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Cha-Cha Slide creator DJ Casper dies at 58
His song and accompanying dance became an international sensation
The creator of the popular party song the Cha-Cha Slide, DJ Casper has died at the age of 58.
The Chicago-born songwriter, whose real name is Willie Perry Jr, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer on Monday, August 7th.
The star was known for creating the party song Cha-Cha Slide and its accompanying dance back in 2000. The song became an overnight sensation and is still played at weddings, kids parties and various other celebrations around the world.
In 2016 he revealed his cancer diagnosis of kidney and liver cancer. His wife Kim confirmed his passing to ABC on Tuesday, August 8th.
Perry regularly updated his fans on his health after revealing his diagnosis in 2016. He had been in remission for several years when his cancer returned.
Opening up earlier this year about his diagnosis, Perry told ABC 7 Chicago in May: “They diagnosed me in 2016 with two kinds 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 and just treat it,” he continued.
“If you know me, you know I’m not gonna stop. I’m going to continue to go.
“I will continue to go until I can’t go.” This would be his last televised interview.
The star explained how he originally created the dance for his nephew who worked at Bally’s Total Fitness, saying: “When I first did it, I did it as an aerobic exercise for my nephew at Bally’s.
“From there, it just took off. I have one of the biggest songs that played at all stadiums: hockey, basketball, football, baseball; they played it at the Olympics.
“It was something that everybody could do.”
Tributes have poured in to honour the songwriter on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), one fan said: “RIP legend.”
Another said: “So many good memories doing the cha cha slide. RIP DJ Casper.” A third wrote: “His legacy will live on at every bar mitzvah, quinceanera and wedding. RIP.”
A fourth added: “RIP DJ Casper, the creator of The Cha Cha Slide. That man had a hand in making many family reunions, BBQs, dances, weddings, sporting events & other events fun with his song.
“I was literally just singing it yesterday with my brother playing around. He left a legacy. “