This weeks "Disco Saturday" falls on the blogger's birthday. So the selections are the top 13 all time blogger's favorite Disco selections. For no reason other than these being THIS blogger's favorite songs in the genre. This by no means is a scientific listing, just the 13 picked at random based on memory, groove enjoyment and the likelihood that this blogger will play these songs constantly at one sitting.
Yeah I love these and this is my Disco playlist on the anniversary of my birth, August 13th. I don't celebrate birthdays but I will enjoy the music. Hope you'll enjoy too.
13. FOREVER CAME TODAY by The Jackson Five (1975)
12. VICTIM by Candi Staton (1979)
11. YOU STEPPED INTO MY LIFE by Melba Moore (1978)
10. DANCIN by Grey and Hanks (1980)
9. TELL THE WORLD HOW I FEEL ABOUT CHA' BABY by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes (1975)
8. NICE AND NASTY by The Salsoul Orchestra (1976)
7. HEAVEN KNOWS by Donna Summer & Brooklyn Dreams featuring Joe Esposito (1978)
6. TEN PERCENT by Double Exposure (1974)
5. NEWSY NEIGHBORS by First Choice (1973)
4. DREAMING A DREAM/Goes Dancin by Crown Heights Affair (1975)
3. BAD LUCK by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes (1975)
2. CAN YOU HANDLE IT by Sharon Redd (1982)
1. I'M CAUGHT UP IN A ONE NIGHT LOVE AFFAIR by Inner Life (Jocelyn Brown on vocals)
And wishing everyone a happy Disco Saturday and a happy and safe return to school for many students including here at home base who returned to classes this week.
Showing posts with label Disco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disco. Show all posts
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Disco Saturday: Disco Lucy and the Babalu
DISCO SATURDAY honors Lucille Ball on her 100Th birthday. (August 1, 1911-April 26, 1989)
We begin with a nod to the legendary "I Love Lucy" series with this classic disco adaption of the show's theme.
"Disco Lucy" by The Wilton Place Street Band (1976)
"I love Lucy" came to television when the big band era in music was very strong. And there were many disco songs that were remakes from the time when zoot suits and top hats were in fashion.
"Baby Face" by Wing and A Prayer Fife and Drum Corps (1975)
On "I Love Lucy" we had Ricky Ricardo, Lucy's husband who was an entertainer and bandleader originally from Cuba.
"Cuban Pete" by Desi Arnaz as "Ricky Ricardo" & Lucille Ball as "Lucy Ricardo"
So this is a mix between classic musical clips from "I Love Lucy" and the "Lucy Desi Comedy Hour" along with a few disco classics.
"Cuba" by The Gibson Brothers
"Baby Babalu"
Ricky Ricardo performed in and later owned a nightclub. It could have easily been like the famous Copacabana.
"Copacabana" by Barry Manilow (1978)
The "I Love Lucy" franchise ran from 1951 to 1960 including the original series 6 year run and the Comedy hour specials that ran for three years. But as we know, "I Love Lucy" has been in syndication for over 50 years in multiple languages around the world. Somewhere as you are reading this, there is someone watching an episode on television with the same feeling as if it were a brand new series.
Lucille Ball of course had a legendary career that continued for decades with her other "Lucy" shows and a production company that brought us classics like "Star Trek", "Mission Impossible" and "Mannix".
DISCO SATURDAY remembers the late Lucille Ball.
We continue with a disco band who's existence was a nod to the time just before "I Love Lucy" premiered. This blogger's favorite DR. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band.
"Cherchez La Femme"
"I'll Play The Fool"
And I must get something from Philadelphia in here. It's been a while :) And Philly is where the Salsoul Orchestra was based.
"Tangerine"
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Disco Saturday: The hot 80's in July
It's been a hot July. Well it's always a HOT July. Temperatures in the 100's for much of the country but even temps in the 80's and 90's for some in the inner city can be hard to bear. So hoping you are staying cool out there. As you sit with a cool drink and a fan blowing a breeze on you this week's "Disco Saturday" will be in the 80's and 90's. Starting with a one hit wonder who's lead singer had slightly greater success on her own.
"Keep In Touch (Body to Body)" by Shades of Love (1982)
The lead singer of Shades of Love was Me'lisa Morgan
"Fools Paradise" by Me'lisa Morgan (1986)
Me'lisa's first solo hit was a remake of Prince's "Do Me Baby" but in the early 90's she had an upbeat cover of Al Green's "I'm Still In Love with You"
When I heard the Shades of Love song today I was driving through the tiny town of Sharon Georgia. So for that I offer a few Sharons for you to dance to.
