House Music 'King' Returns

Farely Jackmaster Funk
Farley Jackmaster Funk at City of Chicago street naming ceremony May 2, 2014. Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward, congratulates him.

[ione_image_credit width=”300″ caption=”1″ align=”alignnone” text=”Andrea V. Watson”][/ione_image_credit]
CHICAGO–Some Chicago House Music lovers didn’t let the blistering cold and high winds stop them from supporting Farley Jackmaster Funk at his street naming ceremony at 14th and Michigan Avenue last Friday, May 2. The loyal fans pulled their collars tighter and held their hats down as they listened to numerous individuals speak highly of the DJ record producer’s accomplishments over the past three decades.
 Gospel singer Kim Stratton kicked off the outdoor program by singing “Our Father.” Farley is known by many as the King of House Music because he took the electronic dance music internationally when his single “Love Can’t Turn Around” made international charts. He first introduced himself to Chicago when he worked with 102.7 WBMX, as part of the Hot Mix 5 DJ Show.
 Notable guest speakers attended to show their appreciation for Farley’s music and charity work through his wife, Delece Williams’ program Kidz Korna, NFP. Representatives from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn’s office spoke.
Ald. Bob Fioretti of the 2nd Ward is responsible for the ceremony. He proposed a resolution to name the street after the loved DJ.
 “Farely made House Music what it is, he is the person who put it together and I’m proud of what we did [here],” he said to the small gathering.
 Fioretti wasn’t the only alderman in attendance. Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward, was also there to show her support.
 “You are a creative genius and you have changed the face of Chicago,” she said to Farely.
 He will be back on air with V103, 102.7 FM, Friday nights at 12 midnight.
 Program Director Derrick Brown said he is glad that Farely is back on Chicago airwaves.
 “Society is so divided, but Farley brought everybody together with the love of House Music and he spread it across the world,” Brown said.
 The “king” got emotional while on stage and thanked everyone repeatedly for supporting him, but he refused to take all of the credit.
 “A whole lot of people played a role [in this],” he said. “Without the people on the dance floor, we wouldn’t be here either; we all did it together, all five of us.”
 He ended by asking everyone to help someone who needs help or guidance because that’s how he got his first shot in the radio industry.
“Don’t be scared to share your gift with someone,” he said.

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