Wed Sep 11 09:44:08 UTC 2024: ## Chicago House Legend Ron Hardy Gets His Due in New Documentary

A new documentary, “I Was There: The Rise of House Music in Chicago,” is set to shine a light on the late DJ Ron Hardy, a pivotal figure in the development of the genre. The film, made with the blessing of Hardy’s nephew, Bill Hardy, explores the socio-political backdrop of 1980s Chicago that fueled the rise of house music. It examines how racism, economic hardship, the AIDS crisis, and civil unrest played a role in the genre’s evolution.

The documentary features interviews with key figures in the Chicago house scene, including Jamie 3:26 and Robert Owens. Director Vito Nicholas, producer Elena Winterer, and associate producer KC Wray are currently seeking funding through Kickstarter to complete the film.

The documentary team aims to raise £50,000 to cover filming, production costs, and music and film licenses. A portion of the funds will be donated back to the Chicago community, a gesture of respect for the pioneering chapter in music history that Hardy helped write.

Ron Hardy’s legacy continues to be celebrated in Chicago. In 2020, the Frankie Knuckles Foundation and the Chosen Few DJs raised funds for a special memorial gravestone for Hardy. Last month, the Chicago house community launched another fundraiser to support vocalist Peven Everett’s cancer treatment.

“I Was There: The Rise of House Music in Chicago” is set to be a powerful tribute to the influential DJ and his enduring impact on music history.

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