House music legend Frankie Knuckles dies

Grammy winning DJ Frankie Knuckles, who was known as the Godfather of House Music, has died in Chicago at the age of 59.

Frankie Knuckles, a US DJ known as the "Godfather of House Music," has died at age 59.

Knuckles died on Monday in Chicago.

The Grammy winner is considered a key figure in the evolution of the music genre, dating back three decades.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said on Tuesday that Chicago has lost "one of its most treasured cultural pioneers."

Chicago named a stretch of road near downtown for the Bronx native, calling it "Honorary 'The Godfather of House Music' Frankie Knuckles Way."

Knuckles told the Chicago Sun-Times last year that he took that role "very seriously" and feels he represents "a lot of people who really believe in this music."

Knuckles was also a producer, doing work for artists including Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.