Brian Hieggelke

It seems inconceivable in Clear Channel's world, but two decades ago, house music was being played on the radio in Chicago and was drawing huge audiences. The Hot Mix 5, which ran on WBMX in the early eighties, featured the likes of Farley "Jackmaster" Funk, Mickey "Mixin" Oliver, Scott "Smokin" Silz, Ralphi Rosario, Steve "Silk" Hurley, Kenny "Jammin" Jason, and later a variety of other DJs who turned the radio into a daily experiment in introducing new tunes and mixing underground music. While the influence of this racially diverse group on the entire DJ culture as we know it today is immense, it wasn't underground in audience: at its peak it claimed a whopping half-million listeners. But the show was literally responsible for creating a whole generation of DJs, many of whom would become critical figures in the worldwide explosion of electronic music. Acid-house pioneer DJ Pierre for example, was quoted in an entire section devoted to the show in Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton's definitive history, "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life": " 'I used to have a tape player and make edits of stuff by using the pause button, but when I heard the Hot Mix 5 and I heard two songs playing at once, I had no idea how they were doing it.' Like many others, hearing these radio jocks show off their skills was what pulled him into DJing." This year's breakout DJ, Kaskade, cites the Hot Mix 5 as a definitive influence in pulling him out of suburbia and into dance culture when he grew up in Chicago. The promoters are claiming that this is the first-ever reunion, but several of the pioneers like Rosario, Hurley and Farley are notably absent, even though they remain in town and active on the scene. Infighting and rivalries always followed the group, and that may be part of it. Nevertheless, with this lineup, including guys like Oliver returning from hiatus out West, it will be a momentous night. Time to pay your respects.

"Back to BMX" takes place June 7 at 8pm at the Aragon Ballroom, 1106 West Lawrence, (312)879-9111. See listings for lineup.

(2003-06-04)

Also by Brian Hieggelke

Ryan's hope
This spring's release of the album "It's you, it's me" has been greeted by a flood of international publicity, culminating in his selection as Urb magazine's "Best Up and Coming DJ" at this year's Winter Music Conference in Miami.
(2003-05-28)

Fun house
James Curd is the creative force behind "Greens Keepers Present the Ziggy Franken Radio Show." The debut album from the Greens Keepers, released on Derrick Carter's London-based Classic Music label, makes for one of the most creative, offbeat takes on house music you'll ever hear.
(2003-05-14)

Leader of the pack
One in the morning on a Friday night at Superlounge, and things are just heating up as Julio Bishop passes the turntable to Bear Who?
(2003-04-22)

Electro energy
Tony Duffy has a new fetish. The longtime Chicago promoter is jumping back in with Retro-Trash Electro-Clash, a party that he hopes will take up regular residency at Vision.
(2003-04-15)

The S series
(2003-04-15)

Spin control
(2003-04-09)

When hawks cry
(2003-03-26)

Be Like Lebron
(2003-03-26)

Back to School
(2003-01-08)

Chinese dynasty
(2002-11-20)

Bond age
(2002-11-20)

Tip of the Week
(2002-11-06)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment