Legendary house music producer/songwriter/musician Boyd Jarvis has passed away, according to reports on social media. He’s thought to have been 59 or 60.
Jarvis, whose amazing career extended three decades, was best known for Visual’s “The Music Got Me,” a song he co-wrote with Jason Smith, released in 1983 on Prelude Records. He famously co-hosted WBLS’ Saturday Night Dance Party with the Shelter’s Timmy Regisford, whom he frequently worked with on a variety of projects and labels.
Among his many credits, Jarvis collaborated with DJ/producers including Joe Claussell, Louie Vega, François Kevorkian, David Morales, John “Jellybean” Benitez, and Merlin Bobb as well as who’s who of artists Herbie Hancock, La Toya Jackson, Prince, Madonna and Johnny Kemp. He recorded for a spate of dance labels including King Street, Trax, Wave Music, Movin’ and Dance Tracks.
Jarvis is also said to have discovered the house music singer Colonel Abrams, who died in 2016.
In 2016, Boyd was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
We’ll have more on this breaking story.
Image via Facebook
Rest in power Boyd Jarvis who helped lay the blueprint for house music https://t.co/9YLgZvlHVv
— Soul Clap (@soulclap) February 17, 2018
The Music’s Got Me.. @boydjarvis#RIP lots of love, rest in power. @LSL_NYC Radio 7pm tonight 99.5fm @WBAIhttps://t.co/gIaJmvuJWK Today still uncomfortably numb from the news, more to come. pic.twitter.com/9xcuEvQoPR
— jeannie hopper (@Jeanniehopper) February 18, 2018
https://t.co/ugbueiiXoY
RIP Boyd Jarvis. Thank you for laying the groundwork for us all. https://t.co/g1JDGWXnHV
— Honey Dijon (@HONEYDIJON) February 17, 2018
Rest in power Boyd H. Jarvis – thank you for your immeasurable contribution to dance music culture ♡
— Jon Martin (@JMNYC212) February 17, 2018