While there aren't any concrete details on what caused it, reports from Chicago are confirming that well-known house producer Andre Harris has passed away. If you're a fan of Cajual, you know his material; Mark Grant's huge 1997 mix CD A Taste of Cajual featured Harris' "Ain't It A Groove," and he was featured on Strut's recently-released Cajual compilation Only 4 U. The folks at 5 Magazine said they received the following statement, which came from Jeff Craven:

On behalf of myself, Roy Davis Jr, Mark Grant and the Harris family, it brings me great sorrow to officially announce that last week we lost a truly great spirit and wonderful artist Andre Harris.

We want to honor Andre’s musical and artistic legacy by informing his fans of this tragic news yet we also ask that the privacy of his family is respected during their time of grief. Andre had a long and distinguished career as both a DJ and producer appearing on labels such as Cajual, Estereo, Large and his own imprint Innate Soul over the last 20 years. The Harris family is making arrangements for a memorial service and we will announce those details shortly.

Andre always met his fans, friends and family with a trademark smile and enormous good will and encouragement. It is our hope that even in our sadness we celebrate his amazing life and career with the same kind of joy that Andre shared with all of us.

Sincerely,

-Jeff Craven

-Roy Davis Jr.

-Mark Grant

Wild that this news hits on the same day that Chicago is throwing their tribute party to Frankie Knuckles. In any case, get educated on Harris with this video from 5 Magazine's five-year anniversary project: