Disco in the 1970s

Origin of Disco The 1970s created a trend of relaxing music and dance music. Disco was a style of music, a dance craze and a fashion statement. Partner dancing, but could be solo. Flashy. People wanted to be seen. Influenced by funk, Latin and soul music. Sound had reverberated vocals over a four beat. Disco was not just a style of music. It was a dance craze and also had a fashion culture of its own. Most dancing was done with a partner, but there was solo dancing. Disco was all about the flashiness. People went out to dance disco to be seen. Disco music was influenced by funk, Latin and soul music. The disco ‘sound’ included reverberated vocals (repeated words, similar to an echo) and a four beat dance harmony. Fun fact---Louisville produces 90% of the United States’ disco balls.

Van McCoy Singer, songwriter. ‘The Hustle’ Some credit this song as the beginning of disco although Rolling Stone magazine wrote the first article on disco in 1973. Van McCoy was a singer, songwriter. He has written over 700 songs for other artists, but his most famous song he sung was ‘The Hustle.’ Wrote songs for many of the famous artists in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Some credit this song as the beginning of disco into the mainstream, though Ro lling Stone magazine had mentioned disco in an article two years prior.

Donna Summer Queen of Disco 5 time Grammy winner. First artist to have three consecutive double albums reach #1 on the Billboard chart. Had 4 #1 singles within a 13 month period. Regularly appeared at Studio 54 in NYC. Song “Love to Love You Baby” released in 1975 to success on the disco scene. Donna Summer was dubbed the Queen of Disco. She was a 5 time Grammy winner and had numerous #1 hits and albums. She began her career before the 70s, but became highly successful with her introduction into disco. She regularly appeared at Studio 54 in NYC. Her song “Love to Love You Baby” was released in 1975 and broke into the disco scene as a huge hit.

Dance Break

The Bee Gees From Australia/England. Brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. Began as a group in 1958, but achieved a second success in the late 70s in the disco scene. 3 part harmonies and Barry’s high falsetto voice created signature sound. Created soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever. The Bee Gees were born in England but moved to Australia as children. The three brothers were Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. They formed a group in 1958 and had mild success in Australia. They had two periods of success. Their second period was their introduction into the disco scene in the late 70s. The Bee Gees were well known for their 3 part harmonies and Barry Gibb’s high falsetto voice that would become the groups signature sound. Created the soundtrack for the disco movie Saturday Night Fever. “How Deep in Your Love” ‘Stayin Alive” “Night Fever”

Gloria Gaynor Won the only Grammy Award ever for Best Disco Recording in 1980 with her song “I Will Survive” Had success in disco with her song “I Will Survive”

The Village People Was a group that wore on-stage costumes depicting American cultural stereotypes. Targeted disco’s gay audiences. “Y.M.C.A.” 1977 Macho Man The Village People were a group that is known for their on stage costumes. They were targeting gay audiences, though they had songs that became classics. YMCA is one of their most well known songs, which was released in 1977.

KC and the Sunshine Band Formed in 1973. Many members. “Get Down Tonight”– Was a #1 song in ‘75 “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty”-- #1 in 1976 Group formed in 1973. The group had many members throughout their career. Two most popular disco song were “Get Down Tonight” and (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty both #1 songs in 75 and 76.

Chic Organized in 1976 Commercially successful disco songs. Le Freak-1978 Dance, Dance, Dance- 1977 Song Le Freak was about an experience waiting in line to get into Studio 54. Was organized in 1976. They had commercially successful disco songs. Two most famous songs ‘Le Freak’- 1978 and ‘Dance, Dance, Dance’ -1977 The song ‘Le Freak’ was created from an experience that a few members had standing outside Studio 54. They had been invited to Studio 54 but had forgotten to be added to the list. The original lyric was F*** off, but changed to Freak Out.

Dance Break

Jackson5/The Jacksons The Jacksons delved into disco music as well. Two of the disco songs they sung were: “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” -1978 “Blame it on the Boogie” -1978 The Jacksons continued to be popular into the disco era. The Jacksons jumped on the disco train and released multiple songs with Shake Your Body and Blame it on the Boogie being the two most popular.

Soul Train Was an American Musical Variety Show. It ran from 1971-2006. The show primarily soul, R&B, and hip-hop artists, though they did feature funk, jazz, disco, and gospel. Most popular during the 70s and 80s. Influential to the young African-American population and also introduced many white Americans to black culture and music. Musical variety show similar to American Bandstand. Was termed ‘the black American Bandstand’. Featured mostly black musicians. Played a variety of genres. The show was the most popular during the 70s and 80s.

Dance Break

Studio 54 Popular nightclub from 1977-1981. Was the most well-known nightclub in the 1970s in the entire country. Played a major role in the development and popularity of disco music. Drugs were common at the nightclub, which also welcomed homosexuals into the nightclub where they had been banned from others. Studio 54 was the most popular nightclub during the late 70s. It was a party scene where drugs and alcohol were in heavy use. The club was packed with celebrities and the famous. The club played a major role in the development and popularity of disco music.

Outside.

Inside the club.