Chicago, Illinois – On September 25, 2023, the music community mourned the loss of Teresa K. Bristol, known by her stage name Teri Bristol, a pioneering DJ from Chicago. She was a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of DJing, paving the way for countless female DJs who followed.
Born on December 26, 1956, Teri Bristol was a beloved figure in the Chicago nightlife scene. Her influence was not only felt through her exceptional DJ sets but also through her enduring kindness, generosity, and love for her fans and friends. She had a unique ability to connect with people through the music she played, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
Chicago based DJ Teri Bristol
Jenny LaPorte shared Teri Bristol’s death news and wrote,
“It warms my heart ♥️ in ways that words could not possibly encompass to see such an overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers (of all practices) and sincere and genuine care and concern for Chicago’s (and Tennessee’s) immensely beloved, Teri Bristol.While it is not my place to say where she is in her battle with kidney failure, I can say this.YOUR love for her, your memories, your thoughts, your prayers, your intentions, your hearts, YOU do matter. YOU matter to Teri. YOU matter to her family.More than anything, Teri would want each and every one of you to know that, and to know that she loves you all with the MOST golden and most PURE heart I’ve ever known.Please continue to keep her in your thoughts, your hearts ❤️ and your prayers during a very difficult time. In the spirit of kindness, of love, of family and of community, please feel free to share love or a favorite memory here, with one another, to a family member, to a friend, in your own mind or as you feel appropriate.”
Ali Rothbaum Sintic paid tribute and said,
“I woke up this morning to the news that Teri Bristol had passed. Her best friend Valerie Schein had been keeping me updated on her health for the last several days: she was by her side all weekend. I checked in on her a few times a day and was still devastated to hear the news this morning. The love and friendship that these two had for each other is extraordinary and rare: Val has been our Nanny for the last 3 years and is now a part of our family. I feel like I lost a family member today. The outpouring of love and tributes is like nothing I have ever seen before: my feed is just FILLED with pictures of her beautiful face. The world was dark today with her loss but the sun shined and it became warm this afternoon. I knew that it meant Teri is finally at peace after a painful battle that she just didn’t deserve to bear. So many people loved her – and her light is shining down on all of us now. 💜🙏💜 if you are a mutual friend please make this profile picture yours to show her how loved and special she truly is 💜💜”
Despite battling kidney failure, Teri Bristol continued to share her passion for music and DJing. She faced her health challenges with immense courage and willpower, exemplifying resilience and determination. She had been a candidate for a kidney transplant for several years, and despite undergoing daily dialysis and medical procedures, she remained committed to her craft.
Teri Bristol’s performances at iconic Chicago venues like Crobar, Medusa’s, and Smartbar were legendary. She collaborated with fellow DJ Psyco-Bitch, staging unforgettable events that left a lasting impression on the club scene. Her sets were a mix of energy, creativity, and an undeniable love for music that inspired fans and fellow DJs alike.
For those who had the privilege of witnessing Teri Bristol’s performances, her music was a direct line from her heart to theirs. She was more than a DJ; she was a beacon of love, compassion, and inspiration, leaving a mark that transcended the confines of a nightclub.
A GoFundMe page is setup to raise funds by Valerie Scheinpflug with title “Teri Bristol – DJ Teri Bristol“. It is having aim to raise $9,500. It is stated on page:
“Born on December 26, 1956, Teresa K Bristol (AKA Teri Bristol) entered this world as a gift.Embraced by the love of her family and surrounded by your prayers, your heartfelt blessings, your well wishes and your love, she took her final breath at 11:36 pm last night and was undoubtedly escorted by loved ones lost to the main stage in Heaven.After a lifetime of kindness, of giving, of sharing, of courage, of inspiration, of happiness, of sincerity, of strength, of compassion, of selflessness, and of pure love – she has returned to her maker’s open arms – having left the very best parts of herself in each of us.To know her was to know that the turntables were simply a conduit, a direct line, from her heart ♥️ into each of ours.Keep her close always.The family was just made aware that her life policy was cancelled when she went on disability. This will help with her final expenses and any additional funds will go towards unpaid medical bills and her celebration of life – time and date to be determined.”
As the world remembers Teri Bristol and her immense contributions to the music industry and nightlife culture, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Her impact continues to reverberate, inspiring a new generation of DJs and dance music enthusiasts to follow their passion and embrace the power of music.
