Alongside his brother, Rheji, Rhano Burrell helped define house music in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Ronald “Rhano” Burrell, the pioneering New York DJ and producer as part of the The Burrell Brothers, has died.
His brother Rheji broke the news on 3rd November via Instagram. In the caption, Rheji wrote simply: “For the very first time in my life…. I’m lost.”
In an Instagram post, Burrell’s wife, Lena Caprice Burrell, wrote: “Today my heart is heavy as I say goodbye to a man I shared 23 years of my life with 19 of those as husband and wife. Together we built a life, created countless memories, and raised our amazing daughter.
“During his final days, I’m grateful that we were able to share peace and understanding, and that he left this world surrounded by the ones he loved most.
Lena also shared a GoFundMe link to raise money “to help offset funeral costs and support his children’s future.”
As The Burrell Brothers, twins Rhano and Rheji Burrell were instrumental in defining the identity of NYC house music in the late 1980s and ‘90s, blending gospel-influenced styles with deep, soulful grooves. Around that time, they became a staple on the Nu Groove Records roster in the late ’80s, releasing under a variety of monikers, including K.A.T.O., Aphrodisiac, Equation, Tech-Trax Inc, Metro and N.Y. House’n Authority.
By the mid-’90s, the Queens-born pair started releasing music through other labels, eventually moving into R&B and pop, writing and producing for blockbuster acts like Aaliyah and Toni Braxton. However, in recent years, they had both largely stepped away from music.
In a tribute to Burrell, Nu Groove Records wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rhano Burrell, a true pioneer and one half of the legendary Burrell Brothers. Rhano helped shape the sound of Nu Groove and the foundation of New York house. His spirit and music will live on forever.”
