Daniel Lee Wherrett, the pioneering DJ and producer known to the world as DJ Dan, whose infectious 'West Coast House' sound transformed the American rave scene into a global movement, died on March 28, 2026, at the age of 57.

Born in Lacey, Washington, Wherrett found his rhythm of evolution during a time when the Pacific Northwest was defined by grunge. While rock bands dominated the mainstream, he sought a different kind of rebellion inside clubs like The Underground in Seattle, where he discovered electronic dance music in the late 1980s, according to 5 Magazine. He was not merely interested in playing records. Wherrett studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Seattle and later in Los Angeles, a crucial detail noted by Resident Advisor that explained the distinct aesthetic he brought to the decks. He fused the gritty Seattle underground with Los Angeles high-energy flair to craft his signature style before committing fully to a music career.

The heart of his influence began beating in 1993 when he co-founded the Funky Tekno Tribe collective in San Francisco. This group became instrumental in defining the West Coast House sound, building an electric and soulful atmosphere that captivated audiences. The sheer physical impact of his music became undeniable with the 1995 release of "Loose Caboose." Released under the name Electroliners with collaborator Jim Hopkins, the track became a seminal anthem of the breakbeat era.

Wherrett approached his craft as an architect of a specific kind of joy. "I felt my purpose in life was to heal through music," he once explained. This healing energy translated into massive commercial success for an underground record when his 1999 single "That Zipper Track" sold over 100,000 copies on vinyl worldwide. Maintaining his independent spirit, he founded his own record label, InStereo Recordings, in 2001. The label served as a platform for his own releases and a vital space for mentoring emerging house artists.

His standing in the industry reached new heights when DJ Mag named him the number one House DJ in the world in 2006, while URB Magazine frequently cited him as America's Favorite DJ. Showcasing his remarkable range, Wherrett produced high-profile remixes for major pop and rock artists. He brought his underground sensibilities to mainstream hits, remixing Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi," Janet Jackson's "Make Me," Depeche Mode's "Precious," and tracks by New Order.

Wherrett passed away on the night of March 28, 2026, after failing to appear for a scheduled headlining performance at the Dead Ringer Analog Bar in Reno, Nevada. Apt Entertainment handled the announcement of his death with dignity, stating, "It is with profound sorrow, deep admiration, and an enduring sense of gratitude and love that we announce the passing of Daniel Wherrett... one of the most beloved, genre-defying, and genuinely influential pioneers in the history of American electronic music." His standing among his peers was evident in the heartache shared by longtime collaborator Steve Loria, who remarked, "Crushed to see another loss of a great friend, brother, an OG fellow DJ. I have no words. Just heartache. This one cuts deep."

His legacy rested in the enduring pulse of the dance floors he commanded. He took the raw, mechanical beats of early electronic music and infused them with a deeply human groove, creating spaces where outcasts and club kids alike found sanctuary. By bridging the gap between underground rebellion and global celebration, he built a lasting architecture of rhythm that forever changed the landscape of American dance music.