Ronald Michael “Ron” Carroll, a celebrated DJ, vocalist, songwriter, and producer who helped shape the sound of Chicago house music, has died at the age of 57 after suffering a heart attack.
Born in Chicago in 1968, Carroll grew up singing in church choirs. The gospel influence in his early years would become a defining feature of his music. As house music emerged in Chicago, Carroll joined the movement, bringing his powerful voice and songwriting skills into the scene.
His breakthrough came in 1994 at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, where he attracted attention by collaborating with producer “Little Louie” Vega and writing the lyrics for Barbara Tucker’s classic track ’I Get Lifted’ Over the years, Carroll worked with many prominent names in house music, including Mike Dunn, Byron Stingily, Bob Sinclar, Axwell, and others, both as a vocalist and a producer.
Carroll’s style was distinguished by its soulful, booming vocals and its ability to blend the underground grit of Chicago house with gospel, funk, and mainstream dance‐music sensibilities. He was involved in defining tracks that became house anthems, such as ‘Lucky Star’ with the French group Superfunk, Hardsoul’s ‘Back Together’, among others. Beyond performing, he also founded MOS Productions (Ministers of Sound), which amplified his role not only as an artist, but also as a driving force behind the scenes.
According to public reports, Carroll died on Monday, September 21, 2025, following a heart attack. News of his passing was first shared by close friends and collaborators via social media, including fellow DJs and producers who paid tribute to his generosity, artistry, and impact. His final performance was reportedly at the “Summer’s Last Dance” festival in his hometown of Chicago.
The reactions were swift and heartfelt. Within hours, fans, fellow artists, and industry figures expressed their sorrow, sharing memories of Carroll not just as a performer but as a vibrant presence in the house music community whose energy onstage and off will be deeply missed. Many emphasised that his contributions helped bridge gaps between the underground roots of house and its global reach.
