DJ Casper, creator of ‘Cha-Cha Slide’, dies aged 58
He recently said that he hoped his global hit would serve as a reminder of “the power of unity, community and positivity"
DJ Casper, the American musician best known for his global hit 'Cha-Cha Slide,' has died. He was 58.
Born Willie Perry Jr. in 1965, the Chicago DJ and musician shot to fame in the early 2000s following the release of 'Casper Slide Pt. 2,' more commonly known as 'Cha-Cha Slide'. Created by Perry in 1998 for his nephew, who worked as a personal trainer at a fitness club, the song's original form - 'Casper Slide Pt. 1' - quickly gained traction in aerobic classes and PE in schools across the U.S.
When it was released by Perry under the guise of Mr C the Slide Man as 'Casper Slide Pt. 2', 'Cha-Cha Slide' became a sleeper hit globally, soundtracking countless weddings, children's parties, sporting events and more in the early 2000s and beyond.
Inspired by the Chicago stepping movement, where Perry was a notable figure in clubs, the song spent five weeks on the Billboard charts in the U.S. and topped UK Singles Chart in 2004. With its line-dancing routines and enthusiastic dance commands, revisit its iconic video below.
Perry had been diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer in 2016, and died from the illness. According to a report by Californian news outlet ABC7, Perry's wife, Kim, said that he passed away on Monday, 7th August, surrounded by loved ones.
In May, Perry spoke about his illness with ABC7, saying: “They went in to try to do surgery, and they found out the kidney was connected to the main artery, so they decided not to do it and just treat it.”
He added that he hoped his global hit would serve as a reminder of “the power of unity, community and positivity”.
