Mike Dunn, a legend of Chicago's house music scene, reflects on his journey through the vibrant tapestry of sound that has defined his life and career. In a recent conversation with Mike Risk, he shares insights into the DJs and musical moments that shaped him.
PART 1
In part 1 host Mike Risk sits down with Chicago house legend Mike Dunn, highlighting his decades-long career and their three-decade friendship. They talk about collaborating on “Let Me Take You There,” with Dunn explaining that the sampled hook made the vocal ideas come instantly and there is also an interesting origin story of Mike Dunn’s love of Thai food and how Mike Risk is responsible for it…
LET ME TAKE YOU THERE - MIKE RISK, MIKE DUNN
PART 2
In Part 2 of SPIRIT Conversations Episode 2, Mike Dunn recalls early Chicago dance and DJ culture, starting as a dancer in a crew called Bostitch before house music fully formed from Italo disco and labels like Prelude and West End. He explains why Leonard Roy became his first “DJ god,” describing Roy’s skills at the Rink Zone and a battle tape with Farley Jackmaster Funk, plus witnessing Roy create live edits. Dunn details learning pause-deck editing and reel-to-reel tape cutting, then credits Mickey Oliver for precise, creative editing and Farley for charisma and radio influence through the Hot Mix Five.
PART 3
In Part 3 of SPIRIT Conversations Episode 2, Mike Dunn remembers Ron Carroll and reflects on how his actions sometimes upset others despite his good heart.
PART 4
In part 4 Mike shares about his large catalogue of music and the true origins of ‘God made me phunky’
PART 5
Mike Dunn shares the story of the Chosen Few DJs visiting the White House, meeting President Barack Obama and why there was absolutely no chance he was taking off his White Sox hat for the photograph.