32 - DISCO
For the first sixty years of the century, social dancing for the most part was executed partner style. However, by the early 1960's, with the emergence of the twist and several other highly energetic dance styles, partners seldom touched. Contact occurred only during slow numbers. Then by the end of the 1960's, heavy rock dominated the charts and dancing had lost its power except in the black and Latino communities. White kids were sitting down, spending more time watching concerts rather than participating.
By the mid 1970's, with the end of the war in Vietnam, the baby boomers and the flower children were going mainstream and becoming the "me generation." Sixties ideals were abandoned for hedonism. Status was the new name of the game. Clothing became less casual and the overall look was upscale. Faded denim bellbottoms gave way to designer jeans. Unkempt hair was coiffed into highly styled cuts. Fashion was important regardless of expense.
Dancing started to make a comeback. Big city clubs began featuring DJ's spinning specially mixed recordings dominated by emphasized beat tracks. Originally homemade recordings, the trend caught on so quickly that record companies responded with extended dance mixes marketed via big singles. Almost immediately, the most important factor on the social scene was once again dancing.
In Hispanic clubs, hip young Latinos had created an exotic new dance called the hustle where the partners actually touched. It also became immediately popular in the underground gay bars. The idea of dancing touch-style with a partner even when the music was up-tempo became a novelty. Another new dance called the bus stop, executed in line formation took hold and a whole new crop of dance fads began. Each area developed its own particular styles and local dance competitions became the rage.
Disco dancing was simply a resurgence of the ballroom phenomenon of the early part of the century and the non stop discotheque dancing of the mid 1960's. The trend was clearly a revolt against the heavy music scene.
Earlier Latin ballroom dance trends such as the tango, the mambo, the rumba, the conga and the cha-cha had come from south of the border, but the hustle was the very first Latin dance indigenous to North America. It first cropped up in the blue collar district on the northern border of Manhattan's upper east side called El Barrio. It was a graceful sexy dance based on a refined lindy and featuring distinct Latin movements. The music which spawned the hustle was salsa (which in its purest form, enjoyed a brief period of commercial popularity in the 1980's). The hustle soon became the rage. Van McCoy quickly released a dance recording titled "The Hustle," giving it a recognizable theme. Numerous variations on the dance followed along with several other disco dance crazes such as the bus stop and the bump (a dance executed by bumping derrieres).
Unlike the discotheques of the previous decade, the new discos featured recorded music only. Elaborate sound equipment and spectacular lighting systems were utilized. The mirrored crystal balls once associated with the great dance palaces of the 1920's made a comeback and trendsetting clubs became elegant and glamourous in decor. Dress codes came into effect. Looks were extremely important and everyone wanted to make the scene. There were waiting lines at club entrances, patrolled by doormen who had the power to select patrons according to their status, appearance, uniqueness and dancing ability. The clientele was expected to be as cool as the reputation of the club. In the larger more elite venues, celebrities were often in attendance. The most famous of all the clubs were Regine's in Paris and Studio 54 in New York City. The latter, situated on West 54th Street opened to grand fanfare in April, 1977. "Get up and boogie" became the new catch phrase of the day. TV's "American Bandstand" regained its popularity for a brief moment and "Soul Train" emerged as the major showcase for black dance music. Choreographer/dancer Denny Terrio hosted a weekly TV dance competition called "Dance Fever."
Instructors in dance studios worked full time to accommodate the growing number of aspiring discophiles. All ages participated. Old smoothies danced defiantly next to the young. That particular factor alone predicted eventual doom for disco. Any form of music which is accessible to the older generation is immediately scorned by the young.
- A big thumping bass drum sound, emphasizing the 4/4 beat. Everything else, melody and lyrics were secondary to the beat. Even white kids could dance to it.
- Vocals were reduced to sparse catchy repetitive themes although there were exceptions. Lyrics were generally concerned with dancing and the current social scene.
- Slick brass and string sections were often incorporated, sometimes in the reworkings of well known standards.
- The music was non-stop, each piece expertly blended onto the previous selection.
An innovative black dance troupe called The Lockers, sometimes with the assistance of choreographer/dancer/singer/actress Toni Basil invented and promoted an athletic dance form featuring street level posturings and outlandish gymnastics. Originally termed "shuckin' and jivin'," it later developed and surfaced as breakdancing. The free form routines included strenuous leaps, kicks and gyrations and a curious back-spinning motion executed while lying on the floor. Later, these dances served as a partial basis for the more stylized dancing performed to hip-hop, rap and house music.
The disco explosion reached its dizzying peak in popularity with the success of the 1977 film, "Saturday Night Fever" starring John Travolta and featuring the music of The Bee Gees. The film rejuvenated The Bee Gees' sagging career and made disco a household word. By Jan., 1979, the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack album had topped the 25 million mark in sales. Other such films followed including the much maligned "Thank God It's Friday" starring disco diva Donna Summer and The Commodores. Soon, everyone was jumping on the disco bandwagon. Established entertainers like Charo, Ann-Margret and even the unstoppable Ethel Merman began cutting dance recordings. Ultimately anything set to the relentless bottom-heavy drum sound was labelled disco. The new extended 12" dance singles, previously designed exclusively for disc jockey use were released domestically.