"I Specialize In Love" by SHARON Brown
"Can You Handle It" by the late SHARON Redd (1982)
A now couple songs from the late great Gwen Guthrie that remind me of my time living in New York City in the early and mid 1980's. And I remember those HOT summers in the city. Air Conditioning was GOLDEN especially when you were too poor to have it in your own room at home and the best you could do was put a fan in the window and sit by that window at night switching back and forth between WBLS & 98.7 Kiss on the radio. There was musical pleasure with the pain of heat in the summer.
"It Should Have Been You" by Gwen Guthrie
"Seventh Heaven" by Gwen Guthrie
"Peanut Butter" by Gwen Guthrie
And a few more selections you might have grooved to back in the 80's.
"Party Lites" by Slave (1981)
"Over Like A Fat Rat" by Fonda Rae (1981)
"One More Shot" by C-Bank
And we close out this 80's edition of "Disco Saturday" with Joyce Sims
"All and All"
Stay cool this hot summer of 2011. Next week "Disco Saturday" may recognize a milestone birthday in a disco way. Come back to the blog to find out what that means.
"Keep In Touch (Body to Body)" by Shades of Love (1982)
The lead singer of Shades of Love was Me'lisa Morgan
"Fools Paradise" by Me'lisa Morgan (1986)
Me'lisa's first solo hit was a remake of Prince's "Do Me Baby" but in the early 90's she had an upbeat cover of Al Green's "I'm Still In Love with You"
When I heard the Shades of Love song today I was driving through the tiny town of Sharon Georgia. So for that I offer a few Sharons for you to dance to.
"I Specialize In Love" by SHARON Brown
"Can You Handle It" by the late SHARON Redd (1982)
A now couple songs from the late great Gwen Guthrie that remind me of my time living in New York City in the early and mid 1980's. And I remember those HOT summers in the city. Air Conditioning was GOLDEN especially when you were too poor to have it in your own room at home and the best you could do was put a fan in the window and sit by that window at night switching back and forth between WBLS & 98.7 Kiss on the radio. There was musical pleasure with the pain of heat in the summer.
"It Should Have Been You" by Gwen Guthrie
"Seventh Heaven" by Gwen Guthrie
"Peanut Butter" by Gwen Guthrie
And a few more selections you might have grooved to back in the 80's.
"Party Lites" by Slave (1981)
"Over Like A Fat Rat" by Fonda Rae (1981)
"One More Shot" by C-Bank
And we close out this 80's edition of "Disco Saturday" with Joyce Sims
"All and All"
Stay cool this hot summer of 2011. Next week "Disco Saturday" may recognize a milestone birthday in a disco way. Come back to the blog to find out what that means.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Disco Saturday: Love in the Summertime
This week's "Disco Saturday" will feature songs with the word LOVE in the title. And as you listen to these dance classics think about being in love, looking for love and those couples who are in love with each other and the same-sex couples who love each other and who will have the freedom to marry in the state of New York starting THIS weekend. Love in the summer of 2011. If you have it, enjoy it.
And congratulations in advance to the pending newlyweds in New York State.
"My Forbidden Lover" by Chic
Not forbidden in 6 states now with New York having Marriage Equality starting this weekend!
"Now That We Found Love" by Third World
"Love Is In The Air" by John Paul Young
"I Found Love" by Deniece Williams
"Love On and On" by Donna Summer
"Do You Love What You Feel" by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
"Any Love" by Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
"Love In C Minor" by Cerrone
"Accidental Lover" by Love and Kisses
"I Want Your Love" by Chic
"Don't Want To Love Your Love" by The Emotions
And congratulations in advance to the pending newlyweds in New York State.
"My Forbidden Lover" by Chic
Not forbidden in 6 states now with New York having Marriage Equality starting this weekend!
"Now That We Found Love" by Third World
"Love Is In The Air" by John Paul Young
"I Found Love" by Deniece Williams
"Love On and On" by Donna Summer
"Do You Love What You Feel" by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
"Any Love" by Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
"Love In C Minor" by Cerrone
"Accidental Lover" by Love and Kisses
"I Want Your Love" by Chic
"Don't Want To Love Your Love" by The Emotions
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Pride and Soul Salute: Larry Levan
On July 20, 1954 a man named Lawrence Philpot was born. He only lived 38 years but in that time left a lasting legacy in music. Dance, Disco and house music. "Larry Levan" was an innovative DJ during the 1970's and 1980's. The music he played in clubs, produced or remixed became the cream of the crop, totally smashing any idea that Disco sucked. Larry Levan proved its greatness.
Larry Levan July 20, 1954 – November 8, 1992
In honor of Larry Levan's birthday the Pride and Soul blog presents on one page an hour of music as presented by Larry Levan. Mostly from his legendary tenure at the famed PARADISE GARAGE disco in New York City.
"Seventh Heaven" by Gwen Guthrie
The final night of the PARADISE GARAGE w/DJ Larry Levan
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE
PART FOUR
PART FIVE
PART SIX
PART SEVEN
PART EIGHT
PART 10 (unable to locate part 9)
Larry Levan July 20, 1954 – November 8, 1992
In honor of Larry Levan's birthday the Pride and Soul blog presents on one page an hour of music as presented by Larry Levan. Mostly from his legendary tenure at the famed PARADISE GARAGE disco in New York City.
