House Music icon Ron Carroll passes away at 57
September 22, 2025
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Ron Carroll playing at Pure Pacha, Ibiza - Spain. 2013
Ron Carroll, the Chicago-born DJ, singer, songwriter and producer known as “The Minister of Sound”, has died at the age of 57. According to reports, Carroll passed away from a heart attack, leaving behind a profound legacy that shaped global house music for more than three decades.
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We’re devastated to learn of the tragic loss of one of house music’s most iconic songwriters and voices. A long time friend of the label, Ron released across multiple of our labels, and has soundtracked Defected dancefloors for the past 20 years. The voice of a generation. All of our thoughts and love are with Ron’s family & loved ones right now.
Defected Records
Carroll’s journey began in a church choir before discovering house music at a high school dance, a path that combined spirituality with rhythm throughout his career. By the late 1980s, he was already DJing and had opened his own club. His 1993 debut single My Prayer laid the foundations of gospel house and earned him his enduring nickname.
His breakthrough came in 1994 when Louie Vega invited him to write lyrics for Barbara Tucker’s I Get Lifted. Carroll soon became a cornerstone of Chicago’s Deep Soul production company, collaborating with Mike Dunn and Byron Stingily. His distinctive voice and songwriting would define tracks alongside Bob Sinclar, Axwell, and E-Smoove, with classics such as Back Together, House Music and What a Wonderful World.
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"Rest in peace my friend. The legacy you leave behind is immeasurable. The joy you have brought to so many thru your art is immeasurable. You are and will always be a hero to this thing we love so much: HOUSE MUSIC! My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones in this difficult time. God bless you."
Harry Romero
DJ & Producer
Carroll also co-founded MOS Productions with Spero Pagos and later launched Body Music Records, extending his vision of house to new audiences. His influence reached Europe, where he contributed to French house landmarks like Superfunk’s Lucky Star and Kluster’s My Love.
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"House music legend Ron Carroll has passed away today at the age of 57. A true visionary, Ron Carroll’s voice, vision and energy helped define generations of dance floors around the world. He showed the world how uplifting and inclusive house music can be, and his tracks will continue to fill speakers and souls alike for generations to come."
Spinnin Records
Remarkably, Carroll remained active until the end of his life, releasing Lost on Carrillo Music just last week. His passing marks the loss of one of house music’s great voices, yet his legacy of faith, groove, and passion will continue to resonate on dancefloors worldwide.
BPM extends its deepest condolences to Ron Carroll’s family, friends, and the global house music community he so profoundly touched.