Rock fans hated disco with a passion, citing its plasticity, a shallow platform based on money, social status and looks. For anyone listening rather than dancing, the music often seemed colourless, one recording quite indistinguishable from another. Most rock enthusiasts had aligned themselves with heavy metal, progressive rock or the new rebellious punk movement. Consequently, disco became somewhat a dirty word, immediately reviled in rock circles. Anti-disco sentiment was rampant, as heard in The Incinerators' "Disco's In The Garbage"(Jan., 1980). T-shirts hit the market bearing the slogan, "Disco Sucks" and discophiles became known as "disco ducks." Several rallies were organized where disco records were ceremonially burned.
Strangely enough, although the term disco was eventually terminated, the music style resurfaced full force in the 1980's after all of the hostilities had died down. The so-called dance music of the 1980's and 1990's was nothing more than glorified high tech disco sans the appellation.
As a point of interest, disco's fate was permanently sealed on Jan. 18, 1980, when Studio 54 owners Steve Rubell (d.1989) and Ian Schrager were fined $20,000 and sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for income tax evasion. Some claim the day disco died was when Studio 54 lost its directors.
Punk rock as a trend ran precariously parallel to disco, mainly as a defiant reaction to its sterility, later merging with dance music giving birth to new wave, techno-pop and several other alternative styles. Dance music, including rap, house, hip-hop and hi-energy has flourished well into the nineties as a dominant music force.
The popularity of disco was the undeniable proof that the public loved to dance, and if any music form, bad or good is expected to survive commercially, it must indeed be danceable. The disco era did produce many excellent recordings. However, the majority of the music was neither as creative nor exciting as the scene it generated.
In 1987, an attempt of sorts to re-establish disco came with the brief yet startling success of the movie, "Dirty Dancing" and its accompanying hype. This time around, retro dance music from the early 1960's was glamourized with a new, sexy, partner style of dance. Dirty dancing's charm was short lived, the public's interest remaining steadfastly in the present. Another fad which quickly fizzled out was salsa dancing, remaining firmly entrenched in the Latin community where it originated.
- During the late 1960's and early 1970's, this extremely popular group single-handedly kept dance music alive.
- Ten years too soon, the band was one of the earliest precursors of disco (see The Summers Of Love).
- Sylvia Robinson (Sylvia Vanderpool) (May 6, 1936 – )
- Singer/songwriter/producer/engineer from New York City.
- 1950 - First recorded with Hot Lips Page on Columbia as Little Sylvia.
- During the late 1950's and early 1960's, she was one half of the Mickey & Sylvia duo. Their biggest hit was "Love Is Strange" (Jan., 1957)#11.
- Married Joe Robinson who owned the All-Platinum/Vibration Record Company, later known as Sugarhill. Their son became the leader of the rap group West Street Mob.
- March, 1973 - Her #3 hit recording of "Pillow Talk" triggered an interest in stylized dance tracks. She had written the number for Al Green who had turned it down as being too effeminate.
- In the late 1970's, began producing. (see Rap - The Sugarhill Gang).
- Hits include "Didn't I"(July, 1973)#70 and "Sho Nuff Boogie (Part I)"(June, 1974)#80.
- June, 1973 - His instrumental recording, "Soul Makossa" became a major dance record breakthrough, peaking at #35 (see Funk And The New R&B).
- (Sept. 7, 1949 – )
- Singer born in Newark, New Jersey.
- Worked originally as a beautician.
- 1965 - Released an unsuccessful single on Johnny Nash's Jocinda label.
- 1967-1971 - Sang with The Soul Satisfiers.
- 1973 - Her initial club hit, "Honey Bee" is considered by many to be the very first disco record.
- Gaynor became the premier female disco artist prior to the emergence of Donna Summer.
- 1975 - Crowned Queen Of The Discos by The National Association Of Discotheque Disc Jockeys.
- 1979 - Married her manager, Linwood Simon.
- After the death of disco, performed extensively in Europe.
- In the 1990's, modelled as a full-figured model.
- Hits include "Never Can Say Goodbye"(Nov., 1974)#9, the Grammy Award winning "I Will Survive"(Dec., 1978)#1-3 wks., #1 UK, and "I Am What I Am"(1983) (from "La Cage Aux Folles").
- 1969 - Vocal trio formed in Los Angeles, California.
- Consisting of St. Clair Lee (Bernard St. Clair Lee Calhoun Henderson) (April 24, 1943 – ), Flemming Williams and female vocalist Hubert Ann Kelley (April 24, 1947 – ).
- 1973 - Williams was replaced by Tommy Brown (ex-Just Us) and later by Karl Russell (April 10, 1947 – ).
- May, 1974 - Their catchy recording of "Rock The Boat" went to #1.
- After the hits dried up, the group continued as a nightclub act.
- Hits include "Freedom For The Stallion"(Aug., 1973)#63 and "Rockin' Soul"(Oct., 1974).
- (Oct. 19, 1944 - Jan. 24, 1986)
- Singer born in West Palm Beach, Florida.
- His first group was The Fabulous Stepbrothers, followed by The Jets.