"Seventh Heaven" by Gwen Guthrie
The final night of the PARADISE GARAGE w/DJ Larry Levan
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE
PART FOUR
PART FIVE
PART SIX
PART SEVEN
PART EIGHT
PART 10 (unable to locate part 9)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Disco Saturday: The Disco Nightlife in C Minor
Greetings everyone!
This weeks "Disco Saturday" honors the nightlife which basically Disco was the soundtrack of the nightlife in the 1970s. Or its my excuse to honor singer Alicia Bridges, who's birthday is July 15, 1953. And her disco classic is of course the song "I Love the Nightlife"
And you know this song was a prime part of anyone's "Disco Night"
GQ
The Isley Brothers had their own Disco Night too.
Disco parties went on from "Saturday Night" into Sunday Morning"
THELMA HOUSTON
And there was of course some "Night Fever" but there is no embeddable video from YouTube that I can post of the Bee Gees song. So I guess I won't post it here.
The Trammps held back the night
There were those times when Disco took you into the "Twilight Zone"
MANHATTAN TRANSFER
Or To a Galaxy far away
WAR
And in the galaxy you could see stars in someones eyes as the Disco music slows down the pace.
HERBIE HANCOCK
Many found love in the disco nightlife.
"Love in C Minor" by Cerrone
There was a lot of free love in the Disco nightlife
DOUBLE EXPOSURE
JEAN CARN
And when some woke up in the morning and it was time to go home, they asked the question "Was That All it Was"?
And they did it all again the next weekend. As I will have another installment of "Disco Saturday" next weekend.
Have a great week!
This weeks "Disco Saturday" honors the nightlife which basically Disco was the soundtrack of the nightlife in the 1970s. Or its my excuse to honor singer Alicia Bridges, who's birthday is July 15, 1953. And her disco classic is of course the song "I Love the Nightlife"
And you know this song was a prime part of anyone's "Disco Night"
GQ
The Isley Brothers had their own Disco Night too.
Disco parties went on from "Saturday Night" into Sunday Morning"
THELMA HOUSTON
And there was of course some "Night Fever" but there is no embeddable video from YouTube that I can post of the Bee Gees song. So I guess I won't post it here.
The Trammps held back the night
There were those times when Disco took you into the "Twilight Zone"
MANHATTAN TRANSFER
Or To a Galaxy far away
WAR
And in the galaxy you could see stars in someones eyes as the Disco music slows down the pace.
HERBIE HANCOCK
Many found love in the disco nightlife.
"Love in C Minor" by Cerrone
There was a lot of free love in the Disco nightlife
DOUBLE EXPOSURE
JEAN CARN
And when some woke up in the morning and it was time to go home, they asked the question "Was That All it Was"?
And they did it all again the next weekend. As I will have another installment of "Disco Saturday" next weekend.
Have a great week!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The New York Blackout 1977
Where were you when the lights went out in New York City on July 13, 1977?
They called it a BLACKOUT
I was a child growing up in South Florida with relatives living in New York. I remember watching favorite TV shows like "Welcome Back Kotter" and "Baretta" when suddenly there was a "special report" from the network news telling viewers nationwide that the electricity had gone out in the New York area.
During the overnight hours of July 13Th, 1977 and into the next day as people were stuck in elevators and on subways, looting ensued in many areas and there were hundreds of fires. It was chaos for some and in my own family there was a birth. One of my relatives gave birth to a baby girl on what was supposed to be a night of celebration of her mother's birthday. Now grandmother and granddaughter share the same birthday. Today that entire segment of the family lives in Virginia and in the 1990's another child was born on this day.
It's easy for me to remember the day for its infamy and the birthdays in my family. And there is a favorite disco song about that day by one of the legendary Disco groups, The Trammps.
"The Night The Lights Went Out" was released within a couple months of the 1977 Blackout and proved to be a regional hit especially in the disco clubs. But also to the real fans of The Trammps over the years who listen beyond their big hit "Disco Inferno".
The Trammps "Disco Inferno" would become a huge hit into the next year from the massive success of "Saturday Night Fever" which hit movie screens later in 1977.
Local news report as the lights returned to New York City.
They called it a BLACKOUT
I was a child growing up in South Florida with relatives living in New York. I remember watching favorite TV shows like "Welcome Back Kotter" and "Baretta" when suddenly there was a "special report" from the network news telling viewers nationwide that the electricity had gone out in the New York area.
