Chicago is the birthplace of House music.
House music evolved through the early 1980s and brought together Chicagoans of different races, ages, cultures, and orientations like no other medium of that time. House music was conceived and perfected in bedrooms and basements of Black and Latino youth on Chicago’s South and West Sides.
Legendary DJs including Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, and The Hot Mix 5 infused disco, R&B, punk, rock, and electronica to inspire teen DJ crews, the fashion industry, and creatives throughout Chicago, and ultimately the world.
Preserving and celebrating this dynamic music genre is paramount in illuminating Chicago’s contributions to American history. House music producers, promoters, dancers, and DJs are a manifestation of modern day griots. These legends are models of excellence, canon makers, and time-binders standing between tradition and future.
The Chicago: Home of House exhibition was on display from May 1 until December 16, 2024 at Navy Pier (between doors 5 and 6), 600 E. Grand Ave. in Chicago. The exhibit was produced in partnership with the Vintage House Show Collective. Visit www.designchicago.org/chicago-home-of-house-at-navy-pier for more details.
Chicago: Home of House
Celebrating the city where house music was born, tracing its roots from underground clubs to a global movement.
Vintage House Show LLC preserves the history, business, and culture of House music. Share, follow, and like @TheVintageHouseShow, VintageHouseShow.us, VintageHouseShow.tv.
