George Greaves Obituary, Death: Today, we mourn the loss of a true legend, a brilliant musician, and a friend who touched the lives of many—George Greaves, known to the world as DJ Doom. The news of his passing in a tragic car accident has left a void in the hearts of all who knew him, and the music community, in particular, has lost one of its most influential figures. George was not just a DJ; he was a visionary, a mentor, and a force of nature whose creativity and genius transcended music. His legacy, his friendship, and his impact on the world will never be forgotten.
For those of us who were fortunate enough to know George personally, his warmth, humor, and generous spirit are what we will carry with us the most. George was one of those rare individuals who could light up a room with his energy and effortlessly connect with anyone he met. His laugh was infectious, his charm overwhelming, and his presence magnetic. He made everyone feel welcome, loved, and understood. But beyond his captivating personality, George was a musical genius, and it was through his talent that he made his most lasting mark on the world.
In the late 1980s, a pivotal moment in the history of Chicago’s music scene unfolded, and George was at the heart of it. The story of how he helped elevate the ETHS Pom Pom Squad’s performance at a competition in Chicago in 1988 is just one example of the kind of impact he had on the people around him. When the squad was set to compete against schools like Whitney Young, many were intimidated by the thought of facing such an established powerhouse. Fear and doubt had crept in, and half the squad didn’t even show up. But George believed in them. He believed in the power of their movement, and he believed in the music.
When Tanya Gibson and the squad went to George’s house to ask for his help, he didn’t hesitate. He didn’t just create a music track—he created a movement. He introduced them to the acid house music that would become a signature part of Chicago’s underground scene. With his signature style and boundless creativity, George crafted a track that transformed the routine, breathed life into the performance, and gave the squad the confidence they needed to believe in themselves. And when they performed that track at the competition, the crowd responded. The music George created moved them. The crowd was on their feet, dancing and cheering, and the squad—armed with this new sound and new energy—took home the trophy. That victory was not just about winning the competition; it was about breaking through fear, finding strength in one another, and making the impossible possible. And George was right there with them, helping them find that strength and that confidence.
It’s moments like this that encapsulate the brilliance of George. He didn’t just make music; he made magic. He was a trailblazer, always ahead of his time. He wasn’t just a DJ; he was a master of his craft, a true musician who understood the deeper layers of sound, rhythm, and groove. His technical skills on the turntables were unparalleled—he was one of the greatest scratch mixers of our generation. But what set him apart from many others was his ability to transcend the role of a DJ and embody the role of a true artist. George understood music in a way that few people ever will. When he played records, it was as if he was channeling the soul of the music itself. His turntables were not just instruments—they were an extension of his soul, and when he spun, it was magic.
George’s contributions to the world of music and hip-hop were immense, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in his footsteps. He was a king in the world of hip-hop, but his musical genius was not limited to any one genre. He loved and respected all kinds of music, from the underground to the mainstream, and his ability to mix and blend genres was unmatched. George was, quite simply, a musical alchemist—a person who could take different elements and create something entirely new and revolutionary.
In recent years, George’s work had continued to evolve. He never stopped innovating, experimenting, and creating. He had a deep understanding of music that went far beyond technique—it was about feeling, emotion, and connection. He was a true mystic when it came to music, a rider of the groove. It was this deep, almost spiritual connection to music that made him not just a DJ, but a true artist. When he played, people didn’t just hear the music—they felt it, they experienced it. His sets were more than just performances; they were journeys, explorations of sound that left people forever changed.
Those of us who had the honor of working with George knew him as a friend, mentor, and collaborator. He was never too busy to lend a hand, to offer advice, or to share his knowledge. His generosity was unmatched, and he was always willing to help anyone who showed a genuine passion for music. His influence wasn’t just about the music he made—it was about the people he helped, the artists he mentored, and the lives he touched. George gave so much of himself to others, and his impact is felt deeply by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to speak with George. I was complaining about the usual things, and, as always, he offered words of wisdom. He left me with one final thought: “You can have it all, Jay, just not all at once.” That was George—always giving perspective, always sharing a piece of his wisdom, and always encouraging those around him to keep going, to keep creating, and to keep dreaming.
George Greaves was more than just a DJ—he was a legend, a visionary, and a friend. His music, his spirit, and his influence will live on forever. His legacy is etched into the very fabric of the music world, and his name will always be synonymous with innovation, creativity, and excellence. For all the lives he touched, the music he made, and the joy he brought to the world, George will never be forgotten.
As we remember George, we take comfort in knowing that his genius will continue to inspire generations to come. His influence will live on through the music, the artists, and the communities he helped build. Rest easy, DJ Doom. You were ahead of your time, and your brilliance will never be dimmed. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. You will be missed deeply, but your legacy will live on forever.