During the overnight hours of July 13Th, 1977 and into the next day as people were stuck in elevators and on subways, looting ensued in many areas and there were hundreds of fires. It was chaos for some and in my own family there was a birth. One of my relatives gave birth to a baby girl on what was supposed to be a night of celebration of her mother's birthday. Now grandmother and granddaughter share the same birthday. Today that entire segment of the family lives in Virginia and in the 1990's another child was born on this day.
It's easy for me to remember the day for its infamy and the birthdays in my family. And there is a favorite disco song about that day by one of the legendary Disco groups, The Trammps.
"The Night The Lights Went Out" was released within a couple months of the 1977 Blackout and proved to be a regional hit especially in the disco clubs. But also to the real fans of The Trammps over the years who listen beyond their big hit "Disco Inferno".
The Trammps "Disco Inferno" would become a huge hit into the next year from the massive success of "Saturday Night Fever" which hit movie screens later in 1977.
Local news report as the lights returned to New York City.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Disco Saturday: The S.O.L.A.R. Galaxy
On July 8Th, 2011 we had the final launch of United States Space Shuttle Atlantis into space. When this mission is completed the 30 year old US Space Shuttle program will close. The space shuttles took the US into galaxies far and away over 30 years. We lost crew members with "Challenger" and "Columbia" but not in vain. And hopefully the United States will once again be pioneers and leaders in space exploration.
"Galaxy" by War (1977)
"Star Wars" by Meko (1977)
"Disco theme to Close Encounters of The Third Kind" by John Williams
So with the final launch of the space shuttle, this weeks "Disco Saturday" takes us to the galaxy of SOLAR records.
S.O.L.A.R. Records (acronym for Sound of Los Angeles Records) was reconstituted out of Soul Train Records only two years after it was founded with Soul Train television show host and creator Don Cornelius. Dick Griffey reorganized the company into the SOLAR label in late 1977 and it quickly became one of the most important disco, R&B, and dance music imprints of the late 1970s and 1980s.
Here are some selections from performers who were signed to SOLAR records and its subsidiaries.
"Soul Train 75" by The Soul Train Gang, produced by Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius as the theme to Soul Train from 1975 to 1976 ushering in the Disco era which was supported on Soul Train
"Career Girl" by Carrie Lucas (1980)
"Make it With You" By The Whispers (1977)
"I Can Make It Better For You" by The Whispers (1980)
"Make That Move" by Shalamar 1980
"I Owe You One" by Shalamar 1979
"Fantastic Voyage" by Lakeside
"Here I Am" by Dynasty
"Meeting In The Ladies Room" by Klymaxx
"Freakazoid" by Midnight Star
"Galaxy" by War (1977)
"Star Wars" by Meko (1977)
"Disco theme to Close Encounters of The Third Kind" by John Williams
So with the final launch of the space shuttle, this weeks "Disco Saturday" takes us to the galaxy of SOLAR records.
S.O.L.A.R. Records (acronym for Sound of Los Angeles Records) was reconstituted out of Soul Train Records only two years after it was founded with Soul Train television show host and creator Don Cornelius. Dick Griffey reorganized the company into the SOLAR label in late 1977 and it quickly became one of the most important disco, R&B, and dance music imprints of the late 1970s and 1980s.
Here are some selections from performers who were signed to SOLAR records and its subsidiaries.
"Soul Train 75" by The Soul Train Gang, produced by Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius as the theme to Soul Train from 1975 to 1976 ushering in the Disco era which was supported on Soul Train
"Career Girl" by Carrie Lucas (1980)
"Make it With You" By The Whispers (1977)
"I Can Make It Better For You" by The Whispers (1980)
"Make That Move" by Shalamar 1980
"I Owe You One" by Shalamar 1979
"Fantastic Voyage" by Lakeside
"Here I Am" by Dynasty
"Meeting In The Ladies Room" by Klymaxx
"Freakazoid" by Midnight Star
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Disco Saturday: Liberty and the freedom to dance
This week's Disco Saturday celebrates Liberty and the Freedom to dance your ass off.
Happy 4th of July weekend to everyone in the United States.
Happy Birthday in heaven to the great Phyllis Hyman (7/6/1949-6/30/1995)
"Heavenly"
Also happy birthday in heaven to Gene McFadden (July 2, 1948 – January 27, 2006), half of the team McFadden & Whitehead as legendary songwriters with Victor Carstarphen at Philadelphia International. One of their disco gems here is "Tell The World How I Feel About Cha' Baby" by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes
"Sing A Happy Song" by The O'Jays
"Over and Over" Sylvester
"There But For The Grace of God" by Machine
"Any Love" Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
"Shine On Silver Moon" by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr
Billy Davis celebrated a birthday recently and it was also his wedding anniversary to Marilyn McCoo. Both the same day, June 26th.
This was their entry in the Disco genre.
"Don't You Want My Love" by Debbie Jacobs
"This Time Baby" by Jackie Moore
And in closing, Disco Saturday would be remiss to not offer a congratulations to the Disco fans of New York State who happen to be Gay or Lesbian as the state of New York legalized their right to marry. There have been celebrations for the past week from Gay Pride and many weddings are being planned as New Yorkers enter the Fourth of July holiday weekend and the official start of marriage equality in the coming weeks.
Here are two disco-ish songs in your honor.
The vocal version of "Loves Theme" by Love Unlimited
And
"I Love New York" by Steve Karmen
Happy 4th of July weekend to everyone in the United States.
Happy Birthday in heaven to the great Phyllis Hyman (7/6/1949-6/30/1995)
"Heavenly"
Also happy birthday in heaven to Gene McFadden (July 2, 1948 – January 27, 2006), half of the team McFadden & Whitehead as legendary songwriters with Victor Carstarphen at Philadelphia International. One of their disco gems here is "Tell The World How I Feel About Cha' Baby" by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes
"Sing A Happy Song" by The O'Jays
"Over and Over" Sylvester
"There But For The Grace of God" by Machine
"Any Love" Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
"Shine On Silver Moon" by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr
Billy Davis celebrated a birthday recently and it was also his wedding anniversary to Marilyn McCoo. Both the same day, June 26th.
This was their entry in the Disco genre.
"Don't You Want My Love" by Debbie Jacobs
"This Time Baby" by Jackie Moore
And in closing, Disco Saturday would be remiss to not offer a congratulations to the Disco fans of New York State who happen to be Gay or Lesbian as the state of New York legalized their right to marry. There have been celebrations for the past week from Gay Pride and many weddings are being planned as New Yorkers enter the Fourth of July holiday weekend and the official start of marriage equality in the coming weeks.
Here are two disco-ish songs in your honor.
The vocal version of "Loves Theme" by Love Unlimited
And
"I Love New York" by Steve Karmen
Friday, June 24, 2011
I am What I am...Disco Saturday on a NY Marriage Equality Super Pride Weekend.
The last weekend of June in the Gay, Lesbian,Bisexual and Transgender community is the traditional Gay Pride weekend. Some refer to this weekend as "Super Pride" as this is the weekend of the largest Gay Pride celebrations around the United States.
We celebrate pride weekend with an old school DISCO SATURDAY of Gay and lesbian performers, Gay icons and favorite Divas. There is only so much room. Too many songs make for a difficult page for some to load. So here I just make some random selections and wish everyone a HAPPY PRIDE.
If you are near a satellite radio, this would be a great weekend to listen to SiriusXM OutQ during your travels, especially "Feel The Spin" hosted by Larry Flick.
Here are some dance classics and anthems. Enjoy
"I Am What I am" by Gloria Gaynor No explaination needed. Just listen.
SYLVESTER: Openly gay, highly revered and still loved although lost more than two decades ago.
"You Make Me Feel Mighty Real"
"Don't Stop" by Sylvester
DAN HARTMAN "Vertigo/Relight My Fire"
CHER was already Gay Icon who today has a Transgendered Son. Chazz Bono was born Chasity and came out as a lesbian in the 1990's and and while you don't see Cher marching in parades or performing at pride festivals, her LGBT fans worship her as an icon.
"Take Me Home"
(and because so many gays love this song while this blogger does not...)
"Believe"
Its hard to choose for Disco Saturday sometimes. So how about this departure. Something new, something recent. The current LGBT anthem "BORN THIS WAY" because we are born this way. Just as Gloria Gaynor sang "I am What I am". Thanks Lady Gaga!
Back to the old school. This is definitely a traditional song for Gay Pride. As it is the time when most of us come out and let the whole world know. So here is Miss Ross....Diana Ross
"I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross
Its a very busy weekend for this blogger who will be with Sean's Last Wish at Augusta Pride in Augusta Georgia. Last year, the headline entertainment at Augusta Pride was Thelma Houston and Frenchie Davis.
Added after original post!> Late on Friday night June 24th the state of New York became the 6th state in the United States to make same-sex marriage legal. This makes this weekend's Gay Pride Celebration even more meaningful as the entire movement began in New York in 1969 as people began standing up and fighting for their rights. And people have fought long and hard for the rights they achieved today. Congratulations New York.
Let's Celebrate!
MADONNA!
"Lets Celebrate" by Skyy
And all weekend gay couples are dancing in the streets celebrating their victory in the state capital.
Martha and The Vandellas
and I say...Keep on Dancing!
Gary's Gang (had to bring some Disco back to "Disco Saturday"
Yowza yowza yowza! Dance Dance Dance down the asile Bride and bride, Groom and Groom
"Everybody Dance" By Chic
And finally, after gay and lesbian couples get married in New York and the other states that allow it....LET NO MAN PUT YOU UNDER! The final songs for "Disco Saturday" this weekend brings it back to Philly as always with First Choice featuring the lead vocals of Rochelle Fleming who by the way has performed at pride festivals. I'm sure she is celebrating the victory in New York along with us.
