Chicago house legend Paul Johnson is in intensive care with Covid-19

Chicago house legend Paul Johnson is in an intensive care unit (ICU) after becoming infected with Covid-19. 

Johnson shared the news on Sunday (18th July) when he posted a video via Instagram from his hospital bed. This was followed by two further Instagram posts on Monday and Tuesday, with the latter confirming that he was being transferred to ICU.

“Shits taken A TURN for the worse,” Johnson wrote in the video’s caption. “Next is to transfer me to downtown an [sic] a full throat ventilator. Meaning I will not be breathing for myself.”

Responses and messages of support have poured in from across the global dance music industry and community. 

So sad to see Paul Johnson fighting for his life in hospital in Chicago. Sending him, his friends & family much love & prayers.

— Simon Dunmore (@SimonDunmore) July 21, 2021

rooting for Paul Johnson. send him love and strength. https://t.co/6HePdDwK6M

— Mike Servito (@mikeservito) July 21, 2021

I am one of the lucky ones unlike Paul Johnson who is fighting for his life right now . Please send him some love and strength . Much love Paul . You can get through this . https://t.co/otQ3cOUFEn

— Steve Mac (@mrstevemac) July 21, 2021

While Johnson is perhaps best known for his 1999 chart hit ‘Get Get Down’, his contributions to house music go well beyond this. First entering the booth in 1984, his work has graced labels including Dance Mania, Defected, DJax Up Beats, and Peacefrog, in addition to his own Dust Traxx, launched in 1997 with partner Radek. 

Artists including Cynthie, Ash Lauryn, Patrick Topping, Kink, Finn, Honey Dijon and many many more have sent well wishes to Johnson for a speedy recovery. 

(photo credit: Marie Staggat)