friends that would drive into the city to party at Medusas. I wasn't allowed to do that. And being the baby who came after my always partying, always in trouble big brother...security was TIGHT for me😅
@@africkinamericanI came out of Park Forest to Medusa's. It was everything they say it was. 😂
I remember the first time I heard WALK THE NIGHT Ron Hardy play it and it BLEW MY FREAKING MIND!! 😁
I like his remix of "No Turning Back" by The Dells.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@@lanceparker4796No Way Back
@@thespicypimp423 Thanks for the correction👍🏾
You mean edit
That was a great interview and brought back some fond teenage memories for me. Thank you guys for sharing these stories. That's some skraight up ❤.
Janels, Erik's North, Eddie Rockets, Mothers, Gordon Tech H.S. Dances, Kabooms, man so many that were out in those days...wow
Awesome documentary ❤
The Riviera was the place you went to juk it. The sound and light show was at it time the best , you can feel the bass outside by Lawrence
The Rivera had rock bands back in the 1970s. I saw Foreigner, Kansas, ZZ Top, Johnny Winter, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, and many others there. Great place to see a show with an excellent sound system!
This is an awesome video. Luv the interviews and the history of House Music.
Thank you so much for this!!!!!! ❤🔥
That’s one thing I can say dancing aways have been my hobby and all the dance we did back in the day i still can do them all thank you Dj’s for your performance and your entertainment in good spirits God Bless you all over the years👍
thank you for the memories.. what a great video
2Can Sam
Great Doc....Loved it
"House" came from the Warehouse in reference to the type of music that Frankie would play there. There wasn't a pigeon holed label for it. As it wasn't quite "Disco" ( and right at that time the term was getting a little dated ) because it consisted of more than disco per se but an almost eclectic mixture of tunes. For instance, Frankie would play a tune like Ian Dury's "Spasticus Autisticus" which is definitely not "Disco" nor anything like a "I Got My Mind Made Up" ( Instant Funk ) which isn't "Disco" either but has more of an underground feel, if you will. But they were both "House" because they were played and the way they were played there.
"Parties in homes, mostly in basements were called 'Sets" for which "Pluggers" were written on Index Cards ( and sold for $1 ). But "That's House" was the phrase in reference to the type of music Frankie would play at the Warehouse and later the Power Plant. And this predated the first "House Music" tracks by several years. Interestingly, Frankie himself was unaware of this reference at the time. But the sound at the Warehouse was phenomenal, the walls would sweat and whole building would seem to be moving.
Great interview!
Marshall Jefferson lived 2 houses down from me😁😁😁 all of us on the block heard the creation of "Move yo body"
I'm 60 years old now! When I was going to the music box I was still in high school! My music box membership number was 0052! I lost it years ago. I still wish that I had this thing! It would go into a Museum!
Who remember DJ international Records? This company pressed all the house tunes on vinyl.
Benji Espinoza RIP
@@lanceparker4796 Yes. Benji RIP. Also Hot Jams (years later)
Yep stacks of 12" vinyl from DJ International
The warehouse was the place you meet all the women of different nationalities. Thank you house music.
The Warehouse parties was lit.
I was there
Which warehouse are you talking about?
@@baa848😅😅
Terry Hunter, Gene Hunt, Mike Dun . My favorite
Underground was lower wacker drive, Music Box was South Indiana Blvd.
You are correct. I was there.
Now I didn't know that- I am confused by it totally!
Originally 326 was the R2 Underground but later became The Music Box after Bob got booted out of 1632 (which was on the city’s demolition list).
@thespiceypimp423, hey boo. Terry knows he got me geeked up. You know my memory is sharp as a dime when it comes to Ron and the Box and Frankie at the Powerplant.
Baby, what happened to us getting together? You know you gagged me with the answer to Terry about seeing the Box doors. Chil you know that Wicked Stick would be Wicked Now. Haha haha haha. I wouldn't know about the stick cause I was an Acid head. I got one correction that I'm gonna post. It’s a great memory of The Rock gathering that Frankie gave.
@@thespicypimp423 Wow! Thanks I didn't know about that at all.
With all due respect to the House Music cultura... We as Mexicans & other Hispanos on the South/West sides had our parties as well in the early 80's.
Same as in Elementary school & High School parties, we also had our tern parties in Banquet Halls & Teen clubs with some of the dopest DJ's from our side of town.
Chicago Dance Promotions, Magic Sounds Productions, Fusion Dance Promotions, and several others all catered to the South/West sides of Chitown.
Places like: The Palace Regency, Grand Manor, Studio Mexico (those that know, know) Casa Blanca, The Boston Club, Western Ballroom, American Legion Hall, I.H.M., St. Agnes on Archer, The Lawndale Hall, Blessed Agnes, Dancing Wheels, Isabel's Skating Rink, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc. and many more were the weekend party scene for many of us.
Yes, we also did adventure up north to experience other party scenes as we got a bit older in our teens.
For myself, my experiences which were my favorites up north were:
The Rainbow Skating Rink, The Riviera Night Club, Aragon Ballroom, The Warehouse, Faces on Rush St., Centrum Hall, Steps, Navy Piere, and several others.
Now in to my adult years began the Night Club scene to where we were all bouncing around from the South/West sides to the North/East sides to enjoy the various Night Clubs & DJ's which were too many to mame, and various genres of music being played syluch as:
Alternative, Newave, House, Hip Hop, High Energy / Italo Dico, 80's Classic Dance Electro - Break Beats, Punk Rock, Reggae, Blues, Rock, Goth / Industrial, etc ...
The 80' and 90's decades were the epitome of the Chicago party scene PERIOD 😎
Let me not get started on the Suburban party scene or .. or..... Lol. All of the ditch daytime parties we experienced in Chitown. ❤🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶♥️
Rivers Edge, Sarah J's, strictly business, illusion, Sandpiper lounge, Mr. G's, Charlie Club, Cotton Club, Tiki Hut, and many more! Those were the days.
Prime n tender!! Southwest side dance club!!
What about crazy rock??lol
Yes, i remember going to the Riviera every Thursday night in the 90's. If you know you know. Good times!!!
C.O.D.s on Devon and that punch!!! Whew!!
Gills beer , “never goes flat” !