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Chicago House producer and DJ Joe Smooth Signs Deal with Kassner Music

Kassner Music is proud to announce that it has acquired the song catalogue of renowned producer and DJ, Joe Smooth. Having gained worldwide acclaim for his music during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Smooth is widely recognised as one of the great innovators of house music.

The self-taught musician started composing at the young age of 12, later making a name for himself as a leading DJ across Chicago’s nightclub scene and attaining international fame with his first release, the pre-eminent house anthem, “Promised Land”.

Determined to write a timeless song with the soul of Motown, “Promised Land” was inspired by the growing house music movement in Europe and Chicago’s underground dance culture. The single was initially released in 1987 and it soon became a definitive club hit, rising to further prominence with The Style Council’s Top 20 cover version two years later.

Joe Smooth maintains a reputation for transcending genres, having worked with a host of global superstars including Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Pet Shop Boys, New Order and Destiny’s Child, and earning himself gold and platinum record awards in the process. Now focussing on his label ‘Indie Art Music’, he works as a producer and writer across emerging artist projects.

Kassner Music’s MD, David Kassner said: “We are delighted to have acquired such an exciting body of copyrights. Joe is a gifted artist and writer who helped to influence over two decades of music, bringing house to the fore of mainstream pop. We are proud to be the custodians of his songs and look forward to finding new opportunities to promote the catalogue.”

Discussing the deal, Joe Smooth commented: “I am really pleased that my classic music catalogue is with a company that, at its foundation, cares about the music first. It is a boutique family run business that continues to be hands on and forward thinking with regard to keeping songs relevant. It’s a place my music can call home!”