Don Crescendo, also known as Rodney Donovan Taylor, has passed away at the age of 28. On September 12, the Chicago police found Taylor and his neighbor James Traven with multiple stab wounds in a second-floor apartment on North Elston Avenue. Traven died shortly after arriving at Illinois Masonic Hospital, while Taylor followed three days later. Both deaths were homicides, but the police do not know the motive. It is uncertain whether the two stabbed each other or if a third party was present.
Don Crescendo was a prominent figure in Chicago’s queer community. The South Carolina-born artist hosted events such as Late Nite and The Hookup Party and debuted at The Lot last month. Taylor was a skilled producer, creating sultry house edits of Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, and others, in addition to his original material.
Taylor was highly regarded in Chicago’s queer nightlife scene, often deejaying at the Whistler, Smartbar, and other gay bars or clubs. He had a large social circle and enjoyed making new friends.
The community has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and family expenses, which has already raised $50,000 of its $75,000 target. “Donovan’s community spanned across the country, and he deeply loved growing roots in Chicago over the past few years,” said Alana Harris and Meredith Wohl, who created the fundraiser. “He left an indelible impression on everyone he met – as his musical alias Don Crescendo, as an unforgettable friend, and as a caring oldest son to his family.”
Don Crescendo’s – Rodney Donovan Taylor – funeral and family expenses have a GoFundMe page, which includes a donation section. Tibor Heskett authored this post as Mixmag’s Digital Intern, and he may be followed on Twitter
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