Who is Jesse Saunders & What's His Connection to House Music?
In the late 20th century, Chicago witnessed the birth of a new genre that would change the face of music worldwide—house music. At the forefront of this revolution was Jesse Saunders, a pioneering DJ, producer, and innovator. Widely known as the “Originator” of house music, Saunders helped define the genre, creating its first recorded track and influencing countless artists and fans worldwide.
Recently, Jesse Saunders launched a new official website, TheRealJesseSaunders.com, as a digital hub for his legacy and music journey, celebrating over 40 years of house music. Saunders also recently released a new track, "Crushin’," a collaboration with R3V3S and vocalist Angelala, featuring a groundbreaking AI-generated music video that has already caught the industry's attention.
Where Did House Music Get Started? From Cultivating Chicago’s Unique Sound
House music evolved in Chicago in the early 1980s, emerging from the underground club scene as disco began to decline. This new genre was built on a foundation of four-on-the-floor beats, repetitive basslines, and synth-driven melodies that electrified dance floors. Influences from disco, funk, and soul merged with electronic elements, creating a new sound designed for hours of dancing. Chicago’s clubs became laboratories for experimentation, and DJs found creative ways to blend and extend tracks, eventually laying down their own beats and loops to satisfy a crowd that demanded continuous rhythm.
The legendary Warehouse club, run by Robert Williams played a pivotal role in house music’s development. Many of the Chicago's greatest house DJs, such as DJ Frankie Knuckles, frequented the Warehouse in Chicago. Warehouse resident Frankie Knuckles began experimenting with new styles and techniques, laying the groundwork for others at this venue.
Another influential icon in the world of dance music, Ron Hardy, gained popularity at The Music Box, where his intense energy and fearless use of drum machines and synthesized sounds created an unforgettable experience for club-goers. As house music’s popularity grew in Chicago, other DJs like Steve “Silk” Hurley and Farley “Jackmaster” Funk who both contributed to shaping its sound, each bringing unique influences and techniques.
However, it was Jesse Saunders who made history in 1984 with the release of first recorded house music track “On And On”. Jesse Saunders was also the first to start incorporating drum machines and experimenting with the sound to create the signature style of Chicago house music, which is how "On And On" came to be.
Jesse Saunders and the First House Music Record
In 1984, Jesse Saunders created a milestone in music history by releasing “On and On”, considered the first house music record every created. This track, built on repetitive loops and synthesized beats, was released on vinyl and captured the essence of the house sound emerging from Chicago’s clubs. Saunders used a Roland TR-808 drum machine and other synthesizers to produce the iconic beats and loops, setting a new standard in music production.
“On and On” represented more than just a record; it symbolized the transition from DJing to music production within the house scene. This record inspired DJs and producers to make music that didn’t rely solely on existing tracks. The track’s success helped transform Chicago’s underground house scene into a phenomenon that quickly spread across the United States and, eventually, to Europe.
The actual place where House Music was born, in the basement of this building, on King Dr. in Chicago Illinois in the 1980's.
Key House Music Pioneers: Building the Movement
Alongside Jesse Saunders, other legendary DJs and producers pushed house music forward, creating a community of innovative artists. Frankie Knuckles was an early influence, blending classic disco with various samples and breaks to create an immersive dance experience. His track “Your Love” became an anthem of the genre, encapsulating the emotional depth and energetic beats that defined house music.
The legendary Ron Hardy, who the pioneers of house music all refer to as the REAL Godfather of House Music, is known for his fearless and experimental approach at The Music Box, was instrumental in developing the more intense, raw sound of house. Hardy’s sets were legendary, featuring fast-paced beats, drum loops, and synthesized vocals that drove the crowd into a frenzy.
Steve “Silk” Hurley further popularized house music through his remixing skills and work on the chart-topping “Jack Your Body,” which helped bring house into the mainstream. Meanwhile, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk contributed his skills and produced numerous influential tracks, helping to popularize the genre on a global scale. Together, these pioneers created the foundations of house music, transforming it into a worldwide cultural movement.
