Chuck Roberts, who could make a better claim than almost anyone to being called the “Voice of House Music,” has passed away after a battle with cancer.
Roberts, known for the iconic “In the beginning there was jack…” sermon from the 1987 track “My House” by Rhythm Control, passed away on June 6 2024 — “peacefully,” while surrounded by his family in suburban Berwyn, Illinois, according to a statement. He was 66 years old.
Roberts’ speech appeared in an incredible amount of places over the years, rivaling perhaps only Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream Speech” as a vocal for inventive DJs to drop over tracks. Possibly the most played version over the years was the one over Larry Heard’s deep house classic “Can You Feel It”:
In the beginning, there was Jack, and Jack had a groove.
And from this groove came the groove of all grooves.
And while one day viciously throwing down on his box, Jack boldy declared,
“Let there be HOUSE!”
and house music was born.
“I am, you see,
I am
the creator, and this is my house!
Roberts’ sermon embodied to many of us the principles of house music as a culture and it’s possibly never been expressed better or with more passion in the following 37 years than in Roberts’ visionary exhortation and call for unity. In 2018 he codified and expanded on these principles in his 10 Commandants of House Music, outlined in an article for 5 Mag:
2. In our House, there is only House Music.
3. Thy DJ should never allow him/her to be influenced by anything other than what relates to the House Music vibration.
4. Thou shalt always be courteous and kind when Jacking on the dance floor!
5. DJs should always hold each other in the highest regard and treat each other with the utmost respect.
6. DJs are allowed to dance but only in moderation as to maintain focus on the task at hand.
7. Charity starts at home before it can spread abroad, support your local artistry!
8. Reasonable cover charges are permitted but proceeds must be used to cover expenses and continue the House Music Movement.
9. Thou shalt not verbally assassinate the character of others!
10. Thou shalt continue to promote House Music for it brings nations and nations of people together and provides growth by inclusion for all!
Funeral arrangements for Chuck Roberts are pending. All of the best to the Roberts’ family, extended family and circle of loved ones.
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