Richard G. Grant, founder of the famous Soundfactory nightclub in New York City has died at age 71.

Soundfactory was a gay nightclub of the 90's that highlighted world famous DJ's including Junior Vasquez and Frankie Knuckles, and had an audience of more than just the gay scene. It was a people-positive place that attracted all walks of life, and produced world-class music. It defined the after-hours genre of nightclubs. Celebrities such as Madonna were regular visitors.

Music producer, writer and Wilton Manors resident Steven Feldman, along with former head of Junior Vasquez Music, Jerome Farley, were partners with Grant in Soundfactory Records, a Division of their company Continuous Cool Enterprises, LLC, which was involved in the recent resurrection of Soundfactory in New York City.

Feldman solemnly stated " Richard was about positivity, ingenuity, creativity and equality in all aspects of anything he was involved in. His events were always legendary and spectacular. His credo prevailed in all incarnations of Soundfactory and that was the framework for it's recent resurrection at the space known as AREA on 48th Street in New York City. Richard was a wonderful human being, a giving and creative soul, a positive force and shining example for anyone who knew him. Losing Richard is an immense blow to the Entertainment community, be it gay, straight or otherwise."