(UnitedVoice.com) – In the late 1990s, Willie Perry Jr., known professionally as “DJ Casper,” created a song for his nephew, who was a personal trainer. The song would later become one of the country’s most popular wedding and party songs. Perry has now passed away.
On Monday, August 7, Perry’s wife, Kim, announced that he had lost his battle with cancer. He died in his hometown of Chicago with his loved ones by his side. In 2016, doctors diagnosed him with two forms of cancer, Neuroendocrine and renal, affecting his liver and kidneys. During an interview in May with ABC7’s Samantha Chatman, he said his oncologist performed surgery on him to try to remove the cancer. However, when the surgeon opened him, they discovered the cancer was on his renal artery. Instead of removing it, they had to close him and treat him.
Kim released a statement calling her husband a “fun-loving, giving person” who was “genuine [and] family oriented.” She said he loved his city “with all his heart” and would “be greatly missed.”
During the May interview, the DJ said he intended to remain positive. He said he wanted to cherish every moment and expressed happiness that his song was something that brings people together.
When he originally made the song, it was titled “Casper Slide Pt. 1.” It gave people directions about how to move like a line dancing song. The original later evolved into the “Casper Slide Pt. 2.” It became popular in Chicago after M.O.B. Records picked it up. Then, in 2004, it was renamed the “Cha Cha Slide,” and it hit the UK charts, making it all the way to the number one spot.
Perry said he performed the song all over the world, claiming he created something that was played in “hockey, basketball, football, [and] baseball” stadiums. In a message to people who were battling cancer, he told them to remember to “keep on doing the Cha Cha Slide.”
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