Chi town, stand up!
House music—Chicago’s legendary gift to the world—received a well-deserved tribute to kick off Black History Month. On February 1st, Google paid homage to the genre with a vibrant and immersive animated Doodle, celebrating its deep roots in Chicago’s Black community, the Chicago Defender reports.
“In celebration of Black History Month, today’s music video Doodle celebrates house music, a genre with roots in Chicago’s Black community,” read the official caption accompanying the Doodle. More than just a visual treat, the animation served as a rhythmic love letter to the pioneers and culture-shapers who turned house music into a global movement.
House music is a genre of electronic dance music innovated by Chicago legends and producers like Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, and so many more. Behind this dynamic tribute by Google was DJ and producer Kelly G, who teamed up with a skilled group of designers and animators to bring the history of house music to life. Kelly G expressed his sincere gratitude and pride in being part of the project.
“Google’s tribute to Chicago House music isn’t just a nod to culture—it’s a masterclass in digital storytelling and respect. The team didn’t just scratch the surface; they dug deep into the vinyl crates of history, obsessing over details that would make even the most seasoned House heads grin. The Google Doodle feels like a perfectly mixed Chicago House track—layered, nuanced, and full of Easter eggs that reveal themselves with each replay. It’s a celebration of how a local, raw sound became a global movement,” said Kelly G.
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The tribute was met with widespread excitement, with many fans and artists taking to social media to share their appreciation for the recognition. House legend DJ Terry Hunter was among those who gave props to the Google team for honoring the genre’s legacy, posting on Instagram:
“So dope to see Google honor Chicago House music during Black History Month. Shout out to Kelly G, Jelly Mazza, Tuma Basa and the whole Google team for putting it all together and making sure we did right!”From the underground clubs of Chicago to dance floors worldwide, house music continues to be a cultural force that unites people through rhythm, innovation, and soul. Google’s Doodle served as a reminder of the genre’s Black origins and its lasting impact on music lovers everywhere. In honor of our contributions to house music, we dance, celebrate, and honor the sounds that shaped generations.
Cover photo: Chicago House Music Honored With Animated Google Doodle for Black History Month/Photo credit: Thoka Maer/Roche/Amanda Godreau/Lo Harris/Mathijs Luijten, Will Pietsch/Google