Funeral for Chicago native and 'Cha Cha Slide' creator DJ Casper held Saturday

Samantha Chatman Image
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Funeral for Chicago native DJ Casper held Saturday
Chicago native and "Cha Cha Slide" creator DJ Casper was laid to rest Saturday in Harvey.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- DJ Casper, the creator of the world-famous "Cha Cha Slide," was laid to rest on Saturday in the south suburbs.

The family of the legendary Chicago musician invited the public to a celebration of his life.

The family of 'Cha Cha Slide' creator DJ Casper spoke to ABC7 about his life and legacy as they prepare to lay him to rest this week.

A visitation was held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by a service from 10 a.m. to noon at Holy Temple Cathedral at 15912 Lincoln Avenue in Harvey.

Friends and family perform the Cha-Cha Slide at DJ Casper's funeral in Harvey Saturday.

Born Willie Perry Jr., Casper lost his years-long battle with cancer earlier this month at 58 years old.

His family shared some of their most precious memories of Casper with ABC7's Samantha Chatman.

"Dad, you did great things. You are amazing," Casper's daughter Laquita Perry said. "You will never be forgotten, and not just because of your song, but for your heart, for your soul."

Casper's family said he has a number of songs that he never released, including a slide that his wife believes will be a big hit, so stay tuned for that.

They plan on doing the "Cha Cha Slide" at his funeral service because that's what he would have wanted.