TRAX Records

Larry Sherman, Co-Founder of Chicago House Music Imprint Trax Records, Has Died

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

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Larry Sherman, a studio engineer who co-founded influential Chicago house label Trax Records with Jesse Saunders in 1984, has died. News of Sherman’s death was shared via a post on Trax Records’ Facebook page.

it is with great sadness that TRAX RECORDS and Rachael Cain must announce the passing of Larry Sherman it’s legendary founder.
There are no details of a memorial yet. I am besides myself… Larry is survived by his beloved daughter Tessa Sherman and his widow Sandy Sherman. I ask that everyone please send LOVE AND PRAYERS. He was of the Jewish faith and passed away on his holiday Passover.

During his tenure running Trax, which was revived in 2006 by cohort Screamin’ Rachel Cain, the label released now-classic house tracks including “No Way Back” by Adonis (1986), Jamie Principle & Frankie Knuckles‘ “Your Love” (1988), Larry Heard‘s “Can You Feel It” (1986), and Marshall Jefferson‘s “The House Music Anthem (Move Your Body)” (1986).

Trax is widely regarded as releasing the first acid-house records, including Phuture’s groundbreaking 1997 effort “Acid Tracks.”

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Trax Records Readies ‘I ♥ NY’ Benefit Compilation

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Trax Records I-Love-NYC-Artwork

Famed Windy City house label have announced the upcoming release of I ♥ NY, a 14-track compilation featuring contributions from NYC artists including Johnny Dynell, Michael Magnan, Christy Love, Tyler Stone, Michael Musto, Carmelo Carone, Erol Sabadosh, Chimp Hardy, TradeCraft, Gant Johnson and more.

A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit Youth Communication, a 40-year-old nonprofit that “equips and empowers educators and youth workers with real teen-written stories and a literacy-rich training model to engage struggling youth and build their social and emotional learning skills.”

I ♥ NY will be released on March 31 and will be followed by a launch party at Ace Hotel’s Liberty Hall in NYC on April 2.

Obligatory press release gush from Trax boss Screaming Rachael Cain: “It’s no secret that Chicago is having tremendous problems with teen gang warfare. Youth Communication has made a positive difference to so many of these kids but now it’s in crisis and needs funding to continue. Tyler suggested an album to help and so many of the great NYC DJs like Johnny Dynell who I’ve known for years stepped up to the plate! The focus of Youth Communication has always been about journalism so Michael Musto as an artist on the album is perfect; a journalist whose song “I Got Ur Back” seems to sum up our mission. I hope the world sees the urgency for these kids and will buy the album. I want Chicago teens to realize that Youth Communications, TRAX and our sister city NYC have ‘Got Ur Back’!” Continue Reading →

Farley Jackmaster Funk Returns to TRAX Records with Charity Single

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Chicago house music legend Farley Jackmaster Funk has produced a track to benefit Give For France, a charity set up to support victims of the recent French terror attacks. “France We Send Our House To You” features fellow Windy City house icon Byron Stingily, TRAX co-founder Screamin’ Rachael, and a dozen members from The Chicago House Music Voices For Peace. The cut marks FJF’s first effort for the Chicago label since 2004, and will be released digitally on September 29. Check the uplifting house track below.