One week after his diagnosis, Wallshaker label founder and Detroit DJ/Producer Aaron-Carl Ragland has died

September 30, 2010 9:19 AM

Aaron-Carl Ragland, known simply as "Aaron-Carl" to most, was a songwriter, remixer, producer, radio show host, record label founder and all-around character. The news of Ragland's death was first posted on his friend and fellow Detroit musician Piranha Head's Facebook page in a status update, saying simply: Just lost one of his best friends, Aaron-Carl, and my arms are far too short to box with GOD. One of the best Human beings in the WORLD is gone. I have no words. Music is Silence. Aaron-Carl himself posted this video just five days ago on his blog discussing his diagnosis and upcoming surgery after canceling his upcoming European tour. Factmag reports that Aaron-Carl is believed to have died shortly after or during essential lymph node surgery; it appears that he died overnight after beginning his first chemotherapy session.

Learn more about Aaron-Carl through Resident Advisor's page or listen to his myriad releases via Discogs or check out his 2009 compilation release, W.A.R.M.T.H. presents PRESERVATION: Past, Present & Future, featuring such techno heavy hitters as DJ Bone, Los Hermanos, Scan 7, Orlando Voorn, and the Detroit People Mover. THE W.A.R.M.T.H. (We Are Revolutionizing the Movement of Techno and House) project spawned a weekly Internet radio show, Warmth313.

Fans are able to leave messages for Aaron-Carl's family here on his Facebook page.

And for those who know nothing about the man, his work or his personality, I'll leave you with this video from his YouTube channel, which he describes thusly:

"those who know me, KNOW that I have a phobia of TWO things... #1 = birds. #2 = BIG, UGLY TREES... I was traumatized. But I know some of you may get a kick out of this... See, I survived. I can laugh about it now. LOL!"

Aaron-Carl, you will be missed.

posted by Unicorn on the cob (15 comments total)

Thanks for this well-made tribute to the man. Sadly, this is the first I've heard of him.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:56 AM on September 30, 2010

damn. he put out some good choons and will be missed.

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posted by cloax at 10:03 AM on September 30, 2010

This is a sad day.
posted by mkb at 10:08 AM on September 30, 2010

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posted by mrballistic at 10:16 AM on September 30, 2010

I love deep house and this guy did it really, really well.

Very sad. Wherever he is, I'm sure he's got everybody dancing.

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posted by kinnakeet at 10:22 AM on September 30, 2010

Putting together this post was painful.

I'm imagining him catching up with James Stinson and Ron Hardy right now.

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posted by Unicorn on the cob at 10:42 AM on September 30, 2010 [1 favorite]

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posted by hyperizer at 12:00 PM on September 30, 2010

Just what we need in the D. More bad news. Would someone give us a break.

Condolences to Aaron-Carl's loved ones. There will be a hole in the house.
posted by beelzbubba at 12:01 PM on September 30, 2010

Unicorn on the cob: "Putting together this post was painful.

I'm imagining him catching up with James Stinson and Ron Hardy right now."

And Ken Collier, Larry Levan, Armando, . . . . . .
posted by mkb at 1:22 PM on September 30, 2010

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posted by jpziller at 1:39 PM on September 30, 2010

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posted by Mr. Merkin at 3:52 PM on September 30, 2010

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posted by with hidden noise at 5:57 PM on September 30, 2010

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posted by analogue at 10:31 PM on September 30, 2010

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posted by phoebus at 11:21 PM on September 30, 2010

No doubt, mkb. I thought immediately of Larry Levan, too.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 8:52 AM on October 1, 2010