Francis Grasso

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Francis Grasso (25.3.1948^[1]-20.3.2001^[2]) was an American disc jockey from New York City, best known for inventing the technique of slip-cueing and later beatmatching which is the foundation of the modern club DJ's technique. Francis started his DJ career in 1967 at a New York City nightclub called Salvation II. When the primary DJ Terry Noel failed to show up on time, the owners offered Francis the job. It was there and at subsequent New York City clubs such as Tarots and his most famous nightclub, Sanctuary (featured in the movie Klute) where Francis perfected his craft. Though he died in March of 2001, the skills and techniques he pioneered remain the foundation of what is heard in a modern nightclub.

1. ^ Mail by Bill Brewster
2. ^ Obituary from the New York Times, Sunday April 8th, 2001