Willie Perry Jr., a Chicago disc jockey known as DJ Casper and creator of the iconic Cha-Cha Slide dance, has died aged 58.
Perry was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, and his wife confirmed his death in a statement.
“Casper was a fun-loving, giving person,” she says.
“He was a genuine, family oriented man. He loved Chicago with all his heart. He will be greatly missed.”
His Cha-Cha Slide continues to be a favorite at weddings, clubs and many other events about two decades after it became popular.
Participants typically dance in lines and rows, following commands to a funky beat on when and where to step, stomp, hop and slide.
In a May interview, he said that the Cha-Cha Slide initially was an aerobic exercise for his nephew who worked at a fitness club.
It would go on to become popular in many countries.
“From there, it just took off,” he said.
“I have one of the biggest songs that’s played at all stadiums: hockey, basketball, football, baseball, they played it at the Olympics.
“It was something that everybody could do.”
