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.

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.

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.

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.

Gloria Gaynor

Won the only Grammy Award ever for Best Disco Recording in 1980 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

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

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.

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

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.

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.