- Performed briefly with Atsugi Express.
- 1969 - Recorded with his wife, singer Gwen McCrae who he also managed.
- June, 1974 - His recording of "Rock Your Baby" went #1-2 wks., establishing a definite interest in dance music. The song was written by KC Casey of KC & The Sunshine Band and Rick Finch.
- Later retired with his family to West Palm Beach, Florida.
- Hits include "I Can't Leave You Alone"(Oct., 1974)#50 and "I Get Lifted"(Jan., 1975)#37.
- (Dec. 21, 1943 – )
- Singer born in Pensacola, Florida.
- Wife of her manager, singer George McCrae.
- 1969 - Recorded with George McCrae for Alston.
- Later retired with her family to West Palm Beach, Florida.
- May, 1975 - Her recording of "Rockin' Chair" went to #9.
- (Jan. 6, 1944 - July 6, 1979)
- Pianist/singer/songwriter/arranger/producer born in Washington, D.C.
- 1956 - Age 12, began composing.
- 1960 - Formed his own Rock 'N label with his uncle.
- 1961-1964 - A&R man/staff producer for Scepter/Wand Records.
- 1962 - Worked as an arranger for songwriters Leiber & Stoller.
- Songwriting credits include "Baby I'm Yours" (Barbara Lewis), "Giving Up" (Gladys Knight & The Pips) and "When You're Young And In Love" (Ruby & The Romantics).
- Produced recordings by The Shirelles, Gladys Knight & The Pips and The Stylistics.
- 1967 - Formed his own publishing/production company.
- April, 1975 - His recording of "The Hustle" went to #1 and triggered mass interest in the dance fad. It won the Best Pop Instrumental Grammy Award.
- 1977 - Composed the soundtrack music for the Mae West flick, "Sextette."
- July 6, 1979 - Died of a heart attack in Englewood, New Jersey.
- Hits include "Change With the Times"(Oct., 1975)#46 and "Party" (Aug., 1976)#69.
- 1975 - Disco styled orchestra conducted by Philadelphia producer/ arranger Vincent Montana Jr.
- Singers included Phyllis Rhodes, Ronni Tyson, Philip Hurt and Carl Helm.
- For the most part, their instrumental hits followed the basic pattern of rehashing old favourites and setting them to a disco beat. The formula set a precedence for many other disco artists.
- The unit became famous for their series of Christmas and New Year's recordings.
- Hits include "Salsoul Hustle"(Sept., 1975)#76, "Tangerine"(Jan., 1976)#18 and "Nice 'N' Nasty"(Sept., 1976)#30.
- Biddu
- Songwriter/producer born in Bangalore, Southern India.
- In the mid 1960's, moved to England, later meeting Carl Douglas. He later produced Douglas's hit, "Kung Fu Fighting"(1974).
- 1975 - Formed a disco styled orchestra famous for reworking show tunes and assorted oldies.
- Hits include "Summer Of '42"(Oct., 1975)#57 and "I Could Have Danced All Night"(Jan., 1976)#72.
In 1964, songwriter/musician/producers Kenny Gamble (1941 – ) and Leon Huff formed a group called The Romeos, having little success. Then in 1967, they once again joined forces, initially making a name for themselves as producers working with soul singer Jerry Butler. In 1971, they formed their own company, Philadelphia International. And by 1974, it was second only to Motown as the top black enterprise in North America. In fact, Gamble & Huff had adapted the basic Motown hitmaking formula and given it a new streamlined seventies treatment by incorporating elaborate orchestrations and a funkier, more contemporary rhythm track. The resulting glossy sophisticated style dominated by the arrangements of Thom Bell came to be considered the definitive sound of Philadelphia, serving as an exemplary pattern for many of the disco recordings of the mid to late 1970's. Artists such as The Three Degrees, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes and The O'Jays benefitted greatly from the slick Gamble & Huff production, although it was continually dismissed by critics as creampuff soul.
- 1954 - Soul quintet formed in Philadelphia as The Blue Notes.
- Consisting of Harold Melvin (June 25, 1939 - March 24, 1997), Bernard Williams, Franklin Peaker, Jesse Gillis Jr. and Roosevelt Brodie.
- 1956 - Recorded their first disc, "If You Love Me" on Josie Records.
- Oct., 1960 - Their recording of "My Hero" went to #19 R&B, #78.
- Success eluded the group until singer/drummer Teddy Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – ) joined in 1970.
- 1971 - Signed to Gamble & Huff's new Philadelphia International label.
- 1976 - Pendergrass went solo (see Funk And The New R&B), replaced by singer David Ebo.
- March 24, 1997 - Melvin died of a stroke in Philadelphia.
- Hits include "If You Don't Know Me By Now"(Sept., 1972)#3, "The Love I Lost (Part 1)"(Sept., 1973)#7, "Bad Luck (Part 1)"(March, 1975)#15 and "Wake Up Everybody (Part 1)"(Nov., 1975)#12.
- Large interracial studio orchestra evolving originally from Gamble & Huff's group The Romeos.
- The project was overseen by producers Gamble & Huff and arranger Thom Bell.
- Their name was derived from Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers.
