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How did Paul Johnson die? Chicago house legend dies at 50, fans say it 'doesn't feel real'

Johnson was recently hospitalized in ICU for Covid-19 and the passing of the 'Get Get Down' producer has shocked the music community

Chicago house legend Paul Johnson passed away on Wednesday, August 4 morning after contracting COVID-19. He was 50 years old. Paul took his last breath at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park.

Johnson was recently hospitalized in the ICU. Two weeks ago, he posted a video of himself from the hospital captioned, "Shits Taken A TURN for The Worse. Next Is To Transfer Me To Downtown An A Full Throat Ventilator. Meaning. I Will Not Be Breathing For My Self." Johnson's agent confirmed the news of his demise to Mixmag. We have witnessed the passing away of several music icons recently. Dusty Hill, Johnny Ventura, Robert Eugene Steinhardt are to name a few.

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A post on Paul Johnson's Facebook read, "Our greatness passed away this morning at 9 am the house music legend we all know as PJ aka PAUL JOHNSON has passed away in this day of AUGUST 4th 2021. Rest In Heaven Paul." Born and raised in Chicago, Paul Johnson was a self-taught producer who had put out more than 100 albums, releasing music since the early 90s, featuring on legendary labels such as Dance Mania, Peacefrog, Cajual, Relief Records and Djax-Up-Beats. Johnson's 1999 single 'Get Get Down' topped US and Canadian Dance charts, and was placed in the Top 10 of singles charts in the UK, Netherlands, France, Greece and Belgium.

Paul Johnson was paralysed from the waist down after being shot in 1987 and used a wheelchair. He had his left leg amputated in 2003 after being hospitalised in Chicago. In 2010 he lost his right leg in a car crash. Johnson, however, never let his disability stop him from being an active club DJ and producer.

'Covid is no joke'

People flooded Twitter with 'remembrance' messages for the musician. One user wrote, "Today We Have Lost An Great Legend Of Our World House Community• Thank You God For His Work That You Installed In Him• Mr. Paul Johnson." Another commented, "Just seen paul woolfords insta post about Paul Johnson! Someone tell me its not true! Im heartbroken! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH with this antivaxx nonesense! This man was ONLY 50!!! Flu doesnt kill 50 year olds! by all accounts he refused the vaccine, this did NOT need to happen." One user tweeted, "RIP Paul Johnson. Really sad news this evening. Covid is no joke." One tweet read, "RIP Paul Johnson! Had the great pleasure of seeing him at @WHP_Mcr in Store Street few years back! You’ll be missed by us all."

One user wrote, "RIP Paul Johnson. Just 50. So sad. He’s a legend of house." Another said, "RIP to a Chicago legend Paul Johnson. Sad day in Chicago. Wear your mask! Get tested! Get vaccinated!" One social media user and fan wrote: "I am having a hard time believing I am never going to see Paul Johnson play house music in the city of Chicago ever again. This does not feel real." We hear you.