DJ Casper, best known for the immensely popular dance song the Cha-Cha Slide, has passed away at age 58, according to his family.
The song peaked at number one on the UK singles chart in 2004 thanks to the US MC and composer, true name Willie Perry Jr.
The Chicago-born performer, who also invented the song’s ancillary dance, was treated after receiving a diagnosis of kidney and liver cancer in 2016.
His wife Kim announced his death to Chicago TV station ABC7 on Tuesday.
Despite being published almost twenty years ago, the song continues to be a staple at birthday parties, school dances, and wedding discos.
DJ Kasper produced a second version of the song after its first release in 2000 as it gained popularity.
The song, also known as Casper Slide Part 2, became popular all over the world.
He reportedly remarked that he had developed the original so that his nephew could practice his aerobics.
‘Something everybody could do’
The tune comes with a special line dance that was modeled by the Chicago stepping style.
Dancers were urged to “slide to the left/right,” “clap your hands,” and “go all the way to the floor” according to the song’s lyrics.
Its creator, Casper, who is known for going completely white on stage, expressed his desire that the dance tune will continue to serve as a reminder of the strength of community, unity, and optimism in an interview with ABC7 in May.