- They were the house band for Philadelphia International, also recording as The James Boys and Family.
- March, 1974 - Their recording of "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)," featuring vocals by The Three Degrees went to #1- 2 wks. The song was also used as the theme for the Don Cornelius TV dance program, "Soul Train."
- Mid 1960's - Female vocal trio formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Consisting of Fayette Pinkney, Linda Turner and Shirley Porter.
- 1965 - Porter and Turner replaced by Sheila Ferguson and Valerie Holiday.
- Managed by songwriter/producer Richard Barrett.
- 1974 - Signed with Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International.
- Considered to be The Prince Of Wales' favourite group.
- Hits include "TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)"(March, 1974)#1-2 wks. (with MFSB), "When Will I See You Again"(Sept., 1974)#2 and "My Simple Heart"(1979).
THE BEE GEES
KOOL AND THE GANG
- (Dec. 29, 1951 – )
- Singer/actress born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- 1970 - Age 19, moved to London, England.
- 1970 - Discovered by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice while singing at The Pheasantry in Kings Road, Chelsea.
- 1970 - Appeared on the original concept album version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and starred in both the stage (1971) and film (1973) versions of the rock opera. Andrew Lloyd Webber called her the definitive Mary Magdalene.
- 1974 - Toured and recorded with Eric Clapton.
- 1975 - Released the "Rising Sun" album.
- Hits include "I Don't Know How To Love Him"(April, 1971)#28, "Love Me"(Oct., 1976)#14, "If I Can't Have You"(Jan., 1978)#1 and "Love Pains"(Oct., 1979)#34.
- Disco vocal quintet from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Consisting of Jimmy Ellis (lead tenor), Earl Young (bass), Harold "Doc" Wade (tenor), Stanley Wade (tenor) and Robert Upchurch (baritone).
- Instrumentalists included lead guitarist Dennis Harris, drummer Michael Thompson, drummer Ed Young, keyboardist Ron Kersey, keyboardist John Hart, saxophonist John Davis, trombonist Fred Jointer, trumpeter Roger Stevens and bassist Stan Wade.
- The early 1970's - Signed with Buddah Records.
- Formed their own Golden Fleece label, distributed by Gamble & Huff.
- Hits include "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart"(July, 1972)#64, "That's Where The Happy People Go"(April, 1976)#27 and "Disco Inferno"(March, 1977)#11.
- (Sept. 12, 1944 – )
- Singer/songwriter/keyboardist/arranger/producer/bandleader born in Galveston, Texas.
- Raised in Los Angeles, California.
- 1960 - Sang bass with The Upfronts vocal group.
- 1961 - Arranger for Rampart Records and recording as Lee Barry.
- 1963 - Formed The Atlantics, later forming The Majestics with Carl Carlton.
- 1966-1967 - A&R man for Mustang/Bronco Records.
- 1969 - Formed Love Unlimited, a female vocal trio featuring his future wife Glodean James, becoming their manager and producer.
- May, 1972 - Launched his own production company, Soul Unlimited Productions.
- June, 1973 - Released his debut album, "I've Got So Much To Give."
- Leader of the 41 piece Love Unlimited Orchestra.
- Nicknamed "The Big Maestro" because of his immense size and "The Prophet Of Love."
- Noted for his deep, erotic baritone voice and lush string accompaniment.
- July 4, 1974 - Married Glodean James.
- Wrote the film scores for "Together Brothers"(1974) and "Our Man Friday."
- Hits include "I'm Gonna Give You Just A Little More Baby"(April, 1973)#3, "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up"(Oct., 1973)#7, "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe"(Aug., 1974)#1, "You're The First, The Last, My Everything"(Oct., 1974)#2, "What Am I Gonna Do With You"(March, 1975)#8 and "It's Ecstacy When You Lay Down Next To Me"(Aug., 1977)#4.
- 1969 - Female vocal trio from San Pedro, California.
- Formed by their manager/producer Barry White.
- Consisting of sisters Linda and Glodean James, and Diane Taylor.
- July 4, 1974 - Glodean James married Barry White.
- Their sugar sweet vocal style was the perfect vehicle for White's satin soul material.
- Hits include "Walkin' In The Rain With The One I Love"(April, 1972)#14 and "I Belong To You"(Nov., 1974)#27.
- 41 piece studio orchestra headed by Barry White.
- Hits include "Love's Theme"(Dec., 1973)#1 and "Satin Soul"(Feb., 1975)#22.
- Sister vocal quartet from North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Consisting of Kathy (Jan. 6, 1959 – ), Debbie (July 9, 1954 – ), Joni (Sept. 13, 1956 – ) and Kim (Aug. 21, 1957–) Sledge.
- 1971 - Began recording as Sisters Sledge, later Sister Sledge.
- 1972 - Worked as session singers for Gamble & Huff.
- 1975 - Released their debut album, "Circle Of Love."
- 1981 - Began producing their own albums.
- Hits include "Love Don't You Go Through No Changes On Me"(Jan., 1975)#92, "He's The Greatest Dancer"(Feb., 1979)#9 and "We Are Family"(April, 1979)#2.
- Wayne "KC" Casey (Jan. 31, 1951 – )
- Singer/songwriter/keyboardist/producer from Hialeah, Florida.
