Cha Cha Slide creator DJ Casper dies at 58: Songwriter dies eight years after being diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer
Cha Cha Slide creator DJ Casper has passed away at the age of 58.
The songwriter – real name Willie Perry Jr. — revealed he was diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer in 2016 and his wife Kim confirmed on Tuesday that he has passed away after battling the disease.
The Chicago-born star was best known for writing the popular 2000 song Cha Cha Slide and creating the associated dance.
Perry revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and shared regular updates with his fans.
According to Chicago’s, he had been in remission for several years when the cancer returned ABC 7.
Deceased: Cha Cha Slide creator DJ Casper has passed away at the age of 58. The songwriter – real name Willie Perry Jr – revealed he was diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer in 2016
“They diagnosed me in 2016 with two types of cancer, renal and neuroendocrine, which is kidney and liver,” Perry told the network in what was his last television interview in May 2022.
“They went in to try and do surgery, and they found that the kidney was connected to the main artery, so they decided not to do it and just treat it.”
“I used to weigh 236 pounds, and I think I’m about 60 pounds less,” Casper added. “If you know me, you know I’m not going to stop. I’ll keep going. I’ll keep going until I can’t anymore.’
Speaking of the dance craze that became famous worldwide, the songwriter explained, “When I first did it, I did it as aerobic exercise for my cousin at Bally’s,” said Casper.
“It just took off from there. I have one of the greatest numbers played in all stadiums: hockey, basketball, football, baseball; they played it at the Olympics.
“It was something anyone could do.”