Disco
A joyful 1970s dance music built on a steady beat, lush strings and soulful singing.
History
Disco grew in American cities, especially New York, in the early 1970s s1. It came from soul, funk and Latin dance music, and it was first a club sound played by DJs s1. MFSB's 'Love Is the Message' (1973) and other Philadelphia records showed how rich and orchestral disco could be s1. In 1977 Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' used an electronic bassline made by Giorgio Moroder, and its sound pointed towards house and techno s2. Chic's 'Le Freak' (1978) was one of the biggest disco hits of the era s1. Disco had its own clubs, dance styles and fashion, and it was played on the radio and at large discotheques s2. A strong public backlash against disco began in 1979, and the style lost popularity quickly s1. Even so, its beat and style shaped almost all later dance music s2. Disco also had a strong influence on fashion, dance and nightlife culture around the world s1. Many of its records were released as long 12-inch singles for DJs s2.
Sound
- A steady four-to-the-floor beat
- Lush strings, horns and piano
- Soulful or group singing
- A lively, joyful mood
- Long, extended 12-inch mixes
Key figures
- Giorgio Moroder — Italian producer who made electronic disco
- Nile Rodgers — Chic guitarist and producer
- Bernard Edwards — Chic bassist and producer
- Tom Moulton — Producer who helped create the 12-inch mix
Labels
- Philadelphia International — Philadelphia , 1971
- Casablanca Records — Los Angeles , 1973
- Salsoul Records — New York City , 1974
Defining tracks
Connections
Led to: Balearic , Chicago House , French House , Garage House , Nu-Disco , Euro-Disco , Funk and Boogie , Hi-NRG , Italo Disco , Synth-Pop
Sources
- Disco — Wikipedia
- The dazzling, daring history of disco — PBS