In the early days of house music, club nights and warehouse bookings, Farley Jackmaster Funk and Steve "Silk" Hurley used to go with Jesse Saunders to various events. Farley would even carry records for Jesse Saunders whose positive influence truly helped to inspire them both greatly.
"I used to help Steve sneak out of his house at night to go to events because his parents were really strict" says Jesse Saunders "Farley would help carry my records for me. Such fond memories" the house music pioneer stated during a conversation this morning with David King, a veteran event producer and long-time friend of Mr. Saunders.
TheRealJesseSaunders.com: A Digital Legacy
Now, over 40 years since the release of “On and On,” Jesse Saunders has launched TheRealJesseSaunders.com, a digital platform to celebrate his music journey and contributions. This website offers fans and music historians a look into the history and evolution of house music, with exclusive content, interviews, and insights into Saunders' career. Visitors can explore his early work, see how he’s influenced the global dance scene, and discover new projects that continue to push the boundaries of music and technology.
"Crushin'" and the Rise of AI in Music Videos
One of Saunders' latest projects exemplifies his forward-thinking approach to music and technology. “Crushin’,” his recent collaboration with R3V3S and featuring vocalist Angelala, showcases his ability to adapt and innovate even decades after his first hit. This new single has been accompanied by a fully AI-generated official music video, blending the visual art of AI with house music’s energy.
The “Crushin’” music video is one of the first fully AI-generated videos in the house music industry, marking a significant milestone. AI technology generated the video’s visuals, creating surreal, ever-shifting images that pulse with the beat. This experimental approach aligns with house music’s roots in pushing boundaries and embracing technological advancements, reinforcing Saunders' legacy as an innovator. The video is also a testament to house music’s evolution, connecting its historical origins to today’s digital possibilities.
House Music’s Lasting Legacy and Global Influence
House music quickly spread from Chicago to other American cities and Europe in the mid-1980s, eventually influencing other genres like techno, trance, and EDM. Clubs from New York to London and Berlin embraced the genre, each adding their own twist to the sound. Today, house music stands as a global genre, influencing mainstream pop music, underground scenes, and everything in between.
In an era where electronic dance music has taken over charts and festivals worldwide, Jesse Saunders’ work and legacy remain vital to understanding the genre’s roots. The house music pioneers of Chicago carved a path that millions would follow, creating a genre that championed creativity, inclusivity, and innovation.
Jesse Saunders has always shown his dedication and commitment to preserving the history of house music and the culture it shaped in the electronic dance music community. In fact, Jesse Sauders has written a few books on the history of House Music; "House Music the Real Story" and "In Their Own Words" which have been a testament to his convictions and passion to the history and the roots of house music and the mark it has made on dance music globally.
In Their Own Words tells the story of Disco, House, and Electronic Music as told by the key players who lived it, loved it and discovered it along the way. It features a collection of stories that are uniquely personal to outline the evolution of the genres in a way that had never been told before. Truly an interesting read for all fans of music, and especially dance music legends and the real history you can only get from the mouths of those who lived it. Check out the book "In Their Own Words" by Jesse Saunders at Amazon.
House Music... The Real Story is a book that tells the story of Jesse Saunders, one of the most important artists in the history of dance music culture who created the 1st original house music record and launched the House Music movement throughout dancefloors worldwide. Learn about his roots growing up in Chicago and his style of music which would come to sell millions of records and CDs, and his legacy which is cemented in the electronic revolution of music history. You can find this book House Music... The Real Story by Jesse Saunders at Amazon.
Continuing the Legacy: Jesse Saunders’ Ongoing Influence
Jesse Saunders' new website, TheRealJesseSaunders.com, and his recent work demonstrate his enduring passion for house music and his commitment to evolving with the times. His influence can be seen in countless tracks, remixes, and DJ sets globally, as he continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Through his music, both old and new, and his pioneering spirit, Jesse Saunders has solidified his place in music history as one of the most influential figures in house music.
With the release of "Crushin'" and the innovative AI-generated music video, Saunders is not only preserving the legacy of Chicago house but also pushing it into uncharted territory, ensuring that the genre he helped create continues to evolve and resonate with audiences worldwide.