A voice that defined house music
The global house community is mourning the loss of Ron Carroll, the legendary DJ, vocalist and songwriter from Chicago, who has died at the age of 57.
Fellow Chicago DJ Deonte Pennington confirmed the news on Facebook on September 22nd, sharing an emotional post. No cause of death has been disclosed.
From gospel choirs to the house scene
Born in 1968, Carroll began his musical journey singing in church choirs before immersing himself in the emerging Chicago house scene. In 1993, he released his debut record, My Prayer. A year later, his career took off when he met Louie Vega at the Winter Music Conference, leading to his lyrics for Barbara Tucker’s classic I Get Lifted.
Global recognition and timeless collaborations
Over the next three decades, Carroll became one of the most recognizable voices in soulful house, earning the nickname “The Minister of Sound” for his preacher-like vocal delivery. His collaborations brought him worldwide acclaim, including:
Superfunk – Lucky Star: a European club anthem powered by Carroll’s voice.
Hardsoul – Back Together: a soulful house classic that remains a fan favorite.
Bob Sinclar & Axwell – What A Wonderful World: a track that reached mainstream audiences and cemented his global reputation.
Alongside his vocal work, Carroll was a prolific DJ and label owner, touring extensively across Europe, Asia and the Americas. He remained a key figure in the international house community and was scheduled to perform at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) next month.
A lasting legacy
Ron Carroll leaves behind a musical legacy that bridged gospel, soul and electronic music, shaping a generation of house records and inspiring countless artists and fans around the world. His voice will continue to echo in clubs, festivals and playlists, ensuring that his spirit lives on in every beat of house music.
