Adonis (born Michael A. Smith, current legal name Adonis M. Smith; January 4, 1963) is a pioneering American acid house musician. Adonis is best known for his early Chicago house tracks "No Way Back" and "We're Rockin Down the House".
Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Adonis was introduced to music at a young age. He studied contemporary jazz at the American Conservatory of Music. Later on, he played bass guitar in several R&B bands and was eventually introduced to the house scene in Chicago through hearing Jesse Saunders' "On and On".
As Michael A. Smith, he was a member of the band Clockwork. They recorded "I'm Your Candy Girl" (1984), a post-disco boogie song.
In 1986, Adonis released "No Way Back", which is considered to be one of the most influential Chicago house tracks. The single, by estimate, sold over 100,000 copies and was selected as number 14 by on the 2014 Rolling Stone list of the 20 best Chicago house records.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played some tunes from Adonis between 1987 and 1988. However, he never played any further material from the musician beyond that.
Shows Played[]
- 13 April 1987: We're Rocking Down The House (v/a LP - The House Sound Of Chicago - Vol. II - Chicago Trax) London
- 15 November 1988: Acid Poke (12") Desire
- Jack Frost
- 06 September 1988: Clap Me (v/a 2xLP - House Hallucinates Pump Up London Volume One) Breakout