"Let No Man Put Asunder"
"Love Thang"
Happy Pride! IN New York and beyond.
We celebrate pride weekend with an old school DISCO SATURDAY of Gay and lesbian performers, Gay icons and favorite Divas. There is only so much room. Too many songs make for a difficult page for some to load. So here I just make some random selections and wish everyone a HAPPY PRIDE.
If you are near a satellite radio, this would be a great weekend to listen to SiriusXM OutQ during your travels, especially "Feel The Spin" hosted by Larry Flick.
Here are some dance classics and anthems. Enjoy
"I Am What I am" by Gloria Gaynor No explaination needed. Just listen.
SYLVESTER: Openly gay, highly revered and still loved although lost more than two decades ago.
"You Make Me Feel Mighty Real"
"Don't Stop" by Sylvester
DAN HARTMAN "Vertigo/Relight My Fire"
CHER was already Gay Icon who today has a Transgendered Son. Chazz Bono was born Chasity and came out as a lesbian in the 1990's and and while you don't see Cher marching in parades or performing at pride festivals, her LGBT fans worship her as an icon.
"Take Me Home"
(and because so many gays love this song while this blogger does not...)
"Believe"
Its hard to choose for Disco Saturday sometimes. So how about this departure. Something new, something recent. The current LGBT anthem "BORN THIS WAY" because we are born this way. Just as Gloria Gaynor sang "I am What I am". Thanks Lady Gaga!
Back to the old school. This is definitely a traditional song for Gay Pride. As it is the time when most of us come out and let the whole world know. So here is Miss Ross....Diana Ross
"I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross
Its a very busy weekend for this blogger who will be with Sean's Last Wish at Augusta Pride in Augusta Georgia. Last year, the headline entertainment at Augusta Pride was Thelma Houston and Frenchie Davis.
Added after original post!> Late on Friday night June 24th the state of New York became the 6th state in the United States to make same-sex marriage legal. This makes this weekend's Gay Pride Celebration even more meaningful as the entire movement began in New York in 1969 as people began standing up and fighting for their rights. And people have fought long and hard for the rights they achieved today. Congratulations New York.
Let's Celebrate!
MADONNA!
"Lets Celebrate" by Skyy
And all weekend gay couples are dancing in the streets celebrating their victory in the state capital.
Martha and The Vandellas
and I say...Keep on Dancing!
Gary's Gang (had to bring some Disco back to "Disco Saturday"
Yowza yowza yowza! Dance Dance Dance down the asile Bride and bride, Groom and Groom
"Everybody Dance" By Chic
And finally, after gay and lesbian couples get married in New York and the other states that allow it....LET NO MAN PUT YOU UNDER! The final songs for "Disco Saturday" this weekend brings it back to Philly as always with First Choice featuring the lead vocals of Rochelle Fleming who by the way has performed at pride festivals. I'm sure she is celebrating the victory in New York along with us.
"Let No Man Put Asunder"
"Love Thang"
Happy Pride! IN New York and beyond.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thank God it's Disco Saturday- 3rd week of June 2011
Its Disco Saturday for the 3rd weekend of June 2011.
Opening the disco blog we celebrate birthdays. This week we highlight two birthdays.
It is a safe bet that most of you may not know who recorded some disco tracks before bigger fame as a TV mom.
Phylicia Ayers-Allen was born June 19, 1948. When she married Amhad Rashad in 1985 she became one of the rare popular celebrities to change her public name to her match her married name. Most when they get married keep the name they are known professionally as their stage name.
Phylicia reached her greatest fame as "Clair Huxtable" on "The Cosby Show" but she has disco roots. She recorded her own music and was married for years to Victor Willis, a member of The Village People during that groups highest success.
Here is one hard to find example of Phylicia's disco music from her 1978 album honoring Josephine Baker.
There were other recordings on YouTube from time to time but they are not available at the time of this blog post. But Happy birthday to Phylicia Ayers-Allen-Rashad on June 19th.
As for her former husband's group The Village People. You won't see much of their music on this blog simply because most of their music through YouTube isn't allowed for embedding on blogs and websites. Artists, recording and publishing companies do own the rights to the music and can dictate how they can be used. So if they don't allow it, you won't see it here. And it is very possible that anything already posted here might not be available at a later date.
Having said that, let get back to the music that we can hear for Disco Saturday
This week's second birthday honoree is Lionel Richie who's birthday is June 20, 1949
His group during the Disco Era of course would be The Commodores and there surely were many a "Brick House" on the dance floor.
Lionel Richie and The Commodores were also in a Disco era feature film, "Thank God Its Friday"
The Commodores hit single from the movie soundtrack was "Too Hot To Trot"
Also on the soundtrack and starring in the movie was Donna Summer with her song "Last Dance"
Oh but that isn't the last dance. Disco Saturday has more!
