The Godfather of House Music

To a whole generation of music fans there was only one name synonymous with “House music”, Frankie Knuckles. From the moment he spun “The Whistle Song” at The Sound Factory in Manhattan, he became this one moment etched him into the heart and ears of music lovers everywhere. Over the years Knuckles not only became spun house music. He “was” the face of house and given the term by many in the genre, “The Godfather of House Music”.

His landmark career has seen him work with just about everyone including Diana Ross and The Pet Shop Boys. In addition, to having played in every major city you can name in 1997 he won a Grammy Award for Remixer of the Year.  If that wasn’t enough in the evolution of his career, he has become a musical luxury brand. His name has been dropped on shows like Absolutely Fabulous and through Internet sound bites on Ministry of Sound. With his numerous talents, celebrity following and able bring out the soul in music he still remains very humble and gracious to this day. So what do you ask him?

On a personal note, every Journalist has their “bucket list” interviews. Those dream interviews you hope to land one day. As many times I danced to Knuckles’ grooves in cities all over North America, I’ve never actual said to two words to him. For the first time I was actually nervous. What do you ask the man who, since the late 80s, got you and your friends on the dance floor Voguing, strutting and cat walking your way through his music?

Knuckles is not just a DJ. He’s the symbol of an era, one which evokes memories of when House Music and fashion were a true marriage. A time where gay men dressed to go dancing and had a reason sashay and be proud to be gay men regardless of colour and class.  So as sweaty and shaking as I was, I rang him in Manhattan and upon hearing his “Barry White” voice, I knew it was going to be an interview unlike any other.

Max MacDonald: What inspired The Whistle Song?

Frankie Knuckles: Everyone made that song a classic. There are some songs which are a signature and that song is the signature of House. I was asked to fill in one night at the Sound Factory. I wanted to spin something which would make the room sparkle. After I spun, people were asking me, “what was that you played? Who are you again? That was amazing!” The rest is history.

MM: What was your favourite gig?

FK: Sound Factory Bar! The room was custom built to the way I play and it was smack dab in the community. The place stayed packed all night long.

MM: OK I’ve got to ask in your opinion who is the “Godmother of House”?

FK: Honestly, I don’t think there is one. There are performers who “try” to lay claim on it.  Barbara Tucker tried to lay claim on it. No disrespect to Barbara but she isn’t it. I’m just trying to keep it real. Singers come and go but no one has lasted long enough to lay claim on it. There are some who come close.

MM: Whoa Frankie! I’m a huge Barbara Tucker fan! Don’t you think she deserves some credit?

FK: Max don’t get me wrong I love Barbara but there is not one specific female singer who has been around long enough to lay claim on the title. Barbara is really good.

MM: How has House changed?

FK: This is simple. What you and your generation in the late 80s grew up with is song-based dance music. Where a singer had a song and it was produced into a dance hit. That’s what I do as a producer. Somewhere in between 95 and 98 house became a DJ culture. At the same time, Trance music blew up in Europe. That trickled across the ocean to North American and started showing up in House. The DJ’s today are not song writers as anyone can become a DJ. Back then House was much more 3D and today it is more 2D. It is not pure House.

MM: What can anyone travelling to Montreal’s Diverscite expect to hear from you?

FK: Hmmm. I try to stay as current as possible so you will a lot my take on the music of today.

MM: Finally, what would you say to young DJ who wants to be the next Frankie Knuckles?

FK: Wow! Be yourself! Be honest about the music you present. You can tell whether it is coming from the heart and soul or if it’s not. You can teach someone how to spin a record but you can’t teach them soul. It has to be there. You have to recognize music for what it is. Most people today can’t recognize a DJ from a performer. That’s where the soul comes in. A performer can perform a DJ has to have the music in his soul.

The Whistle Song video

Frankie Knuckles will be spinning his set on Saturday, July 31st at 7 p.m. during Diverscite. The is a $2 entrance fee. For more information visit the official website

For more information about Frankie Knuckles visit his website

About 12 Prides ago, there wasn’t really much of an alternative to for those who wanted to have a different type of Pride. One with a bit of soul and had a different voice to be heard. Sure there were stages where, if you pardon the bold statement, black men were tolerated by gay white men. However,  to hear the really good Soul, House, R&B, Reggae or Hip-Hop really gay men of colour were at DJ’s mercy. You were hard pressed to hear any Patra, L’ll Kim, or even Rick James.  So a committee was formed made up of members of black queer and trans communities that volunteer their time to put together Block-O-Rama every year.

Now in its 12 year, Block-O-Rama is loud, proud, strong and well attended. My own experience with Block-O-Rama is a personal one.  Having been to gay parties and event all over North America I wanted to see more of soul and multi-racial side to Toronto Pride. I first attended Block-O-Rama when my friend Junior promoted it and told me about DJ Jojoflores, a Montreal DJ, who was spinning the last set. From the moment I arrived, Block-O-Rama captivated me and had me coming back every year. Though Block-O-Rama has faced a number of challenges from changing locations annually to noise complaints this multi-cultural event with black faces has risen to whatever push-back it may face.

This year exclusively for GayGuideToronto.com I bring you two of the unique faces involved with Block-O-Rama, DJ’s Jojoflores, I caught up with him in Johannesburg as he just landed, and BlackCat who have sat down with me to give me their unique views of this event’s place in Toronto Pride on Sunday, July 4th from 12-10 p.m. in George Hislop Park.

DJ Jojoflores

Based in Montreal Jojoflores has built a reputation as music’s “Mixed Tape King” and in addition to being a well known, respected and energetic DJ he is CEO of Gotsoul Records and founder of the infamous Therapy events. In addition he’s opened a club, a record shop; and produced numerous records and CD’s.  He was voted “Best International DJ” 4 years running by NYC’s Undaground Archives.  His hard work and talent have garnered an enviable corporate client list which includes the Thompson Hotel Group, MAC Cosmetics, Apple, Hugo Boss, Vanity Fair, Puma, Details Magazine, Banana Republic, Cadillac, and The Delano Hotel. Headling events with Wyclef Jean, Jody Watley, K-OS, Jazzy Jeff and D-Squared. Jojoflores is the 2010 winner of the Marc Echo Stylus Award as House DJ of the Year.

Max MacDonald:  Why DJ Block-O-Rama again?

Jojoflores: I was able to make the time of Block-O-Rama against this year. I am usually in Toronto at this time of year. Every year they invite me back and show their loyalty to me and it’s a great party. I find it shows a great artistic spirit.

MM: What’s the importance of Block-O-Rama in your mind?

JJF: Well it’s one of the few events which is soulful and ethnic. Block-O-Rama is more geared to an ethnic group and I find it nice. It’s a very community oriented event.

MM:  What can your fans and attendees expect at Block-O-Rama 12?

JJF: [Laughs] I don’t know yet. They can expect to hear same type of music presented differently.  One of the things I try and do through my music is make people dance. However, that’s sort of tough as I don’t know the direction I will go. I will probably figure it out closer to the event.

MM: What would you say to an aspiring DJ who wants to be the next Jojoflores?

JJF: Hmmm…get your name out there and give out mixed CD’s. Try to get the right gigs but respect other DJ’s. It is also important to respect the art of DJ’ing and be business savvy. You have to set goals for yourself and try to get to the next level.

For information on Jojoflores click here.

DJ BlackCat