Cevin Fisher, the House DJ Behind 'The Freaks Come Out,' Dies at 63

Cevin Fisher got his start spinning records in his father's bar in East Orange, New Jersey. By 17, he'd landed his first residency at the legendary Club Zanzibar, the same New Jersey venue that helped launch the careers of fellow house DJs Kerri Chandler and Tony Humphries. He died from cancer on October 29, 2026, at the age of 63.

From Studio Engineer to Chart-Topping Remixer

Fisher later moved to New York, where he worked as an engineer at Arthur Baker's Shakedown Studio and with Motown. During that stretch, he remixed Chaka Khan and Quincy Jones, including a take on 'I'll Be Good to You' that hit number one on the US Billboard Dance Chart.

It was a conversation with Danny Tenaglia, one of his heroes, that encouraged Fisher to pursue production in his own right. He went on to release across Nite Grooves, Groovilicious, Subversive and Tommy Boy.

'The Freaks Come Out' and the Hits That Followed

Fisher's breakthrough came at the end of the 1990s with 'The Freaks Come Out,' released under his Big Freak alias. The track became one of the defining club records of its era, alongside 1999's '(You Got Me) Burnin' Up,' with both singles crossing over into the UK charts. Between October 1998 and February 2001, Fisher landed five entries in the UK top 75, including 'It's a Good Life,' featuring Ramona Keller, which reached number 54 in 2001. Other singles from the same run, 'The Way We Used To' and 'Music Saved My Life,' both charted in the UK in 1999. He released a full-length album, 'Underground 2000,' that same stretch, and charted again in 2004 with 'Magic' / 'Touch My Body Up.'

He spent the following decades working with producers including D. Ramirez, Prok & Fitch, David Morales, Jack Back, Layo & Bushwacka and Seamus Haji. His music appeared on labels including Strictly Rhythm, Big Love, Olmeto, Nettwerk, Nervous, Toolroom and Glasgow Underground. More recently, he teamed up with Tenaglia for 'Move That Body' and put out 'Feeling All The Pressure' and 'Everyday' on Jack Said What.

Tributes From the House Music World

Fisher's family confirmed his death in a statement that described him as an "internationally acclaimed DJ" leaving behind "four decades of music, a global following, and an enduring legacy in house music." They also remembered him for his kindness and sense of humor: "He loved making people laugh."

Tributes followed from across the scene. Louie Vega called him "so kind, humble and super talented." Toolroom founder Mark Knight remembered him as "one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met." Ultra Naté sent her condolences to his family and friends.

Fisher was born Kevin Fisher on October 26, 1963, in East Orange, New Jersey.