Paul Johnson, Chicago house icon and Get Get Down star, dies at 50 from COVID-19

The self-taught DJ and producer started producing tracks at just 16.

Paul Johnson

Photo: FilmMagic

When you purchase through affiliate links on MusicTech.com, you may contribute to our site through commissions. Learn more.

Paul Johnson, the Chicago house DJ-producer known internationally for his 1999 hit Get Get Down, has died at the age of 50 from COVID-19.

A statement posted to Johnson’s Facebook page confirmed his passing: “Our greatness passed away this morning at 9am the house music legend we all know as PJ aka PAUL JOHNSON has passed away in this day of AUGUST 4th 2021. Rest In Heaven Paul.”

https://www.facebook.com/100047132081598/videos/259729828990879

Johnson was hospitalised last month and placed under intensive care after contracting COVID-19. He documented the experience on Instagram, where he shared heart-rending messages to his fans and peers. His final post revealed he was being moved to ICU to be placed on a ventilator.

A self-taught DJ and producer, Paul Leighton Johnson began producing tracks at just 16 years old for house labels Dance Mania, Relief, Cajual, Nite Life, Undaground Therapy, Defected, DJax Up Beats, Peacefrog, and Moody.

His 1999 song Get Get Down became an international hit, which would be heard in clubs around the world decades on from its release.

Johnson’s life was rife with challenges. As a teenager, he was paralysed from the waist down after being injured in a shooting; the incident placed him in a wheelchair for life. In 2010, he became a double-amputee after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

His tenacity superseded his disability as Johnson would hold down residencies in Chicago and co-found the Dust Traxx label with partner Radek. In 1997, Daft Punk paid tribute to Johnson on Teachers off of their first album Homework listing him first on a roll of inspirations.

On social media, tributes to the late DJ are flooding in from fans and peers alike.

logo

Get the latest news, reviews and tutorials to your inbox.

Subscribe
Join Our Mailing List & Get Exclusive DealsSign Up Now
logo

The world’s leading media brand at the intersection of music and technology.

© 2024 MusicTech is part of NME Networks.