Chicago DJ Sam Chatman, Known as the Godfather of Steppin’, Dies at 85

Eunice Alpasan | October 22, 2026, 2:46 pm

Video: Sam Chatman discusses the history of steppin’ in an interview with WTTW News in early 2025. (Produced by Abena Bediako)

Chicago DJ Sam Chatman, known as the Godfather of Steppin’ who named the popular dance style, has died. He was 85.

Chatman unexpectedly passed away overnight, ABC7 reported Thursday. His family confirmed his death in a statement.

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Chicago DJ Sam Chatman (Provided)

The statement highlighted Chatman’s role in shaping, preserving and elevating a Chicago-born dance culture into a worldwide phenomenon through countless events, showcases and community gatherings.

“As an iconic DJ, Sam’s influence extended far beyond the turntables,” the statement said. “His mastery of music selection, rhythm, and storytelling created the soundtrack for generations of steppers, social dancers, and music lovers.”

“Beyond his technical skill, DJ Sam Chatman’s greatest contribution was cultural stewardship,” the statement continued. ”He was a bridge between generations, a teacher without a classroom, and a consistent force for unity, elegance, and pride within the Black community.”

Chicago steppin’ originated in the 1940s as a style of dancing called bopping, but evolved into steppin’ after Chatman noticed a friend breaking away from his partner and walking back toward her. Chatman then took to the mic and encouraged his friend to “step on.” Soon after, Chatman began printing the phrase on posters and flyers and it caught on quickly.

Chatman fell in love with music at an early age, but did not start DJing until his early 20s.

“People send me music from all over the country. I don’t know where that ear came from,” Chatman told WTTW News last year. “Back in the day classic steppers music like The Temptations, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, The Ebonys, those were the keys for me. But now you can have music with a little hip-hop flavor.”

His family described him as a devoted husband, father, son and brother and a proud West Sider.

Service details will be shared in the coming days, according to a family statement.