Donald Crossley, a visionary entrepreneur and cultural pioneer, played a pivotal role in shaping Chicago's vibrant dance music scene and fostering the birth of House music.
Born in 1932, and raised in Chicago, Donald Crossley was a young man employed at Michael Reese hospital when he and some friends decided to join the Disco craze that was taking over America. They made frequent weekend trips to New York City to attend loft parties. One morning during breakfast, Donald's mother suggested that instead of always traveling to New York, they should host parties in Chicago - and that marked the beginning of the social club US Studios.
They hosted events around the city until they secured a permanent location at 555 W. Adams, which became the original US Studios/The Warehouse, a groundbreaking gay nightclub that provided a safe, inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. This club became a hub for social gatherings and a breeding ground for new ideas and musical trends. After a few years, they relocated to South Federal Street with a new name, The Bowery.
Donald and the original US Studio members held parties at The Bowery until 1978, when they decided to explore different paths. Crossley transitioned to a career as a concierge at the Hyatt Regency Chicago and Hilton Chicago hotels, earning recognition as Employee of the Year for his work as a concierge at the Renaissance Hotel at O'Hare. In 2019, Donald retired from the Hyatt Centric Hotel and is now enjoying life.
Crossley's foresight and dedication to fostering a vibrant music community solidified his legacy as a key figure in the development of the House music genre. Crossley's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities had a profound impact on Chicago's cultural landscape. His legacy as a pioneer of House music and a champion of diversity continues to resonate, shaping the global dance music scene to this day.
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