DJ Casper, the creative force behind the global sensation Cha Cha Slide, has sadly passed away at the age of 58. His wife confirmed that Casper, whose real name was Willie Perry Jr., succumbed to cancer on Monday in Chicago.
Originally hailing from the Windy City, Casper initially produced a version of the Cha Cha Slide in the late 1990s as a fitness routine for his nephew, who worked as a personal trainer at Bally Total Fitness. Little did Casper know that the track would soon skyrocket in popularity, receiving numerous requests for performances at local clubs and parties. Eventually, Chicago’s WGCI-FM radio station aired the song in 2000, which led to a record deal with Universal Records.
Casper recounted his unexpected success in an interview with Chicago’s PBS station WTTW in 2018, admitting, I really didn’t expect the ‘Cha Cha Slide’ to do what it did. He described how everything fell into place as Universal Records contacted him, leading to a whirlwind tour and widespread fame.
In 2004, Casper composed a new version initially titled Casper Slide Part 2, which became the ultimate incarnation of the hit, known as the Cha Cha Slide. This infectious dance anthem topped the charts in the United Kingdom, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon. From weddings to birthday parties, school phys ed classes, and beyond, the Cha Cha Slide has become a fixture in celebratory events worldwide.
The song’s distinctive instructions, calling out simple steps that encourage dancers to slide to the left and right, criss cross, Charlie Brown, and cha cha real smooth, have been embraced by people of all ages. Today, it remains a beloved staple not only in dance halls but also in popular culture, making appearances in shows like Orange is the New Black and Saturday Night Live.
Throughout his battle with kidney and liver cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2016, Casper maintained his optimistic spirit despite losing around 60 pounds. In an interview with ABC7, he shared words of encouragement for others facing cancer, saying, Anybody that’s going through cancer, know that you have cancer and cancer does not have you. So, keep on doing the ‘Cha Cha Slide.’
DJ Casper’s legacy as the creator of the Cha Cha Slide is undisputed. His infectious beats and simple dance instructions brought joy and unity to countless people around the world. While his passing is mourned, the timeless popularity of the Cha Cha Slide ensures that his memory and musical contributions will endure.
