Italian DJ Claudio Coccoluto dies at 59

Claudio Coccoluto, one of Italy's most internationally renowned DJs, died at 59 in his home in Cassino, Frosinone, after a year-long battle with a serious illness. Over a 40-year career, he was a leading figure on the global disco scene and the first European DJ to perform at New York's Sound Factory Bar. Born in Gaeta in 1962, he began DJing at 13 in his father's appliance store and turned professional in the late 1970s at Radio Andromeda. He worked at clubs including Seven Up in Gianola, Histeria in Rome, and co-founded the Goa club in Rome with Giancarlino. He also hosted the radio program C.O.C.C.O. on Radio Deejay. Coccoluto is considered the father of 'underground' electronic music. From 1990 he produced his own material, including 'Do It Without Thinkin' and 'Afromarslight', with his last release in 2008, 'imusicselection5 – Vynil Heart'. In 2006 he ran for parliament with La Rosa nel Pugno, and in 2007 published the autobiography 'Io, DJ' with Einaudi. His last Facebook post on February 7 quoted Nietzsche. Condolences came from Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, DJs Gigi D'Agostino and Ringo, and business partner Giancarlo Battafarano. Funeral services will be held March 3 at Santa Maria in Montesanto church in Rome.