The musical genius behind the iconic “Cha Cha Slide” — the ubiquitous turn-of-the-millennium dance hit played at celebrations and in gyms across the world DJ Casper, has died.

He died Monday after a long battle with cancer, his wife told ABC7 in Chicago.

DJ Casper was 58.

He was born Willie Perry Jr., a Chicago native who originally recorded his version of the “Cha Cha Slide” in the late 1990s as an aerobic exercise for his nephew, who was working as a personal trainer at Bally Total Fitness.

According to reports, Casper said the track quickly took off and he got requests to perform it at local clubs and parties.

“Cha Cha Slide” had done well on several worldwide music charts, and is certified platinum in the UK. It’s easily DJ Casper’s main claim to fame.

The song has since grown to be the main workout song for many globally.