
Update (28 Dec 2010 14:26:00) from Agency Sounds: Per Paul Johnson, permission must be obtained from Paul Johnson prior to hosting a benefit in his name or using his image. Please contact camille@agencysounds.com or robc@agencysounds.com in order to gain permission.
Tonight there is another benefit in Indianapolis, IN, for more details visit the facebook event page.
Update (24 Dec 2010 07:00:00): 5 Mag wants to thank everyone who came out and supported Wednesday night’s benefit for Paul Johnson at SmartBar. The event raised in excess of $3,000 for Paul’s medical expenses. This sum was delivered to Paul who – most importantly – underwent a successful operation earlier that day and is presently recuperating in the hospital.
Paul is a warrior who has overcome life-altering injuries to pursue his dreams and, in the process, bring countless people the love of House Music. As his friends, we’re confident that he’ll overcome this as well. He’s looking at months of rehabilitation and this is by no means over, and neither is our support for the challenges he’s going through.
The donation link for Paul is still up, and will continue to be for as long as it’s required. If you haven’t already contributed via PayPal, please consider doing so. And if you have, thank you ever so much.
And here’s a gallery of images from Wednesday night’s benefit courtesy of 5 Mag’s editor-in-chief Czarina Mirani.
Update (21 Dec 2010 18:20:00): As many people have asked how Paul is holding up, we have this word from 5 Mag’s Czarina Mirani:
Just got off the phone with Paul Johnson, he is an amazing & beautiful person. The surgery has been moved to tomorrow afternoon, so please pray for the healing of his body and spirit. This is incredibly hard for one person to take, but he’s hanging on.
If anyone is coming to the benefit tomorrow and would like to bring a small gift or card for Paul, feel free & we’ll make sure to get it to him the next day.
Update (20 Dec 2010 15:51:00): Paul’s agent, Camille from Agency Sounds, has set up a 1-click donation button for those of you who cannot make it to the benefit this Wednesday, December 22nd, but would still like to help this great man.
I know that a lot of people aren’t exactly rolling in cash at this time of year, but please, do what you can to help. Paul is known to a lot of people around the world as a kind of icon of Chicago’s House Music scene. What’s not as well known – mostly because he doesn’t flaunt it – is how much he’s given to young producers and DJs just starting out.
Paul is doing as well as can be expected in light of this, and is scheduled for surgery tomorrow (Tuesday).
Literally, anything helps. Thanks again. -TM
Word broke this morning that legendary House Music DJ and producer Paul Johnson was injured in an accident. A post on his facebook page (made from Paul Johnson’s own account) reveals that Paul is currently in the hospital “with a broken hip and spine”.
Paul is reportedly awaiting for surgery on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 which will involve the amputation of his right leg.
Paul was injured in a tragic accident when he was still a teenager and has been in a wheelchair for most of his adult life, in addition to other health-related issues. But he has been and remains an inspiring figure in the House Music community, particularly for us in Chicago.
Keep Paul in your prayers – he’ll certainly be in ours.
This post will be updated as more information is available.
Updated (18 Dec 2010 21:28:00 CST): Paul was booked to headline at 5 Magazine’s residency at SmartBar this coming Wednesday. Instead of canceling, we’re turning this event into a Benefit for Paul Johnson. Paul’s friends Glenn Underground, Stacy Kidd, Gantman, Eric Martin and Melvin Meeks will be playing with residents Rees Urban and Czboogie from 5 Mag, and there will be a $5 suggested donation at the door to help Paul with these hospital expenses. More info in our calendar listing.
Updated (19 Dec 2010 18:15:00 CST): The King of House Music, Farley Jackmaster Funk, has been added to the benefit show this Wednesday at SmartBar.