Blake Lewis

It’s taken me a few days to process the passing of my dear friend DJ Dan. When I heard the news Sunday, emotion hit me like a wave, tears pouring down my face while I was driving. I probably should have pulled over.

I first met the magical Dan Wherrett in Seattle’s rave scene around ‘99, but our friendship really sparked when I was hosting at the now, demolished club Element at Seattle Center. We clicked instantly. I’d beatbox, hype the crowd, or sing over his sets when he came through town. Afterward we’d grab food and fall into the deepest conversations.

Around 2009, after my stint on American Idol and the whirlwind that followed, I hit a dark place. Out of the goodness of his enormous heart, Dan told me to move to CA and reset. It was exactly what I needed. I lived with him for a year, soaking up his universe and positive energy. We shared incredible food, music, and laughter every single day. That laugh of his… that cackle…is probably my favorite laugh of all time. The moment he’d start giggling, the whole room would join in. I’m going to miss making him crack up more than I can say.

In 2010, he released his album Future Retro, and he, Uberzone, and I remade Midnight Star’s “Operator” and shot a music video together. It’s still one of my favorite memories. Dan let his guard down, got dapper, and absolutely shined. No small thing for a man who was camera shy. We made a day of it and had a blast.

His impact on dance culture was immense. He was one of the first DJs to scratch over house music, and he was a technician. His mixes were flawless, from funky house, breaks, & tech, he mastered it all. I can’t count the number of nights I danced in pure bliss watching my friend slay a dance floor.
He will be missed by so many. But his legacy and his music will live forever.

I love you, brother. Rest in Beats. 🎶

Happy holidays friends. Here’s my performance of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen from the Hollywood Christmas Parade a few years back. Wishing you all a joyous time with your friends and family over the next week.
🎄🎁🎅🏿🤶🏻🕎
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