In a heartfelt and personal tribute, renowned broadcaster Gilles Peterson has opened up about the monumental influence of DJ Chris Hill, whose passing has left a void in the UK's music soul. For a 15-year-old Peterson, discovering Hill's sets was nothing short of a revelation, a gateway into a world of rare grooves and funk that would come to define his own career.
The Soundtrack of a Youth
Peterson vividly recalls the mid-1970s, a time when Hill was the kingpin of the thriving soul and jazz-funk scene. His legendary sets at venues like the Goldmine in Canvey Island weren't just parties; they were immersive musical educations. For a teenager navigating his musical tastes, Hill's impeccable selections provided the ultimate curriculum.
"As a 15-year-old funkateer, he meant the world to me," Peterson confesses, highlighting how Hill's DJing was a formative force. It was more than just playing records; it was about building a community around a specific, powerful sound that mainstream radio ignored.
Beyond the Decks: A Lasting Legacy
Peterson emphasises that Hill's impact extended far beyond the dancefloor. He was a cultural architect who, alongside other pivotal figures, championed black American music in Britain with unwavering passion. This dedication helped lay the groundwork for the rare groove explosion and the subsequent acid jazz movement that Peterson himself would help propel to global attention.
The article underscores a profound sense of gratitude. The musical paths explored by Peterson on his BBC Radio 6 Music show and through his record labels are, in many ways, a direct continuation of the journey Hill started. He wasn't just a DJ to be admired from afar; he was a mentor-by-proxy whose taste and ethos became a blueprint.
A Final Bow
This tribute serves as a powerful acknowledgment of the debt owed to a pioneer. Chris Hill's legacy is not merely a collection of forgotten vinyl; it lives on in the careers he inspired, the sounds he popularised, and the unwavering passion he instilled in a generation of listeners, one of whom grew up to become Gilles Peterson.
