TRAX Records, Marshall Jefferson, Screamin’ Rachael, Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley and many more feature in the new documentary I Was There When House Took Over the World.

The two-part documentary series is available to watch now on Channel 4’s online service All 4. While episode one (House Was Born) looks at how house music emerged from the US disco scene, part two (House Went Global) covers the growth of house music in Chicago, and how it began to take over the world.

Watch Part 2 of I Was There When House Took Over the World here.

The documentary intercuts stylish shots of Chicago cityscapes with archive footage from the 1980s and brand new interviews with house luminaries from the period. Among the interviewees are Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley and Chip E who both recall fondly borrowing Jesse Saunders’ equipment to make some of their earliest productions.

Also starring in the episode is Marshall Jefferson. The veteran DJ recounts the making of his seminal track ‘Move Your Body’, which he says was going for an Elton John vibe. When people told him a track with piano couldn’t be house music, Jefferson replied, “It is now.” Other killer quotes from Jefferson include: “All of them did records. I did entire genres. I don’t like patting myself on the back but I honestly do think I did that.”

TRAX founder Screamin’ Rachael makes an appearance, telling viewers all about how early TRAX releases were pressed on recycled records, leading to scratches and varying sound quality. As Marshall Jefferson say, “the music was so good people wouldn’t care what it was pressed on.”

Other DJ interviewees include Lori Branch and Craig Loftis, who educate the audience on jacking. DJ Pierre is along for the ride too, revealing that he created acid house on a secondhand 303 he bought for $40.

Needless to say, the documentary is a must-watch for any house fans.

Book DJ Pierre, Screamin’ Rachael, Marshall Jefferson, Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley or TRAX Records now to bring some classic Chicago house to your venue.