DJ Casper, the man who was responsible for the creation of the “Cha-Cha Slide,” passed away recently. Aged 58 years.
According to ABC News, the DJ, whose real name was Willie Perry Jr., passed away on Monday after a courageous fight against cancer.
According to NPR, the native of Chicago conceived up the now-iconic dance and song while assisting his nephew in his role as a fitness trainer at Bally’s Total Fitness. At the time, he was assisting his nephew in creating a step aerobics routine.
Soon after that, DJ Casper was overwhelmed with requests to play the song at various parties and gatherings, and that’s when the frenzy got started. It got picked up quickly and started being played on WGCI-FM in Chicago in the year 2000, and it was finally published by Universal Records.
Around the world, people began performing the song at milestone events including wedding receptions, bar mitzvahs, and birthday parties.
DJ Casper gave an interview to ABC7 Chicago in the month of May, during which he reminisced on his contribution to popular culture and shared the following: “I have one of the greatest songs that played at all stadiums: hockey, basketball, football, baseball; they played it during the Olympics… It was something that anybody and everyone could participate in.
He also revealed that he had lately been forced to quit travelling and doing shows due to his fight against cancer, but he offered a message of hope to those who were coping with problems that were comparable to his own.
He told those who were afflicted with cancer, “Anyone who is going through cancer, know that you have cancer and cancer does not have you.” Therefore, you should continue to execute the ‘Cha-Cha Slide’.