DJ Casper - the musician behind dance hit the Cha Cha Slide - has died on the age of 58.

His spouse advised ABC7 Chicago the musician, who was recognized with kidney and liver most cancers in 2016, had handed away.

She mentioned: "Casper was a fun-loving, giving person.

"He was a real, family-oriented man.

"He loved Chicago with all his heart. He will be greatly missed."

The star - who was born Willie Perry Junior - was greatest identified for writing the favored noughties track the Cha Cha Slide and creating its accompanying dance.

DJ Casper initially set the groundwork for his worldwide hit track in 1998 within the type of the Casper Slide Part 1 - a step-aerobics observe written for his nephew, who labored as a health teacher.

It rapidly gained reputation in cardio lessons and health golf equipment round his hometown of Chicago, main DJ Casper to write down a second model, the Casper Slide Part 2.

The track was launched by Universal Records in September 2000, however was a slower burner within the US, lastly charting in 2001 and reaching 83 within the Billboard Hot 100.

It took till 2004 to attain UK success.

But when it did arrive, it was an enormous hit, reaching primary within the UK charts and in addition topping the dance charts in Ireland.

With a catchy tune and easy lyrics, the Cha Cha Slide additionally featured an accompanying music video with an easy-to-follow line dance - making it a seamless hit each on the radio and in golf equipment and discos.

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The Cha Cha Slide was DJ Casper's solely main hit - however one which made him a cult determine amongst kids of the noughties.

He remained energetic within the music scene together with his Casper Classics Radio station, and was attributable to play the Popworld Festival in Leeds final weekend.

However, he was unable to attend the occasion and as an alternative festival-goers danced alongside to the Cha Cha Slide whereas sending him messages of help.

A spokesperson for Popworld advised Sky News: "We are very saddened to hear of the passing of DJ Casper and we send our condolences to his family and friends.

"Unfortunately DJ Casper was unable to carry out on the Popworld competition in Leeds, nonetheless a tribute by the group was made in his honour as they danced to Cha Cha slide sending him optimistic messages of affection and help."