Marshall Jefferson Releases 'House Masters' Compilation | Out Now

Defected welcomes one of Chicago House’s founding fathers, Marshall Jefferson, into the illustrious list of House Masters. An artist who has successfully navigated major cross-over success while retaining utmost respect from the inner circle of electronic music’s underground, Marshall has been behind countless seminal records over his five-decade career. This retrospective, 40-track compilation showcases this house pioneer's impressive and vast output, ranging from his most well-known solo records to major production credits, key remixes, and the underground gems still favored by selectors today.

“The music on this compilation is some of my best work, and I’m very proud. Hopefully, someone else will enjoy it too. It’s an honor to be a Defected House Master; it’s almost like being in a House Music Hall of Fame; some very talented people have come before me, and I hope I continue their legacy. These are my best songs, and I hope people can not only dance to them but also get inspiration.” – Marshall Jefferson

Cutting his teeth as a producer for Chicago’s Universal Recording Studios, Marshall was one of the most active DJs and producers on the Windy City’s music scene during the 1980s house music boom. Working under a plethora of aliases such as Virgo, Jungle Wonz, Truth, and On The House, as well as producing for names such as CeCe Rogers, Curtis McClain, and Evelyn "Champagne" King, the compilation opens with what is arguably Marshall’s most famous record, ‘Move Your Body’. The first recorded house track to use piano, it has remained a staple of dancefloors across the globe, with Solardo and Marshall’s rework (as heard on the compilation) only further cementing its legacy.

“Marshall Jefferson's impact on house music is immeasurable; from the beginning, his pioneering spirit and timeless sound have shaped the genre's very essence. This edition of House Masters is a testament to his unparalleled legacy, showcasing his greatest hits and productions that continue to resonate with dancefloors worldwide. This compilation is not just a celebration of Marshall's iconic career but a journey through the evolution of house music itself.” - Wez Saunders, CEO, Defected Records

Alongside the compilation's release, Defected has also produced an exclusive run of t-shirts in collaboration with Pointless Illustrations James, with the first designs celebrating Marshall’s biggest records.

A bona fide house music luminary, ‘Defected presents House Masters – Marshall Jefferson’ is an all-encompassing guide to his tremendous career. A trailblazer and genre-defining artist, Defected is honored to welcome Marshall into the House Masters Hall of Fame with this very special compilation.

Defected presents House Masters – Marshall Jefferson is out now via Defected