DJ Casper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
DJ Casper
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DJ Casper photo by Dionn Renee
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Willie Perry Jr. |
| Also known as | Mr. C The Slide Man |
| Born | May 31, 1965 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | August 7, 2023 (aged 58) |
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| Years active | 1998–2023 |
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Willie Perry Jr. (born May 31, 1965 – died August 7, 2023) was a famous American DJ, songwriter, and performer. Most people knew him as DJ Casper or Mr. C The Slide Man. He grew up in Chicago and was sometimes called "Casper" because he often wore all white clothes when he performed.
Contents
The Story of the Cha Cha Slide
DJ Casper created his most famous song, "Casper Slide Pt. 1," in 1998. It's better known as the "Cha Cha Slide." He made this fun dance song for his nephew, who was a personal trainer at a gym. The song quickly became popular for aerobic exercise in fitness clubs. It was also used in PE classes at schools.
Because the first song was such a hit, DJ Casper made a second version in 2000. It was called "Casper Slide Pt. 2." A radio station in Chicago, WGCI-FM, started playing it. The song became a huge hit in Chicago by 2004. A record label called M.O.B. Records helped DJ Casper make a whole album of dance songs. Later, a bigger company, Universal Records, helped share "Cha Cha Slide" with even more people around the world.
His Health and Passing
In January 2016, Willie Perry Jr. was diagnosed with kidney cancer and another type of cancer called neuroendocrine cancer. He had surgery that month, but it wasn't fully successful. So, he started chemotherapy treatment.
In 2018, he shared that his cancer was in remission, meaning it was under control. He even said in 2019 that he had beaten his liver and kidney cancers. He felt like it was a way for him to slow down and change his life. Sadly, Willie Perry Jr. passed away from kidney and liver cancer on August 7, 2023. He was 58 years old.
Music Albums and Songs
DJ Casper released several albums and singles during his career. His music made people all over the world get up and dance!
Albums
- Out Champ (1999)
- Casper (2001)
- I Love You (2022)
Singles
- "Cha Cha Slide" (2000)
- "Oops Up Side Your Head" (2004)
Images for kids
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DJ Casper with Mia Park at the filming of the 500th episode of Chic-a-Go-Go.