"Lets All Chant" by The Michael Zager Band
------------------------------------------------------------------
This one is a favorite you will hear occasionally in its entirety on "Feel The Spin", a great music program hosted by Larry Flick on SiriusXM satellite radio's "OutQ" channel. A Donna Summer Suite "Once Upon A Time.. Rumour Has It / I Love You / Happily Ever After".
By all means, check out Larry's show. It's definitely worth your time on Sunday afternoons. Click on Larry Flick's name to follow him on Twitter or click the link on the right side of this page for "Feel The Spin" blogs that will include a song list.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
One long set of Donna Summer requires equal time. Here is a long set of Gloria Gaynor's mid 1970's finest. "Never Can Say Goodbye" "Honey Bee" "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "If You Want It (Do It Yourself)"
-------------------------------------------------------------------
And since I am in the mood this week for the LONG sets. And I must include something out of Philadelphia. "Love Is the Message" by MFSB is clearly one of the best dance tunes of the 1970's from one of the best collection of musicians from the decade and beyond. Any long and lush recording of theirs under any identity is a treat to the ears.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
And to close out this week's Disco Saturday, we get long and funky. "Not just knee Deep" by Funkadelic and featuring the vocals of the late Phillippe' Wynne formerly of The Spinners.
Opening the disco blog we celebrate birthdays. This week we highlight two birthdays.
It is a safe bet that most of you may not know who recorded some disco tracks before bigger fame as a TV mom.
Phylicia Ayers-Allen was born June 19, 1948. When she married Amhad Rashad in 1985 she became one of the rare popular celebrities to change her public name to her match her married name. Most when they get married keep the name they are known professionally as their stage name.
Phylicia reached her greatest fame as "Clair Huxtable" on "The Cosby Show" but she has disco roots. She recorded her own music and was married for years to Victor Willis, a member of The Village People during that groups highest success.
Here is one hard to find example of Phylicia's disco music from her 1978 album honoring Josephine Baker.
There were other recordings on YouTube from time to time but they are not available at the time of this blog post. But Happy birthday to Phylicia Ayers-Allen-Rashad on June 19th.
As for her former husband's group The Village People. You won't see much of their music on this blog simply because most of their music through YouTube isn't allowed for embedding on blogs and websites. Artists, recording and publishing companies do own the rights to the music and can dictate how they can be used. So if they don't allow it, you won't see it here. And it is very possible that anything already posted here might not be available at a later date.
Having said that, let get back to the music that we can hear for Disco Saturday
This week's second birthday honoree is Lionel Richie who's birthday is June 20, 1949
His group during the Disco Era of course would be The Commodores and there surely were many a "Brick House" on the dance floor.
Lionel Richie and The Commodores were also in a Disco era feature film, "Thank God Its Friday"
The Commodores hit single from the movie soundtrack was "Too Hot To Trot"
Also on the soundtrack and starring in the movie was Donna Summer with her song "Last Dance"
Oh but that isn't the last dance. Disco Saturday has more!
"Lets All Chant" by The Michael Zager Band
------------------------------------------------------------------
This one is a favorite you will hear occasionally in its entirety on "Feel The Spin", a great music program hosted by Larry Flick on SiriusXM satellite radio's "OutQ" channel. A Donna Summer Suite "Once Upon A Time.. Rumour Has It / I Love You / Happily Ever After".
By all means, check out Larry's show. It's definitely worth your time on Sunday afternoons. Click on Larry Flick's name to follow him on Twitter or click the link on the right side of this page for "Feel The Spin" blogs that will include a song list.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
One long set of Donna Summer requires equal time. Here is a long set of Gloria Gaynor's mid 1970's finest. "Never Can Say Goodbye" "Honey Bee" "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "If You Want It (Do It Yourself)"
-------------------------------------------------------------------
And since I am in the mood this week for the LONG sets. And I must include something out of Philadelphia. "Love Is the Message" by MFSB is clearly one of the best dance tunes of the 1970's from one of the best collection of musicians from the decade and beyond. Any long and lush recording of theirs under any identity is a treat to the ears.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
And to close out this week's Disco Saturday, we get long and funky. "Not just knee Deep" by Funkadelic and featuring the vocals of the late Phillippe' Wynne formerly of The Spinners.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Disco Saturday- 2nd week of June 2011
Disco Saturday for the weekend of June 11th.
Start your dance a with birthday recogitions.
