Legendary New York DJ, audiophile and The Loft founder David Mancuso has died, aged 72. One of the original pioneers of invitation-only parties, Mancuso would go on to influence some of the biggest clubs and nights in New York City including The Paradise Garage and Studio 54.

What originally began as intimate listening gatherings for friends, eventually transformed into loft parties that became not only a place to hear good music but a community. With the first party in February of 1970 dubbed ‘Love Saves The Day’, Mancuso drew a reputation for his expertise in sound quality with iconic DJ’s such as Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan being patrons of his parties.

David Mancuso was also instrumental in starting the first record pool alongside Vince Aletti and Steve D’Aquisto. Record pools would grow to be a seminal part of DJ culture, spanning various genres.

In a past ColoRising interview with Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy, she talked about the learning process with studying under and working with David Mancuso.

The cause of David Mancuso’s death is currently unknown.