- 1973 - Formed the interracial disco group KC & The Sunshine Band.
- Originally known as KC & The Sunshine Junkanoo Band.
- Consisting of Casey, bassist/songwriter Richard Finch (Jan. 25, 1954 – ), rhythm guitarist Jerome Smith (June 18,1953 - 2000), drummer Robert Johnson (1953 – ), trumpeter Ronnie Smith (1952 – ), trumpeter James Weaver, conga player Fermin Goytisolo (1951 – ), trombonist Charles Williams (1954 – ) and saxophonist Denvil Liptrot.
- Based in Florida, the group's size fluctuated between 7 and 11.
- 1974 - Signed with TK.
- 1974 - Casey produced and co-wrote George McCrae's "Rock Your Baby."
- Casey and Finch wrote and produced all of the band's material.
- Three time Grammy Award winner, K.C. sold over 75 million records.
- 1979 - After the demise of the TK label, Casey went solo.
- 1982 - Spent two years recuperating after a head on car collision.
- 2000 - Jerome Smith was crushed to death in a construction accident near Palm beach gardens, Florida.
- Hits include "Get Down Tonight"(July, 1975)#1, "That's The Way (I Like It)"(Oct., 1975)#1-2 wks., "Shake Your Booty"(July, 1976)#1, "I'm Your Boogie Man"(Feb., 1977)#1, "Keep It Comin' Love"(July, 1977)#2, "Please Don't Go"(Aug., 1979)#1 and "Yes I'm Ready" (Nov., 1979)#2 (with Teri DeSario).
- R&B family group formed in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
- Consisting of 6 brothers - Antone "Chubby" Tavares (June 2, 1950 – ), Ralph Vierra Tavares (Dec. 10, 1948 – ), Feliciano "Butch" Tavares (May 18, 1953 – ), Arthur "Pooch" Tavares (Nov. 12, 1949 – ), Vic Tavares and Perry Lee "Tiny" Tavares (Oct. 24, 1954 – ).
- 1964-1969 - Began as Chubby & The Turnpikes.
- Vic Tavares went solo.
- 1973 - Signed with Capitol Records.
- Hits include "It Only Takes A Minute"(July, 1975)#10, "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel (Part 1)"(June, 1976)#15 and "More Than A Woman"(Nov., 1977)#32.
- Disco unit from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Consisting of various session singers including Cassandra Ann Wooten, Cheryl Mason Jacks and Gwendolyn Oliver.
- Named after producer Ritchie Rome.
- Hits include "Brazil"(Aug., 1975)#11 and "The Best Disco In Town"(Aug., 1976)#17.
- Adrian LaDonna Gaines (Dec.31, 1948 – )
- Singer/actress born in Boston, Massachusetts.
- 1967 - Sang briefly with the Boston rock group Crow.
- 1970 - Appeared in the German cast of "Hair" in Munich.
- Married Austrian actor Helmid Sommer. Later divorced, she kept the name, Anglicizing it to Summer.
- Appeared in European productions of "Godspell," "Porgy And Bess," "Showboat" and "The Me Nobody Knows."
- While in Europe, met producer/keyboardist Giorgio Moroder (see Giorgio) and lyricist/producer Pete Bellotte, collaborating with them on some early discs. Moroder and Bellotte were the studio geniuses responsible for the made in Munich techno-pop sound also known as Euro-disco.
- 1974 - Her first European single was "The Hostage."
- Dec., 1975 - An edited version of her 16 minute and 50 second "I Love To Love You Baby" went to #2. The long edition triggered the need for extended dance records.
- Nicknamed "The Disco Queen," an unfortunate pigeon-hole for such a talented versatile vocalist.
- 1978 - Appeared in the disco film, "Thank God It's Friday," performing the song, "Last Dance"(May, 1978)#3.
- 1980 - Renounced her sexy image to become a born again Christian.
- 1980 - Married Bruce Sudano (Alive & Kicking/Brooklyn Dreams).
- Her 1980's recordings featured a grittier, new wave rock approach.
- Summer possessed a range and power equal to her successor Whitney Houston, yet she was saddled with the disco label. Actually, Houston's early dance hits bear an uncanny resemblance to Summer.
- 2000 - Appeared on the "Divas 2000" TV special.
- Hits include "I Feel Love"(Aug., 1977)#6, "MacArthur Park"(Sept., 1978)#1-3 wks., "Heaven Knows"(Jan., 1979)#4 (with Brooklyn Dreams), "Hot Stuff"(April, 1979)#1-3 wks., "Bad Girls"(May, 1979)#1-5 wks., "Dim All The Lights"(Aug., 1979)#2, "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"(Oct., 1979)#1-2 wks. (with Barbra Streisand), "On The Radio"(Jan., 1980)#5, "The Wanderer"(Sept., 1980)#3, "Love Is In Control"(June, 1982)#10, "She Works Hard For The Money"(May, 1983)#3, "This Time I Know It's For Real"(April, 1989)#7 and "Love Is The Healer"(2000).
- 1975 - Disco studio project formed in Munich, Germany.
- Consisting of 6 musicians and a female vocal trio.
