Legends Of Disco: Forty Stars Discuss Their Careers

Disco music has a special place in the hearts of millions across the world. It emerged in the 1970s as a genre that combined funk, soul, and pop with a pulsating rhythm that got people dancing on the dance floors. At its peak, disco music became a cultural phenomenon, influencing not only the music industry but also fashion, movies, and nightlife.

To understand more about the influential era of disco, we sit down with forty legendary stars who played a significant role in shaping the landscape of this iconic genre. These artists have individually contributed to the success and popularity of disco music during their careers, and their music continues to resonate with audiences today.

1. Donna Summer - The Queen of Disco

No conversation about disco music is complete without mentioning Donna Summer. With her powerful voice and electrifying performances, Donna Summer earned the title of "Queen of Disco." Her hit singles like "Hot Stuff" and "Last Dance" not only dominated the charts but also became timeless classics. Summer's music represented the epitome of the disco era, and her influence can still be felt in contemporary pop music.

Legends of Disco: Forty Stars Discuss Their Careers

by James Arena(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4682 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	245 pages

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2. The Bee Gees - Brothers with Unforgettable Harmonies

The Bee Gees, consisting of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, took the disco world by storm with their unique sound and impeccable harmonies. Their album "Saturday Night Fever," featuring hits like "Stayin' Alive" and "How Deep Is Your Love," served as the soundtrack to the 1977 film of the same name. The Bee Gees' ability to seamlessly blend disco with their already successful pop sound propelled them to global stardom, making them one of the most iconic acts of the era.

3. Gloria Gaynor - The Voice of Empowerment

Gloria Gaynor's powerful anthem "I Will Survive" became an anthem for perseverance and empowerment during the disco era. Gaynor's soulful voice and empowering lyrics resonated with audiences, making her an influential figure in the genre. Her impactful contribution earned her the title of "First Lady of Disco," and her songs continue to motivate and inspire people to this day.

4. Chic - Defining the Disco Sound

The band Chic, led by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, played a vital role in shaping the sound of disco music. With hits like "Le Freak" and "Good Times," Chic's infectious grooves and tight musicianship set the standard for disco tracks. Their production skills and signature sound became synonymous with the genre and influenced countless artists that followed.

5. KC and The Sunshine Band - Energizing the Dance Floors

KC and The Sunshine Band brought infectious energy and pure joy to disco music. With hits like "Get Down Tonight" and "That's the Way (I Like It)," they became one of the most successful disco acts of the era. Their catchy melodies and feel-good vibes made every dance floor come alive, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

These are just a few of the many talented artists who made the disco era one to remember. Each artist contributed their unique style and sound, creating a diverse and memorable range of disco hits. Through their music, they captured the spirit of an era and continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

So grab your disco ball, put on your dancing shoes, and let these legends of disco transport you to a time when the dance floor was the heart and soul of the party.

Legends of Disco: Forty Stars Discuss Their Careers

by James Arena(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4682 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	245 pages

FREE

In this candid retrospective of the disco era (and follow-up to the book First Ladies of Disco),40 men and women who reigned over the dance music industry of the 1970s and early 1980s recall their lives and careers before, during and after the genre's explosion. Artists interviewed include Debbie, Joni and Kim Sledge of Sister Sledge (We Are Family); Alfa Anderson, formerly of Chic (Good Times); Ed Cermanski and Robert Upchurch of The Trammps (Disco Inferno); Sarah Dash (Sinner Man); producer John Davis (Ain't That Enough For You); Janice Marie Johnson of A Taste of Honey (Boogie Oogie Oogie); France Joli (Come To Me); Denis LePage of Lime (Babe, We're Gonna Love Tonite); Randy Jones of Village People (YMCA); Studio 54 DJ Robbie Leslie; Rob Parissi of Wild Cherry (Play That Funky Music); Bonnie Pointer (Heaven Must Have Sent You); producer Warren Schatz (Turn The Beat Around); and many more. Includes special commentary by producer Patrick Adams (In The Bush),singers Precious Wilson (I Can't Stand The Rain) and Teri DeSario (Ain't Nothing Gonna Keep Me From You),and the late Henry Stone, founder of T.K. Records. Full list of featured artists:
Foreword by France Joli
Alfa Anderson - formerly of Chic
William "Bubba" Anderson, James "Ajax" Baynard, LA Blacksmith, Tyrone Cox, Mark Lipetz, and Phil "Flip" Thomas of Crown Heights Affair
Clare Bathé - formerly of Machine 
Anthony Brooks of Harold Melvin's Blue Notes 
Ed Cermanski and Robert Upchurch of The Trammps 
Sarah Dash
John Davis - producer
Leonard "Butch" Davis and Joe Harris of Double Exposure 
Venus Dodson
Joy Dorris of Lime
Bob Esty
Jimmie Bo Horne
Geraldine Hunt
Carol Jiani
Janice Marie Johnson of A Taste of Honey
France Joli
Randy Jones - formerly of Village People
Shirley Jones - formerly of The Jones Girls
Denis LePage/Nini Nobless - formerly of Lime
Robbie Leslie - Studio 54 DJ
W. Michael Lewis - producer
George McCrae
Denise Montana
Eddie O'Loughlin - producer
Rob Parissi - formerly of Wild Cherry
Bonnie Pointer
Warren Schatz - producer
Debbie Sledge, Joni Sledge and Kim Sledge of Sister Sledge
Arthur "Pooch" Tavares of Tavares
Richie Weeks - formerly of Weeks & Co.
James "D-Train" Williams
Afterword by Henry Stone - founder of T.K. RecordsOther books in this dance music series:First Ladies of DiscoEurope's Stars of 80s Dance PopEurope's Stars of 80s Dance Pop Vol. 2Stars of 90s Dance PopStars of 21st Century Dance Pop & EDM