Ron Carroll obit

Legendary Chicago vocalist 

and DJ Ron Carroll dies 

aged 57

 

• Fellow Chicago DJ Deonte Pennington broke the news on Facebook earlier today.

He was not on the list.

Ron Carroll, the celebrated DJ, vocalist and songwriter, has died aged 57.

Fellow Chicago DJ Deonte Pennington broke the news on Facebook earlier today, September 22nd. "The news we just received while in this hotel room for my birthday just broke my heart," the post read. No cause of death was disclosed.

Born in Chicago in 1968, Carroll grew up singing in church choirs before immersing himself in the city's nascent house scene. In 1993 he released his debut record, My Prayer, and the following year wrote lyrics for Barbara Tucker's "I Get Lifted" after meeting Louie Vega at the Winter Music Conference.

Over the next three decades, Carroll became a defining voice in house music. His preacher-like delivery earned him the nickname "The Minister of Sound," while collaborations such as Superfunk's "Lucky Star," Hardsoul's "Back Together" and Bob Sinclar and Axwell's "What A Wonderful World" brought him global recognition.

Alongside his vocal work, Carroll was a prolific DJ and label owner, touring extensively across Europe, Asia and the Americas. He remained a fixture of the international house community, balancing soulful performances with deep connections to his hometown scene, and was booked to perform at Amsterdam Dance Event next month.

Carroll leaves behind a legacy that bridged gospel, soul and electronic music, and a voice that defined a generation of house records.