- Assembled by producer Michael Kunze and composer/arranger Silvester Levay.
- 1976 - The vocal trio consisted of Penny McLean, Ramona Wolf and Linda G. Thompson.
- Hits include "Fly Robin Fly"(Oct., 1975)#1-3 wks. and "Get Up And Boogie (That's Right)"(March, 1976)#2.
- Disco singer born in Klagenforn, West Germany.
- One time member of Silver Convention.
- Jan., 1976 - Her recording of "Lady Bump" went to #8.
- 7 member family group formed in Memphis, Tennessee.
- Consisting of Olympia Ann Sylvers (Oct. 13, 1951 – ), Leon Frank Sylvers III (March 7, 1953 – ), Charmaine Elaine Sylvers (March 9, 1954 – ), James Jonathan Sylvers (June 8, 1955 – ), Edmund Theodore Sylvers (Jan. 25, 1957 – ), Joseph Richard Sylvers (Oct. 13, 1958 – ) and Foster Emerson Sylvers (Feb. 25, 1962 – ).
- Began as The Little Angels.
- 1972 - Became The Sylvers.
- 1973 - First recorded for Pride Records.
- 1976 - Reduced to 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
- Hits include "Boogie Fever"(Feb., 1976)#1, "Hot Line"(Oct., 1976) #5 and "High School Dance"(April, 1977)#17.
- Rigdon Osmond Dees III (1950 – )
- Disc jockey/comedian/TV host born in Memphis, Tennessee.
- Disc jockey/program director at WMPS in Memphis.
- Aug., 1976 - His classic spoof of the disco scene, "Disco Duck" went to #1.
- 1984 - Hosted TV's "Solid Gold" pop variety series.
- In the 1990's, briefly enjoyed a career as a talk show host.
- 8 piece session band formed in Los Angeles, California.
- 1973 - As Total Concept Unlimited, they backed singer Edwin Starr, later becoming the backup band for Undisputed Truth.
- 1976 - Added lead singer Gwen "Rose" Dickey and changed their name to Rose Royce.
- Consisting of Dickey, saxophonist Michael Moore, trumpeter Freddie Dunn, lead guitarist Kenji Chiba Brown, bassist Lequient "Duke" Jobe, trumpeter Kenny "Captain Gold" Copeland, keyboardist Mike Nash, percussionist Terral "Powerpack" Santiel and drummer Henry "Hammer" Garner.
- 1976 - Worked on the soundtrack for the disco oriented film, "Car Wash."
- Hits include "Car Wash"(Oct., 1976)#1, "I Wanna Get Next To You" (Feb., 1977)#10 and "Do Your Dance - Part 1"(Sept., 1977)#39.
- Giorgio Moroder (April 26, 1940 – )
- Singer/songwriter/arranger/keyboardist/bassist/producer from Ortisel, Italy.
- Played bass in several Italian groups before moving to Munich, Germany.
- Teamed with lyricist/producer Pete Bellotte to specialize in dance music. Their style later became known as Euro-disco.
- 1975 - His big breakthrough came with the success of Donna Summer's synthesizer dominated "I Love To Love You Baby."
- Electronic wizard Moroder developed the much copied techno-pop sound and produced numerous artists including Donna Summer and Blondie.
- Became famous for his soundtracks including "Midnight Express" (1978), "American Gigolo"(1980) and "Top Gun"(1986).
- 1983 - With Irene Cara and Keith Forsay, composed the #1 song, "Flashdance...What A Feeling" from the film, "Flashdance."
- Hits include "Knights In White Satin"(1976), "From Here To Eternity"(1977), "The Chase"(Jan., 1979)#33 and "Together In Electric Dreams"(1984) (with Philip Oakey).
- 1977 - Disco vocal sextet formed in New York City.
- Put together by French producer/manager Jacques Morali (1947 - Nov. 15, 1991).
- Each member adopted a specific macho stage persona.
- Consisting of lead singer Victor Willis (policeman), Randy Jones (Sept. 13, 1952 – ) (cowboy), David "Scar" Hodo (July 7, 1950 – ) (construction worker), Felipe Rose (Indian), Glenn Hughes (July 18, 1950 - 2001) (leatherman) and Alexander Briley (April 12, 1956 – ) (army man).
- Began as an act directed strictly at a gay audience, many of their songs celebrating gay male lifestyles in Fire Island, San Francisco and Hollywood. Their campiness and sense of humour soon attracted a mainstream following.
- 1977 - Their "Village People" album sold a million by May, 1979.
- 1979 - Lead singer Willis was replaced by Ray Simpson (brother of Valerie Simpson).
- 1980 - Starred in the much maligned film, "Can't Stop The Music," produced by Nancy Walker.
- 1980 - Randy Jones was replaced by Jeff Olson.
- In the early 1980's, changed their look and added punk elements to the music. However, the novelty had passed.
- Nov. 15, 1991 - Morali died of AIDS.
- Hits include "San Francisco"(1977), "Macho Man"(June, 1978)#25, "Y.M.C.A."(Oct., 1978)#2, "In The Navy"(March, 1979)#3 and "Go West"(May, 1979)#45.
