Lee Collins, Chicago DJ and Soul In The Hole co-founder, dies

Collins had been involved in the scene in his native Chicago for well over 40 years, having first started playing and collecting vinyl at the age of 13. Learning alongside the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Robert Owens and Ron Hardy, he garnered attention for a sound that married progressive qualities with elements of funk and soul. 

By the early 1990s, he was a renowned radio host and club DJ, regularly playing landmark venues in the city and beyond. He then set up the Soul In The Hole production company with Bahar and Russoul. Touring the globe in the years since, he has regularly been cited as a major influence on younger generations of house music talent, both inside and outside Chicago. 

“With great sadness and a heavy heart, we mourn the loss of a King and legendary pioneer in the House and Disco family, Lee Collins,” said Bahar. “Take your rest, Big Bro. I thank the Most High for the time we were blessed to share with you. Job well done! We love you, and we’ll see you at the resurrection.”