Pioneering DJ Chris Hill, Champion of soul and Early Punk, Dies
London, UK – Chris Hill, a hugely influential British DJ credited with shaping the UK’s vibrant music scene from the 1970s onwards, has died. Hill, known for his eclectic sets and energetic performances, was a pivotal figure in popularising soul, jazz funk, and early Black music within British club culture, and fostered a unique cross-pollination with the emerging punk scene.
Hill rose to prominence through residencies at the Goldmine in the mid-1970s, quickly establishing it as a central hub for soul music enthusiasts. The club also unexpectedly became a focal point for a swing revival, attracting dancers keen to jive to artists like Jimmie Lunceford and Count Basie while sporting 1940s fashion.the Goldmine became a meeting place for a diverse crowd, including future stars like Sade and Siouxsie Sioux.
He further broadened his musical scope at the Lacy Lady in ilford, where he booked acts like the Clash, the Damned, and Subway Sect, while together spinning Fela Kuti and Krautrock alongside jazz funk and soul.A notable anecdote reveals that clash guitarist Mick Jones was a dedicated attendee of Hill’s weekly soul sessions – a testament to the interconnectedness of the scenes. As Andrew Weatherall observed, “The initial punk scene in London was a load of bored soul boys who liked dressing up.”
Hill was recognised as “one of the first British DJs that people would pay to see,” leveraging a background in theater and a passion for Shakespeare to create a dynamic stage presence. He actively engaged with audiences, acting as his own MC and encouraging participation.He famously commanded a crowd of 2,000 at Caister to dance to Cedar Walton‘s “Latin America” at midnight on a Saturday, demonstrating his ability to influence dance floor trends, including popularising the rowing-boat dance to The Gap Band’s “oops Upside Your Head” and Anita Ward’s “Ring My bell.”
Beyond club sets, Hill frequently broadcast on Radio Invicta, a pioneering Black music pirate radio station on FM. He consistently prioritised the music and the audience over personal fame, stating, “The second you make it all about you … you’ve already lost. It’s about people – it always has been and it always will be.”
Hill’s influence extended to the charts, helping to propel tracks like Azymuth’s “Jazz Carnival,” Hi-Tension’s “British Hustle,” and Freeez’s “Southern Freeez” to success – at a time when chart position reflected cultural impact. His era of musical diversity paved the way for the next generation of djs, including Carl cox, Paul Oakenfold, and Danny Rampling, with the arrival of acid house in the mid-1980s.
Gilles Peterson, a BBC Radio 6 Music DJ, acknowledges Hill’s lasting legacy, emphasizing his commitment to unity and inclusion – values that remain particularly relevant today.
The article acknowledges the contribution of Mark “Snowboy” Cotgrove for providing anecdotes and championing Hill’s memory.