- June, 1977 - R&B/disco group formed in New York City.
- Put together by producer/songwriters Bernard Edwards (Oct. 31, 1952 - April 18, 1996) (bass) and Nile Rodgers (Sept. 19, 1952 – ) (guitar).
- Consisting of Edwards, Rodgers, drummer Tony Thompson, woodwind player Kenny Lehman, keyboardist Andy Schwartz, lead singer Norma Jean Wright and singer Luci Martin.
- Originally called The Boys, then Allah & The Knife Wielding Punks, then Chic.
- 1976 - Edwards, Rodgers and Thompson had been members of The Big Apple Band.
- Sept., 1977 - Signed to Atlantic Records.
- Wright was later replaced by Alfa Anderson.
- Smooth, jazzy, dance-pop, much copied.
- June, 1979 - Their classic "Good Times" went to #1. Later, the powerful rhythm track would be plundered first by The Sugarhill Gang on "Rapper's Delight" and by Queen on "Another One Bites The Dust."
- 1982 - Disbanded and Rodgers went solo.
- Rodgers and Edwards later turned to producing other artists such as Carly Simon and Debbie Harry.
- 1984 - Rodgers joined the supergroup The Honeydrippers.
- 1985 - Thompson joined Power Station and Edwards produced them.
- April 18, 1996 - Edwards was found dead in a Tokyo hotel room.
- Hits include "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)"(Oct., 1977)#6, "Le Freak"(Oct., 1978)#1-6 wks. and "I Want Your Love" (Feb., 1979)#1.
- Meco Monardo (Nov. 29, 1939 – )
- Trombonist/producer/arranger born in Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania.
- Played in the Cadet Band at West Point.
- 1974 - Began producing and arranging for Gloria Gaynor and Carol Douglas.
- Became famous for his experimental electronic disco and concept albums.
- Hits include "Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band"(Aug., 1977)#1-2 wks., "Themes From Close Encounters"(Jan., 1978)#25 and "Empire Strikes Back"(June, 1980)#18.
- Recommended LP - "The Wizard Of Oz"(1978) featuring the single, "Themes From The Wizard Of Oz"(Sept., 1978)#35.
- 1978 - Vocal trio formed by Don Cornelius (host/producer of the TV dance show, "Soul Train").
- Consisting of Jeffrey Daniels (Aug. 24, 1957 – ), Gerald Brown and singer/dancer Jody Watley (Jan. 30, 1961 – ).
- 1979 - Brown was replaced by Howard Hewett (Oct. 1, 1957 – ).
- 1984 - Watley and Daniels left to go solo, replaced by Delisa Davis and Micki Free (see Eighties Revue - Jody Watley).
- Hits include "Uptown Festival (Part 1)"(March, 1977)#25, "The Second Time Around"(Dec., 1979)#8 and "Dancing In The Sheets" (March, 1984)#17.
- Studio project of producers Nicolas Skorsky and Jean-Manuel de Scarano.
- Disco outfit with a flamenco flavour, originally featuring singer Leroy Gomez.
- Nov., 1977 - Their biggest hit, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" went to #15.
- (March 18, 1959 – )
- Singer/lyricist/dancer/actress/pianist born in New York City.
- 1966 - Age 7, began her professional career.
- 1968 - Age 8, made her Broadway debut in "Maggie Flynn."
- 1970 - Won an Obie Award for "The Me Nobody Knows."
- Film appearances include "Aaron Loves Angela"(1975), "Fame" (1980), "The Cotton Club"(1984) and the TV mini-series, "Roots: The Next Generation"(1979).
- April, 1983 - Her recording of "Flashdance...What A Feeling" went to #1-6 wks. The song was written by Cara, Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsay and was featured in the film, "Flashdance." It won an Oscar for Best Song.
- Often accused of sounding too much like Donna Summer.
- An 8 year contractual dispute halted her career.
- 1999 - Formed the group Carmel.
- Hits include "Fame"(June, 1980)#4, "Out Here On My Own"(Aug., 1980)#19, "Why Me"(Oct., 1983)#13 and "Breakdance"(March, 1984) #8.
- (June 29, 1960 – )
- Singer born in The Bronx, New York.
- 1970 - Moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Sang in a local group called Volume 1.
- Discovered while working as a cleaning lady at Sigma Studios.
- Hits include "Shame"(June, 1978)#9 and "Love Come Down"(Aug., 1982)#17.
- 1972 - Disco quartet formed in Los Angeles, California.
- Definitive lineup consisted of lead singer/guitarist Janice Marie Johnson, bassist/singer Hazel Payne, keyboardist Perry Kibble and drummer Donald Johnson.
- 1976 - Original singer Gregory Walker joined Santana, replaced by Payne.
- 1978 - Won The Best New Artist Grammy Award.
- 1980 - Re-formed as a duo with Janice Marie Johnson and Hazel Payne.
- Hits include "Boogie Oogie Oogie"(June, 1978)#1-3 wks. and "Sukiyaki"(March, 1981)#3.
- Sylvester James (Sept. 6, 1947 - Dec. 16, 1988)
- Singer/female impersonator from Los Angeles, California.
- 1967 - Moved to San Francisco making a living mainly as a female impersonator.
