DJ Casper – the musician behind dance hit the Cha Cha Slide – has died on the age of 58.

His spouse informed ABC7 Chicago the musician, who was identified with kidney and liver most cancers in 2016, had handed away.

She stated: “Casper was a fun-loving, giving person.

“He was a real, family-oriented man.

“He loved Chicago with all his heart. He will be greatly missed.”

The star – who was born Willie Perry Junior – was finest identified for writing the favored noughties music the Cha Cha Slide and creating its accompanying dance.

DJ Casper initially set the groundwork for his worldwide hit music in 1998 within the type of the Casper Slide Part 1 – a step-aerobics monitor written for his nephew, who labored as a health teacher.

It rapidly gained recognition in cardio lessons and health golf equipment round his hometown of Chicago, main DJ Casper to write down a second model, the Casper Slide Part 2.

The music was launched by Universal Records in September 2000, however was a slower burner within the US, lastly charting in 2001 and reaching 83 within the Billboard Hot 100.

It took till 2004 to attain UK success.

But when it did arrive, it was an enormous hit, reaching primary within the UK charts and likewise topping the dance charts in Ireland.

With a catchy tune and easy lyrics, the Cha Cha Slide additionally featured an accompanying music video with an easy-to-follow line dance – making it a unbroken hit each on the radio and in golf equipment and discos.

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The Cha Cha Slide was DJ Casper’s solely main hit – however one which made him a cult determine amongst youngsters of the noughties.

He remained lively within the music scene along with his Casper Classics Radio station, and was as a consequence of play the Popworld Festival in Leeds final weekend.

However, he was unable to attend the occasion and as an alternative festival-goers danced alongside to the Cha Cha Slide whereas sending him messages of assist.

A spokesperson for Popworld informed Sky News: “We are very saddened to hear of the passing of DJ Casper and we send our condolences to his family and friends.

“Unfortunately DJ Casper was unable to carry out on the Popworld competition in Leeds, nonetheless a tribute by the gang was made in his honour as they danced to Cha Cha slide sending him constructive messages of affection and assist.”