Pioneering DJ dies as tributes pour in for legendary house music artist

18 July 2023 , 11:17

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It's been reported that DJ Deeon passed away earlier this week (Image: DJ Deeon / Facebook)

DJ Deeon has reportedly died, with tributes having been paid to the "ghetto house pioneer" and "legend" this week.

The producer - whose name is understood to have been Deeon Boyd - is said to have passed away on July 17, with his death announced on a verified Facebook page for him.

A statement posted hours ago read: "Admin Jim here. I am sorry to announce the legendary artist, producer, DJ, label owner, and my friend Deeon 'DJ Deeon' Boyd gained his wings today."

"The family thanks you for your support and will announce arrangements in the coming days. Thank you for your understanding," the statement concluded.

Tributes have since been paid to DJ Deeon - whose cause of death hasn't yet been announced - following the news, with fans having paid tribute on platforms like Twitter today.

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DJ Deeon has reportedly died, with his passing having been announced on social media this week (DJ Deeon / Facebook)

One tweet read: "So sad to see that DJ Deeon has left us too soon. His catalogue is powerful stuff right to the end - the connecting tissue between so many movements and styles. Irresistibly simple. Many have tried, few have mastered. RIP!"

Record label Defected Records, who once worked with DJ Deeon, said in a post: "His music and productions transcended genres and were loved by the whole dance music community. His impact on our scene is huge."

One fan said: "Not many people have influenced the world of music the way this man has. This is such a great loss. A true legend. Dj Deeon is one of the key inspirations for many of us in this movement. Irreplaceable."

He's been described as an "absolute legend" by another fan. Whilst he was referred to in another tweet as "a Chicago legend, ghetto-house pioneer, and a worldwide sensation."

Fans have paid tribute to the 'legend' and music 'pioneer' following the news (DJ Deeon / Facebook)

Among the other tributes to the producer and DJ was one that read: "Very sorry to hear of the passing of #DJDeeon - His music & legacy will survive on turntables".

Someone else tweeted: "Truly a pioneer and his influence is heard in almost every facet of dance music then, now and the future - in all genres and this is really really sad."

"Literally everything he put out had an infectious, positive energy and by all accounts from people who knew him he was the human embodiment of his sound," one fan said.

Whilst another fan wrote on the platform earlier: "This is heartbreaking. Thank you Deeon, for sharing your talent and always pouring your soul into your work. Rest in Peace."

Joel Leaver