In the world of music, it sometimes appears everyone is the godfather, grandfather or second cousin twice removed of something. According to Jesse Saunders and his recently published book House Music … The Real Story, Saunders reigns supreme as the “originator” of the house-music genre.
House Music ... The Real Story provides dedicated house-music fans with insight into Saunders’ background, his family and upbringing, and his take on the origins of house music. Saunders’ account of the birth of his first track, “On & On,” in 1983—what many in the industry now proclaim to be the first real house record—will delight enthusiasts. Candid moments and career speed bumps are also recollected for Saunders’ readers, including more unusual moments like the time he was performing and the cap of his tooth fell off on live TV, or almost amputating his own toes while doing somersaults backstage before a show. Saunders doesn’t hold anything back in House Music, and includes some of the more intimate details about his personal life in addition to recounting the journey of the house music genre.
House Music serves more as a detailed autobiography about Saunders and less of an objective view of the history of house. The book reads as casually as if Saunders were actually sitting with the reader and relating his personal tale of the rise of the genre. However, the tone may turn off those readers looking for a concrete reference for the origins of house music (grammar nerds may cringe at certain repetitious sections and a few grammar and spelling errors). Yet avid fans will enjoy Saunders’ window into his history; one can gain a sense of the artist’s determination to get his story out to the masses, as well as share a little bit of dirt on some of the other prominent figures and insiders in the world of house music. Furthermore, Saunders’ book calls out other players in the house-music game who he feels have attempted to take his spot as one of the genre’s most influential figures. Over time, Saunders noticed his contributions were being glossed over, if not obscured, by others claiming to have started the entire house movement. Somehow, Saunders maintains a humble nature about his contributions to house and DJing, and may be only seeking credit where credit is due. Later in the book, Saunders offers his perspective on the evolution of the craft of DJing and expresses his view on the state of music today.
Initially from Chicago, Saunders now calls Las Vegas home, though few locals may have any idea that he’s in the neighborhood. After over 20 years in the business (Saunders frequently toured with a live band, then switched to strictly DJing in the mid-’90s), he still performs around the country, though Vegas club-goers shouldn’t expect to see him at any of Sin City’s numerous hot spots anytime soon. The DJ essentially avoids playing clubs in town based on principle, and his dissatisfaction with venues that he believes focus less on attracting patrons by providing them with outstanding music, and more on selling drinks and bottles.
For house-music enthusiasts who aren’t exactly bibliophiles, Saunders will premiere House Music’s accompanying documentary at the Winter Music Conference on March 26 at the Miami Beach Cinematheque. Saunders says he’ll be mixing the documentary live during his set on DVJ-1000s. He’ll also be serving as a panelist for WMC’s discussion on art and music in education the day before his performance. For his Las Vegas fans unable to make the trek to WMC, Saunders has also released new singles this year, including “Luv 2 Luv U” and “CUBE AH.” With so many contributions and current projects teasing Vegas house devotees, one can only hope Saunders will reconsider spinning a few in his own backyard.
For more information about Jesse Saunders and where to purchase House Music … The Real Story, visit jessesaunders.com.