Cha Cha Slide creator DJ Casper dies at 58 after brave cancer battle
DJ Casper has died at the age of 58. The American DJ, hype man, and songwriter – whose real name is Willie Perry Jr – is best known for creating the catchy dance song Cha-Cha Slide, which topped the charts in 2000.
DJ Casper – so called because he often wore all white on stage – died on Monday, seven years after being diagnosed with two forms of cancer. In an interview just three months before his death, the performer said he had lost 180lb during his gruelling health battle but was determined not to give up.
“If you know me, you know I’m not gonna stop. I’m going to continue to go,” he said. “I will continue to go until I can’t go.” He also encouraged people to continue doing the Cha-Cha Slide through challenging moments in life.
Speaking to ABC 7 Chicago, the performer also spoke about his diagnosis and said: “They diagnosed me in 2016 with two forms of cancer, which is renal and neuroendocrine, which is kidney and liver. They went in to try to do surgery, and they found out the kidney was connected to the main artery, so they decided not to do it.” He said they decided to “just treat it” instead.
Tributes have been shared following the news of his death. One person tweeted: “your memory will live on at every family reunion, wedding, and school dance.” Another said: “God rest his soul! Thank you for the Cha Cha Slide.”
Someone else tweeted: “DJ Casper brought joy to so many with the “Cha Cha Slide.” His legacy will live on through the countless celebrations and events where his music continues to unite people in dance. My condolences to his loved ones.
He’s best known for the Cha-Cha Slide, which was released in 2000
“The cha cha slide was literally my childhood in a song I remember it being played at primary school discos. Rest in peace man,” wrote another person in a tribute earlier. Another person wrote in their post following the news: “A true Chicago legend.”
The Cha-Cha Slide, which was also known as Casper Slide Part 2, was first released in 2000. It went on to chart internationally in the years following its initial release, with the song having topped the charts in the UK back in 2004.
DJ Casper previously revealed that he created the original version of the song as an aerobic exercise for a relative. It’s understood that he wrote it for his nephew, who was a personal trainer at the time. It’s said that after the song grew in popularity, he created a second version – which became an international success.
The line dance song has been played at various functions over the two decades since it was released, ranging from school parties to weddings. It likely continues to feature in festivities, with the song remembered for its dance routine.