Clubland was devastated by the passing of Chicago acid house pioneer DJ Spank-Spank of Phuture, the groundbreaking group he formed with DJ Pierre and Herb J in 1985, on September 21.
During his three-decade career Spank-Spank (a.k.a. Earl Smith, Jr.) recorded a multitude of productions and remixes for labels including Traxx Records, Strictly Rhythm, Emotive, Dance Mania, Force Inc, Djax Up-Beats and Music Man. In May, Spank-Spank suffered a stroke and underwent surgery in June. On September 18, he declared on what would be his last post on Facebook, “I love my Church!”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Spank-Spank’s family pay the balance of medical expenses.
According to the page, “The Smith Family has been left with a tremendous burden after his initial stroke a few months ago and we ask of you to help them with the expenses of recent medical expenses and services..Spank would give you the last dime in his pocket if you needed it. A humble, generous, God fearing man. Not much has to be said about his amazing character. Please help and support any way you can.”
In related news, the fine folks at EPM Music just posted an unreleased DJ mix created by Spanky in 2005. If you make a minimum pledge of $20 USD via their site, you will be entered to win one a handful of select items donated by friends of Spanky and Phuture. For more details and to download the mix for free click here.