Friday, April 18, 2014 11:16am ET by  
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Elton John launches fund in honour of Frankie Knuckles

Sir Elton John has opened a charity fund named after the late Frankie Knuckles.

The 59-year-old, who was a pioneer of house music, passed away in late March.

'Tiny Dancer' star John has now confirmed that his Aids Foundation charity is teaming up with Judy Weinstein and Defmix Productions to create the Frankie Knuckles Fund.

The fund will receive donations to support men at high risk of HIV in Africa as well as African communities in the UK and African American communities in the US.

John commented: "Frankie was such a lovely man and a great talent and his legacy provides a powerful voice to reach out to people, particularly men of colour, about their essential role in helping to create an AIDS-free future."

Elton John Aids Foundation Executive Director Scott Campbell added: "Through the creation of this Fund, Frankie Knuckles’ music industry legacy will be transformed into a movement for health and empowerment in the black community.

"In the United States, black Americans represent only 13% of the population, but account for 46% of people living with HIV. Frankie’s name and image can help us reach into black communities with urgently needed information and services."

Watch Frankie Knuckles in action below: