www.rebeccaortiz.com/hotmix5

While attending Columbia College, I worked as the music editor of the college's magazine
called,"Echo".

My first year as editor, I wanted to write about something that epitomized Chicago and
music...and since I was a huge fan of Chicago house music - it was only natural that the first
thing that came to mind was The Hot Mix 5!

Getting started was so hard because no one had ever written their story before, so it was up to
me to be the first. I was worried that no one would talk to me because the magazine was not
higher profile, and nobody knew who the hell I was. I was very pleasantly surprised to find
that EVERYONE, I encountered was very helpful and more than happy to be a part of the
project.

The research, and tracking everyone down took about 4 months to pull off. Trust me, I
personally did ALL the research, and heard a lot of GREAT personal stories from the guys (as
well as getting a chance to meet some of the greatest DJ's to ever live).

While some people may contest it, this was an unbiased compilation of what all the guys
universally had to say.

This by far was one of the most rewarding things I've ever had the chance to personally and
professionally do. It trips me out that I wrote it 10 years ago, and I still get e-mail from
people about it. It just goes to show you the power and affect music has on people.

The Hot Mix 5 were pioneers of Chicago house music . It was my honor and privilege to tell
their story

**This article has been legally copy written. The use of it, of any kind, must be approved by Rebecca Ortiz. Failure to do so will result in legal action.