Pioneering Chicago House Music vocalist Keith Nunnally has died

Chicago house legend Steve “Silk” Hurley is paying tribute to Keith Nunnally, his former partner and lead vocalist for their groundbreaking duo JM Silk. Together, Nunnally and Hurley recorded the album “Hold On To Your Dream” for RCA and countless singles including “Music Is The Key” (DJ International, 1985), “Shadow of Your Love” (1986), “Let The Music Take Control” (1987) and of course “Jack Your Body,” which went to #1 in the UK in 1987 and whose title built the language of the emerging house music culture.

Hurley announced yesterday that Nunnally had passed away, calling the late vocalist his “dear friend, lead singer and creative partner in JM Silk.”

“Together, we formed one of the pioneering house music acts, blazing trails from the clubs to stages across the country and the world. From the early days, we were bound by a shared passion, touring relentlessly…bringing our music from city to city, energizing crowds every step of the way.”

Hurley mentioned that Nunnally had faced “several health challenges” and had visited Nunnally in the hospital, where they watched video of their 2024 performance for the S+S Chicago Experience for Millennium Park’s 20th anniversary, with performances by CeCe Peniston, Robin S., Ann Nesby, Syleena Johnson, Chantay Savage, Sharon Pass, B. Lauren and Jamiesha Trice alongside Nunnally, Hurley and DJ Skip from S+S Chicago.

“I’ll never forget seeing that smile on his face. It was a moment I’ll treasure forever.”

“Keith, your voice, spirit, and friendship played a vital role in my journey from Club DJ to Artist, Producer, and Songwriter. You’re always with me—in the music, on the stage, and in my heart.”