The early 1980s saw the sound of a new generation emerge from the loft parties and underground clubs of Chicago: House music. In spaces like the Warehouse and the Music Box, DJ's began to innovate around disco's four-on-the-floor beat, adding drum machines, deeper bass lines, and synths. At the time, Chicago had its first Black mayor, Harold Washington Jr., and there was optimism and energy in the air, a feeling of progress. After the racist and homophobic cultural attack symbolized by Disco Demolition night at Comiskey Park, for people of color and the queer community, house music was a safe haven. In this episode, Brian talks to Micah Salkind, author of Do You Remember House?: Chicago's Queer of Color Undergrounds; and pioneering House DJs and producers Jesse Saunders, Wayne Williams, and Marshall Jefferson.
Dr. Micah Salkind is the Special Projects Manager for The City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism.
Jesse Saunders is an american house music artist, DJ, record producer , film producer and entrepreneur.
Wayne Williams is a DJ, Producer and founder of the Chosen Few Disco Corp (later renamed The Chosen Few DJs).
Marshall Julius Jefferson is an American Musician, working in the house music subgenres of Chicago house and deep house.