Chicago House legend Paul Johnson has died aged 50 after a battle with Covid, his agent has confirmed.
The music producing pioneer is known for his 1999 international hit, ‘Get Get Down’, which topped the charts across the world.
It is still played in clubs more than 20 years after its realease.
The Dance Mania mainstay recently spent time in intensive care with the virus.
A post on his official Facebook page reads: “Our greatness passed away this morning at 9am the house music legend we all know as PJ aka PAUL JOHNSON has passed away in this day of AUGUST 4th 2021. Rest In Heaven Paul.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Jonhson is one of the all-time greats of the house music scene.
The self-taught producer has been releasing hits since the early 90s, and has put out more than 100 albums, EPs and singles over the past 30 years.
He featured on legendary labels including Dance Mania, Cajual, Peacefrog, Djax-Up-Beats and Relief Records.
‘Get Get Down’ topped the US and Canadian Dance charts and also placed in the Top 10 in the UK, France, Greece, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Last month, MixMag reported the star had updated fans with his condition saying he felt “f*****g weak” after contracting Covid.
At the time, the DJ said in a video: “I have COVID everybody. I’ve had it for a week. I’m pretty f***ing weak.”
Famous stars within the music industry have taken to social media to share their condolences and tributes.
Defective Records penned on Twitter: “Paul Johnson… Rest in peace, thank you for the music. Get, get down forever.”
Mike Servito added: “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!”
He also co-founded the Dust Traxx label with Radek Hawryszczuk back in 1997.
The label has released music from Stacey Kidd, Glenn Underground, Roberto Armani, Peven Everett, and Gene Hunt.
Johnson was paralysed from the waist down after being hit with gunfire in 1987 and used a wheelchair.
His left leg was amputated in 2003 after he was hospitalised in Chicago with severe pain, and in 2010 he lost his right left following a serious accident.
But he didn’t let his disability stop him from being an active club DJ producer.
Johnson still toured the world in clubs and continued to release music through to 2021.
Stay up to date with the latest news in Showbiz and follow your favourite celebrities by signing up for our newsletter by clicking here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
