Craig Loftis

Craig Loftis, aka Grand High Priest, has been in the Chicago music scene since 1979. He first came on the scene as a party promoter, starting what was to become one of Chicago’s most successful social clubs…VERTIGO.

In 1981, after having problems booking DJ's, he became a DJ himself, and that is how it all began. Realizing that Music was his true gift from God, he decided to take it further by attending the Columbia College in Chicago where he received a degree in Art and Entertainment Management and Sound Engineering.

In 1983, he redesigned the lighting and sound system for 2 clubs owned by Jim Flint, The Baton Show Lounge and the Re Doubt. During this time Craig was also working very closely with the ‘Godfather of House’, Frankie Knuckle at the PowerPlant where Craig was Frankie’s personal sound engineer and opening DJ. Craig and Frankie worked on the development of Frankie’s production company PowerPlant LTD along with various remixes of existing songs.

When Frankie decided to leave Chicago in 1988, Craig was offered the position as chief engineer in charge of production for DJ International Records where he remained for the next eight years. In that time Craig engineered, mixed and produced songs for Fast Eddie, Tyree Cooper, Julian Perez, Badboy Bill, Frankie Hollywood Rodriguez, Joe Smooth, Sterling Viod, Paris Brightledge and Mike Dunn just to name a few. In 2000 Craig‘s career moved forward as strong as every, he started a new promotion company, Loftwerk Productions and is responsible for some of the hottest party’s in Chicago. Loftwerk Productions Has worked with such artist as Loleatta Holloway .Ava Cherry, Sharon Pass, Darryl Pandy, Byron Stingley, Rochelle Flemming, Georgy Porgy and Martha Wash.

It was at that time he became a member of the Slang Music Group a remixing company based in Chicago. During his time with Slang, Craig has done mixes on such artist as Pink, Kelly Price, Sisco, R-Kelly, Ruff Endz, Backstreet boys and Whitney Houston. Craig’s also an active member of The Nu Bang Clan a collection of DJ’s who have aligned themselves under one accord, to bring the world the best new music that the club/underground community has to offer.

Email: grandhighpriest@aol.com