Marshall Jefferson 'Move Your Body' | The Making Of A House Classic

Marshall Jefferson shares the story behind one of house music’s most treasured tracks, ‘Move Your Body’.

Jefferson takes us back to 1985, when he was working at a postal office in Chicago, and explains “the song just came to me”. He adds that the track took just 15 minutes to make, with his friend Curtis McLain adding vocals on the same day that the instrumental was recorded.

Despite early support from Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan, as cassettes of ‘Move Your Body’ were shared from club to club, Marshall had initial issues persuading Trax Records boss, Larry Sherman, to press the track. The track was eventually released in 1986 and almost 40 years on its legacy is as strong ever.

Electronic music history is rich with unforgettable and timeless classics. In our series, DJ Mag explores the tales behind some of the world's favourite dance tracks, told by the people that made them.

Explore more stories of the biggest tracks in dance music below.

#djmag #housemusic

[jackmono]

I love how the animation of flying to Chicago shows the plane flying to Canada. lol

[XSTEALTHTWINTURBOX]

I don't know how people in the '70s '80s 90s did it when they made a number one hit and then never got paid for it or recognition properly. I'd go nuts.

[keigh]

None of these comments are mentioning how this legend got ripped off! Why is he STILL FIGHTING for the rights to his song, 40 years later?!

[trucker-zvnh]

damn , someone needs to pay this guy something for creating this anthem

[Connie_]

He deserves his flowers like I cannot stand, how people who bring in a culture that still to this day, is the sh*t don’t get what is owed to them 👀👀.

[jameslaraye]

Heard this for the first time in London in the 80’s. Loved it then and I still play it on vinyl today. One of the best house tracks ever produced – period. Pay the man his dues.

[anneflank]

Disgusting that you never got paid for this absolute classic, hope you get the rights back mate ! Thank for this legendary piece of music

[tcnology]

Ultimate Classic House .. still moves my body today.. gotta play this when i need real House. I Dj'd in clubs from 1991 - til late 90s... I spun hip hop, reggae, drum n bass, and House, Trance to but man this Marshall Jefferson track was the Ultimate

[ShammyDeep]

Easily the greatest club song ever created imo. Timeless classic that will always work on the dance floor!

[sbhawanie]

One of the hardest house hits ever. Period.

[Mark]

This record changed how the world listened to music. Big tune 👍

[scartissue]

Loved hearing the stories regarding Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan. Such an inspiring music scene that I wish I could have experienced, atleast we still have the music.

[GioColorado]

It's not just your song, Mr. Marshall. It's the song of a generation, and we thank you. Hope you get the proper rights and the money you deserve for it soon.
Thanks for the vid DJ Mag 🙌

[charliesilverman]

When business meets art, well you know the rest. This guy has a beautiful Soul.

[zeninvites]

lol i like his story. straight to business.
"my coworker took me to a club and it was on and popping ever since, i started producing the next day"

[djdjdj-nf]

Most humble down to earth guy ever, true pioneer of the game, They need to add to the title of these classic tracks 'also never received a penny' so many have been ripped off it is shocking, House Music All Day long

[mrwillc]

Finally got a face with the name, thanks Mr. Jefferson you are a living legend.

[margaritacortes]

Much love for creating this anthem. House Music All Life Long.

[RonnieS-T]

One of my all time favorite house music tracks! Can you imagine standing still when this comes on? Impossible!

[LithaJones-tdjx]

I remember when this song came out I was in highschool we had dances in the gym when this song came out the floor was PACKED!!! You are a legend