Gilles Peterson honors the memory of...
11 · 09 · 2025
Renowned UK soul DJ Chris Hill has passed away.
The news of the DJ's death was confirmed today (September 11th) by various sources; it is reported that Chris Hill died peacefully overnight at the age of 81.
As a DJ, Chris Hill was pivotal in establishing the foundation of club culture in the UK. A significant presence in the realms of funk and soul, his contributions at the Lacy Lady club in Ilford played a crucial role in shaping club music during the mid-70s, before he moved on to the legendary Goldmine on Canvey Island.
Always at the cutting edge, Chris Hill was an advocate for both Black American music and British music production, bringing a wave of Brit-Funk tracks to prominence in his performances.
Leading the Soul Mafia—a prominent group of DJs that included Greg Edwards, DJ Froggy, Jeff Young, and Robbie Vincent—Chris Hill contributed to the development of club culture throughout London and the South East during the late 70s and early 80s.
Known for his self-promotion, Chris Hill frequently attracted the attention of critics; however, his considerable influence on the UK club scene is undeniable. Interestingly, he also played a role in discovering and signing Sinead O’Connor.
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Gilles Peterson witnessed Chris Hill perform countless times and, in a social media tribute, remarked that the DJ was "ahead of the curve in numerous ways and a tremendous inspiration."
"He had a sense of humor and at times could be a bit crude, which may have impacted his legacy to some degree. But there’s no doubt he was one of the most significant music connectors in the UK—especially in the South—and I genuinely hope he receives the recognition he deserves as time progresses.
To me, he was the Larry Levan of the UK—a man who could quite literally propel a track like Azymuth’s ‘Jazz Carnival’ into the top 20!
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Prominent UK soul DJ Chris Hill has passed away. The news of his death was confirmed today (September 11th) by various sources; it is reported that Chris Hill is believed to