- Sang with the notorious Cockettes.
- 1979 - Appeared briefly in the film, "The Rose."
- Famous for his high falsetto voice and outrageous costumes.
- Dec. 16, 1988 - Died of AIDS related complications.
- Hits include "Dance (Disco Heat)"(Aug., 1978)#19, "You Make Me Feel Real (Mighty Real)"(Jan., 1979)#36 and "Do Ya Wanna Funk" (1982) (with Patrick Cowley).
BLONDIE
THE O'JAYS
- Studio project from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Created by producer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Steven Greenberg (1951 – ).
- Lead vocalist Cynthia Johnson was Miss Black Minnesota of 1976.
- March, 1980 - Their recording of "Funkytown" from the "Mouth To Mouth" LP went to #3-4 wks. It sold over 2 million copies in the U.S.
- Dutch session musicians and vocalists assembled by producer Jaap Eggermont (ex-Golden Earring drummer).
- Each track featured a medley of classic hits (usually with a specific theme) performed in disco fashion.
- Hits include "Stars On 45"(April, 1981)#1 and "Stars On 45 III" (March, 1982)#28.
- Claudja Barry - "Boogie Woogie Dancin' Shoes"(April, 1979)#56.
- Brainstorm - "Lovin' Is Really My Game"(May, 1977)#14 R&B.
- Alicia Bridges - "I Love The Nightlife (Disco Round)"(July, 1978) #5.
- Peter Brown - "Dance With Me"(March, 1978)#8.
- Polly Brown - "Up In A Puff Of Smoke"(Jan., 1975)#16.
- Cerrone - "Love In C Minor"(Feb., 1977)#36.
- Tina Charles - "Dance Little Lady Dance"(1976).
- C.J. & Company - "Devil's Gun"(May, 1977)#36.
- Linda Clifford - "Red Light"(Aug., 1980)#41.
- Disco Tex & The Sex-o-lettes - "Get Dancin'"(Nov., 1974)#10.
- Carl Douglas - "Kung Fu Fighting"(Oct., 1974)#1-2 wks.
- Carol Douglas - "Doctor's Orders"(Nov., 1974)#11.
- Eruption - "I Can't Stand The Rain"(March, 1978)#18.
- Exile - "Kiss You All Over"(July, 1978)#1-4 wks.
- GQ - "Disco Nights (Rock Freak)"(March, 1979)#12.
- Dan Hartman - "Instant Replay"(Oct., 1978)#29.
- Patrick Hernandez - "Born To Be Alive"(June, 1979)#16.
- Hot Chocolate - "Disco Queen"(May, 1979)#28.
- Thelma Houston - "Don't Leave Me This Way"(Dec., 1976)#1.
- Grace Jones - "I Need A Man"(May, 1977)#83.
- Le Pamplemousse - "Le Spank"(Nov., 1977)#58.
- Munich Machine - "A Whiter Shade Of Pale"(1978).
- Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band - "A Fifth Of Beethoven"(May, 1976)#1.
- Musique - "In The Bush"(Oct., 1978)#58.
- Odyssey - "Native New Yorker"(Nov., 1977)#21.
- Paul Parker - "Right On Target"(1982).
- Vicki Sue Robinson - "Turn The Beat Around"(April, 1976)#10.
- Rosebud - "Have A Cigar"(Oct., 1979).
- Saint Tropez - "One More Minute"(March, 1979).
- Stargard - "Theme Song From 'Which Way Is Up'"(Jan., 1978)#21.
- Amii Stewart - "Knock On Wood"(Jan., 1979)#1.
- Johnnie Taylor - "Disco Lady"(Feb., 1976)#1-4 wks.
- Anita Ward - "Ring My Bell"(May, 1979)#1-2 wks.
- Wild Cherry - "Play That Funky Music"(June, 1976)#1-3 wks.
- Wilton Place Street Band - "Disco Lucy (I Love Lucy Theme)"(Jan., 1977)#2.
- Wing And A Prayer Fife And Drum Corps - "Baby Face"(Nov., 1975)#14.
- The Michael Zager Band - "Let's All Chant"(March, 1978)#36.
ALSO SEE
- Chapter 22: Motown
- Chapter 23: Soul
- Chapter 24: American Rock And Pop Of The Sixties - The Twist and Au Go-Go
- Chapter 26: The Summers Of Love
- Chapter 34: New Wave
- Chapter 35: Funk And The New R&B
- Chapter 37: Eighties Revue
- Chapter 38: The Nineties And Beyond
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Bronson, Fred. "The Billboard Book Of Number One Hits." (Billboard Publications Inc.).
- Buckman, Peter. "Let's Dance - Social, Ballroom & Folk Dancing." (Paddington Press Ltd.).
- Ewen, David. "All The Years Of American Popular Music." (Prentice - Hall).
- McDonagh, Don. "Dance Fever." (Random House).
- Whitburn, Joel. "The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Hits." (Billboard Publications Inc.).
- Whitburn, Joel. "Bubbling Under The Hot 100 - 1959 - 1985." (Record Research).
- Whitburn, Joel. "Top Pop Singles 1955 - 1990." (Record Research).