Celebrating the Roots of House Music: A Tribute to Black History Month

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to honour the cultural contributions that have shaped the music we love today—especially house music, a genre born from the vibrant, diverse sounds of Chicago's Black and LGBTQ+ communities.

House music emerged in the early 1980s, at a time when disco was fading and new waves of electronic sound were taking over the dance floors. It was in the basement of the Warehouse club, under the stewardship of DJ Frankie Knuckles, that house music found its voice. Rooted in the rhythms of disco, soul, gospel, and funk, house music was a canvas for experimentation—layering deep basslines, soulful vocals, and infectious grooves that kept the people moving all night.
The Black and LGBTQ+ communities were instrumental in shaping the house music culture. It was a safe space for expression, a home where people could come together, transcend social boundaries, and dance freely. Through the hard work and creativity of Black pioneers like Knuckles, Larry Levan, and Ron Hardy, house music grew into a global phenomenon, influencing not only music but also fashion, art, and nightlife culture.
House music is more than just a genre; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of community. This Black History Month, we recognize the legacy of those who built the foundation of house music, and we continue to dance to the beats they crafted—beats that echo the heart of Black culture and the spirit of inclusivity that house music represents today.

Let’s keep the groove alive and honour the roots of this beautiful genre.