Kim English, iconic House music songstress, has died

Known for classic club hits like "Unspeakable Joy" and "Supernatural", the early House music breakout star frequently collaborated with Ten City and others

Dawn Onley

Apr 3, 2019

Kim English, an iconic House music and dance club music star, has died.

English, who was from Chicago, began her career in 1994 with the thumping beat of the dance music song “Nite Life,” which she recorded with Byron Burke and Byron Stingily, founding members of legendary House group Ten City.

Nervous Records first announced the news in a Facebook post late Tuesday night.

English made it to #1 on the Billboard Dance charts for her hit “Unspeakable Joy” between 1999 and 2002. She would enjoy top ranking on Billboard with a total of five of her singles. Her voice was well known on tracks that first surfaced in the second wave of Chicago House in the early- to mid 90s, as House music was becoming more mainstream.

One fan, Andrew Cicale, responded to the Facebook post about the influences English had on his life.

“Rip I have so much vinyl from nervous records with Kim English still. She was a huge part of my younger years and also she is a huge reason dance music is embedded in my soul. She will never be forgotten.”

Maurice Joshua was a friend of English’s and often worked with her, including on her 2007 album My Destiny. He offered his condolences to English, whom he called his “sister in music” and said he always respected her talents.

“Your voice could transcend like no other! I’m so honored to have worked with you for many years… my heart is heavy now,” Joshua said.