Jana Riley

Vince Lawrence, born in Chicago, Illinois, is a significant figure in the development of house music. He is recognized as a co-author of "On and On," widely considered the first official house music recording. Lawrence played a key role in establishing Jes Say Records, designing its logo and heading marketing, and penned lyrics for early chart-topping house tracks like "Funk U Now." His work on "Love Can't Turn Around" featuring Daryl Pandy was instrumental in launching the house music revolution in the UK. Lawrence also co-founded Trax Records, another influential Chicago house label.

Beyond his early contributions to house music, Lawrence founded Slang MusicGroup, which has achieved critical and commercial success, earning multiple gold and platinum awards. The company has produced and remixed music for a wide range of artists, including major figures like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé, and has become a hub for electronic music creators. Lawrence also spearheaded the development of the "Chicago Fire: A Dance Music Anthology" in collaboration with Sony Acid, aiming to make music creation more accessible and bring house music into the mainstream.

Vince Lawrence's early life exposed him to the music industry through his father's work with Curtom Records. An early experience on tour with funk artist Captain Sky, witnessing a keyboardist, sparked his interest in synthesizers. He funded his initial equipment purchases through various jobs, including a stint as an usher during the infamous Disco Demolition Night. After a legal settlement from a hate crime incident, he acquired his first synthesizer. In his teens, he formed the band Z Factor, releasing their first record in 1982. His involvement with The Playground teen club led to a pivotal meeting with DJs Jesse Saunders and Farley Keith. Lawrence's idea to record the music played at the club resulted in the creation of "On and On," a landmark track in house music history.

Following the success of "On and On," Lawrence collaborated with Saunders and Duane Buford to release records, initially selling them at The Playground and later through stores like Imports Etc. This period saw the creation of numerous songs, some released on his father's Mitchbal label and others on Jes Say Records, which featured Lawrence's handwritten logo. His dealings with Larry Sherman of Precision Records led to the formation of Trax Records, a label established through a profit-sharing agreement. Lawrence actively promoted Chicago house music in other cities, including Detroit and New York, building relationships with record shops and DJs. This expansion strategy inspired other artists to collaborate and release their own music, contributing to the burgeoning house music scene.

After nurturing talent at Trax Records, Vince Lawrence established Slang MusicGroup. Transitioning from artist and producer to entrepreneur and marketer, he has positioned Slang MusicGroup as a significant force in pop culture. The company is involved in creating original and remix music for diverse platforms, including gaming and television, alongside developing innovative advertising campaigns. Slang MusicGroup has garnered numerous RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications for its contributions and has worked with a wide array of prominent artists. Lawrence also played a key role in developing the "Chicago Fire: A Dance Music Anthology" with Sony Acid, a project designed to simplify electronic music production and encourage a new generation of artists and fans, aiming to elevate house music from underground status to mainstream recognition.