CNN —DJ Casper, born Willie Perry, Jr., has died after a battle with cancer, his wife told CNN affiliate ABC7 Chicago on Monday. Casper was responsible for the popular song “Cha Cha Slide,” which came out 23 years ago this month. Coming off of his “Cha-Cha Slide: The Original Slide Album,” the track gave way to a popular line dance that is still performed at events all over the world. Casper told ABC7 during an interview in May that he was surprised by his song’s international success. “When I first did it, I did it as an aerobic exercise for my nephew at Bally’s,” he said.

---

Persons: DJ Casper, Willie Perry , Jr, Casper, ”, Elroy Smith, WGCI Organizations: CNN, ABC7 Chicago Locations: Chicago, Cha, Bally’s