Frankie Knuckles Top 5

In Memory: Frankie Knuckles’ Top 5 Tracks

Everyone here at Mi-Soul was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary House pioneer, Frankie Knuckles this morning. If there was any time to run through Knuckles’ incredible contribution to the House and Dance music scene it’s now, so we’ve compiled his 5 best tracks that we will remember him by.

No. 5

Michael Jackson – Rock With You (Frankie Knuckles Remix)

Whilst not strictly one of his own tracks, this remix of the classic Michael Jackson is one of his finest remixes for which he is internationally renowned for. Adding a soft piano and ambitious strings, the track soon explodes with his signature House Beat. The final 5 minutes are a fantastic re-working of Jacko’s pop hit, making it a big dance floor pleaser.

No. 4

Frankie Knuckles – Baby Wants To Ride

This hit was a collaboration between Knuckles and fellow producer Jamie Principles released back in 1987. Often credited as the one of the very first House tracks, Baby Wants to Ride is sexy and explicit and certain to get pulses racing. Weaving a thumping bass line and a slick beat, Knuckles and Principles trade vocals to create one of the sexiest songs you’ll ever hear.

No. 3

Frankie Knuckles – Tears

Frankie Knuckles was on production duties for this stone cold classic working with Robert Owens of Fingers Inc. and Satoshi Tomiie on ‘Tears’. With a hypnotic beat, smooth vocals and big rumbling bass, ‘Tears’ will often be remembered as one of the most important and influence House tracks of his.

No. 2

Frankie Knuckles – Whistle Song

This track off of his debut album ‘Beyond The Mix’ was released back in 1991 on Virgin Records, but Whistle Song was his biggest hit to date. That immortal whistle is now one of the catchiest hooks from any track released in that era and when served up with the tight beat and now often mimicked synths, it’s a track that makes for a tasty listen.

No. 1

Frankie Knuckles – Your Love

Out of his impressive and untouchable discography, this is by far the most well known and most influential song from his repertoire. ‘Your Love’ contains one of the most memorable electronic hooks in the entire Dance genre and is still pointed at as a building block for many DJ’s and producers today. It spawned the remix from The Source and Candi Station and the following cover and chart topper from Florence and The Machine, but will always be remembered as Frankie Knuckles greatest gift to the Dance and House scene. Do you agree? What are you favourite Frankie Knuckles tracks and how will you remember him? Comment on our Facebook page or send us a tweet @MiSoulTweets and get involved.