The Godfather of House

Aug. 23, 2006

The CloveR Festival is attracting techno/electronica musical legends from all over the planet. Some the artists coming in were on the cutting edge of the genre’s development in the late ’70s and early ’80s, including Farley “Jackmaster” Funk. 
While the Detroit techno scene was evolving in the early ’80s, so was “house music” in Chicago. A form of electronic music, house music uses a 4/4 beat, or “four-on-the-floor” as the innovators of this style of music commonly refer to it. Using drum machines or other electronic devices, repetitive beats are created and basslines are blended in to serve as the foundation, with samples of blues, jazz and synthetic sounds thrown into the mix.
Initially, the music took off, not in Chicago where it was developed, but in Europe. Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, previously known as Farley Keith and then Farley Funkin, formed the group Hot Mix 5 in 1981 with other founders of house music. The group enjoyed success around the Chicago club scene. In 1984 Farley broke away, renamed himself, and began recording his music. He was shocked to learn that year that his song “Love Can’t Turn Around” (a remake of the Issac Hayes classic) had climbed to number nine on the British Pop Charts.
“I didn’t know that the record was even available over there,” said Farley. “So I had no idea they had a club scene and that this music was so popular.”
 
SMOOTH TRANSITION
His popularity in Europe allowed Farley to make a smooth transition in the lucrative global DJ circuit. His world tours attracted thousands who were drawn by the chance to see an “originator.” He tired of the scene by the late ’80s and dabbled into hip-hop and rap before becoming a born again Christian in 1994 and returned to the techno scene as a “Christian” artist.
At 44, and with the title pioneer next to his name, Farley remains passionate about the music he helped to popularize. Despite his legendary status Farley remains humble and isn’t interested in any “props” that come his way for his contributions.
“All the glory goes to God, I ain’t got no need for glory for myself, I’m just glad he’s blessed me with being able to create music,” said Farley. “I have been blessed with both the talents of being a DJ and for creating music as well. I don’t want to be praised for that, I want God, who deserves it, to receive that praise.”
So what was happening in Chicago or why do you think house music started there?
“Pure and simple: God. When I look back on it when things are made it is not about the city. The cities are just where the people live who God gave the talent to create these things,” said Farley. “I was blessed by God and I happened to be living in Chicago.”

NUMBER ONE
One criticism of the sampling style is that many an artist is ripped off (deprived of royalties). Early on in your career you were accused of that. Any truth in that?
“I am not proud of that, or that time in my life. Yes, that’s the way it worked. I did it -- everyone did it. The reason was the pressure to become number one,” said Farley. “But I became born again and God is number one. No longer do I have the pressure of being number one. I am very happy knowing that and God has blessed me time and time again allowing me to earn a comfortable living and provide for my family and offer praise to him.”
So how did you get your start?
“Besides forming the group Hot Mix 5, I was part of the ground-breaking hot mix show on WBMX in Chicago,” said Farley. “It was a weekend show and we had a million-plus listeners, so it made for a smooth transition into the club scene at night time.”
So does Farley see potential with the CloveR Festival?
“I can’t wait,” said Farley. “So many of us are Christians but we are not always given that stage to celebrate it at festivals. Now there is going to be a whole festival devoted to it. This is going to be big.”

Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk will close out the opening night of the festival on the main stage. For a complete listing of DJ and performers check the lineup in this program or visit
www.cloverfestival.com.