DAVID MANCUSO, NEW YORK DANCE MUSIC PIONEER, DIES AGE 72

David Mancuso, founder of legendary New York party space The Loft and a pioneer of dance culture, has died. He was 72 years old.

Mancuso started his first invite only party in 1970, called Love Saves The Day, as an invite only event space that offered an alternative to New York’s commercial club scene. It would later be named The Loft, was known for welcoming marginalised audiences and hosted a number of nights by DJs that would go on to become icons, including Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles.

The New York-native also started the record pool system, where labels and artists would drop off music for it to be distributed to influential DJs.

Craig Shifty, owner of Kid Recordings, announced the news in a post on Facebook last night (Monday 14th November). He wrote, “David was more than just a seminal, influential and elusive figure in the development of DJing and NYC underground club culture, he was family – a friend and mentor.

“My heart is broken. He will [be] greatly missed but, thankfully, he left the world a lasting vibrant legacy that continues to inspire and influence countless generations of music lovers and clubbers. And what a gift that is.”

Tributes to Mancuso poured in on social media, with Kerri Chandler posting on Facebook, “I’m at a loss for words, thank you for showing me how it’s done. All the things you taught me over the years I will cherish. I will miss you, with love, respect and admiration always.” You can see his full post below.