Known best for his 1999 hit “Get Get Down”, Paul Johnson was an inspiration to many in the industry including the likes of Daft Punk.
Johnson was hospitalized due to Covid-19 related complications for the past few weeks and he lost his battle and passed away yesterday at the age of 50 years.
While the news was first reported by Chicago-based publication 5 Magazine, it was soon confirmed by Johnson’s agency and his Facebook Page.
The statement on his Facebook page said: “Our greatness passed away this morning at 9 am the house music legend we all know as PJ aka Paul Johnson.”
As reported by Billboard, “Johnson’s legacy as a house music great is perhaps most famously cemented within Daft Punk’s 1997 track “Teachers,” which over its three-minute duration lists the French electronic duo’s many influences. Johnson is the first artist named.”
The tributes began to pour in from all across as the news began to spread yesterday.
I can’t believe I’m having to type this but we lost Chicago House legend #PaulJohnson at 9AM this morning to #Covid19. (thread) pic.twitter.com/iRjwqChVRI
— Tommie Sunshine ✊️ (@tommiesunshine) August 4, 2021
Paul Johnson… Rest in peace, thank you for the music. 💛
Get, get down forever. pic.twitter.com/ZgoTWvdSMz
— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) August 4, 2021
RIP PAUL JOHNSON 🕯
— KAYTRA (@KAYTRANADA) August 4, 2021
A reminder that all music we love and consume today, irregardless of its genre has roots and pioneers that sparked further inspiration. Paul Johnson we are forever indebted to you and your musical genius for paving the way. Rest In Power ❤️❤️ https://t.co/LA4u2s6WDc
— Charlie Tee (@CharlieTeeDJ) August 5, 2021
v sad news about paul johnson. he's one of the very best organisers of rhythm in house music and taught me so much through his music. in my dj sets from the last 30 years, he's the only artist who has appeared in virtually every one of them. #pauljohnsonhttps://t.co/QLoetlWyCx
— matthew herbert (@matthewherbert) August 5, 2021
What a terrible terrible few days for dance music. RIP #PaulJohnson #khand #blakey
— hux (@Huxley_Music) August 5, 2021
We’re all crying… ‘Get Get Down’ being dropped by @tharealmikedunn.
Paul Johnson forever.
Chicago forever.
☝️ pic.twitter.com/W2Q2oBfsCp— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) August 5, 2021
Rest in Power, Paul Johnson!
H/T – NME
- Coachella To Livestream All Six Stages For First Time Ever On YouTube From Its 2023 Edition - April 9, 2023
- Kygo Releases Remix For Michael Jackson And Paul McCartney Classic “Say Say Say” - April 3, 2023
- Tomorrowland Brazil Announces Phase One Lineup Along With Worldwide Ticket Sales Going Live - March 31, 2023