DJ Casper, creator of ‘Cha Cha Slide’, dies aged 58
nme.comABC7.Casper, whose real name was Willie Perry Jr., had been diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer in 2016.Speaking to ABC7 this May, the artist explained: “They went in to try to do surgery, and they found out the kidney was connected to the main artery, so they decided not to do it and just treat it.”He also told the outlet that he hoped ‘Cha Cha Slide’ would always serve as a reminder of “the power of unity, community and positivity”.Released in 2000, the line dance single was initially created as aerobic exercise for Casper’s nephew who worked at US fitness club chain Bally’s Total Fitness.“From there, it just took off.
Elroy Smith from [Chicago hip-hop radio station] WGCI grabbed ahold of it,” he told ABC 7.‘Cha Cha Slide’ went on to top the UK singles chart in 2004.
The song spent five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at Number 83. It remains a popular track at nightclubs and bars, and is often played at parties, weddings and sporting events.Casper – aka Mr.
C The Slide Man – added: “I have one of the biggest songs that’s played at all stadiums: hockey, basketball, football, baseball; they played it at the Olympics.
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