Happy Birthday to Mick Hucknall of Simply Red, born June 8, 1960
"Fairground" (1995)
Happy Birthday to Doris Pearson, the eldest child in the Pearson family that made up the group FIVE STAR. She was born June 8, 1966. And happy birthday to her sister Denise Pearson, born June 13, 1968
"All Fall Down" (1985)
Remembering Reynoldo "Obie" Benson, of the Four Tops Renaldo "Obie" Benson (June 14, 1936 – July 1, 2005)
"Catfish" by The Four Tops (1976)
Happy 50th birthday to Boy George, born George O'Dowd on June 14, 1961
"Miss Be Blind" by Culture Club
Happy Birthday to Barry Manilow, born June 17, 1943
"Copacabana" by Barry Manilow (1978)
June is Gay Pride month. Last week we honored Gay Days in Orlando. This weekend there are Gay Pride events in places like Washington DC, Philadelphia and Key West. So I thought I would post music from performers who are native to those areas.
Harry Casey is from Hallandale Florida which is in the Miami area which is not too far from Key West where they are having Key West Pride from June 8-12, 2011.
Harry Casey if you aren't aware is "KC" of KC and The Sunshine Band.
"Keep It Coming Love"
CAPITAL PRIDE in Washington DC is this weekend and their headline entertainment this year is JENNIFER HOLIDAY.
"No Frills Love" by Jennifer Holiday
Amii Stewart is from the Washington DC area. Of course she has the disco classic "Knock On Wood"
Also from Washington DC, Shannon (real name Brenda Shannon Greene)
"Let The Music Play"
And the favorite city of DISCO SATURDAY is of course the city of Brotherly Love and PHILLY PRIDE is also this weekend. And from the great disco foundation that is the sound of Philadelphia, this week's "Philly Posts" feature First Choice who's lead singer Rochelle Fleming is a friend of the gay community and sometimes appears at Gay pride events.
"Dr Love"
"Double Cross"
And that is your 10 plus one for DISCO SATURDAY this weekend. I try to post away from the mainstream hits and bring back memories of the deepest disco cuts you don't hear unless presented by a serious disco fan usually someone who might have been there when it was created. Anyway here's hoping you have a safe and happy pride weekend as we continue through the Pride month of June. Have fun in Key West, Washington DC and Philadelphia and other places that are holding LGBT pride events this weekend and this month.
See you next "Disco Saturday"
Start your dance a with birthday recogitions.
Happy Birthday to Mick Hucknall of Simply Red, born June 8, 1960
"Fairground" (1995)
Happy Birthday to Doris Pearson, the eldest child in the Pearson family that made up the group FIVE STAR. She was born June 8, 1966. And happy birthday to her sister Denise Pearson, born June 13, 1968
"All Fall Down" (1985)
Remembering Reynoldo "Obie" Benson, of the Four Tops Renaldo "Obie" Benson (June 14, 1936 – July 1, 2005)
"Catfish" by The Four Tops (1976)
Happy 50th birthday to Boy George, born George O'Dowd on June 14, 1961
"Miss Be Blind" by Culture Club
Happy Birthday to Barry Manilow, born June 17, 1943
"Copacabana" by Barry Manilow (1978)
June is Gay Pride month. Last week we honored Gay Days in Orlando. This weekend there are Gay Pride events in places like Washington DC, Philadelphia and Key West. So I thought I would post music from performers who are native to those areas.
Harry Casey is from Hallandale Florida which is in the Miami area which is not too far from Key West where they are having Key West Pride from June 8-12, 2011.
Harry Casey if you aren't aware is "KC" of KC and The Sunshine Band.
"Keep It Coming Love"
CAPITAL PRIDE in Washington DC is this weekend and their headline entertainment this year is JENNIFER HOLIDAY.
"No Frills Love" by Jennifer Holiday
Amii Stewart is from the Washington DC area. Of course she has the disco classic "Knock On Wood"
Also from Washington DC, Shannon (real name Brenda Shannon Greene)
"Let The Music Play"
And the favorite city of DISCO SATURDAY is of course the city of Brotherly Love and PHILLY PRIDE is also this weekend. And from the great disco foundation that is the sound of Philadelphia, this week's "Philly Posts" feature First Choice who's lead singer Rochelle Fleming is a friend of the gay community and sometimes appears at Gay pride events.
"Dr Love"
"Double Cross"
And that is your 10 plus one for DISCO SATURDAY this weekend. I try to post away from the mainstream hits and bring back memories of the deepest disco cuts you don't hear unless presented by a serious disco fan usually someone who might have been there when it was created. Anyway here's hoping you have a safe and happy pride weekend as we continue through the Pride month of June. Have fun in Key West, Washington DC and Philadelphia and other places that are holding LGBT pride events this weekend and this month.
See you next "Disco Saturday"
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Disco Saturday and Gay Days 20th anniversary
"Disco Saturday" for the first weekend in June 2011. This is the popular "Gay Days" weekend in Orlando Florida. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first "Gay Day" at Walt Disney World. Originally an unofficial gathering of Gays and Lesbians at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the event has grown into a week of gay pride events all over Central Florida. And surely some of its participants are fans of the old school Disco you will get here for "Disco Saturday"
Since this weeks "Disco Saturday" is in honor of Gay Days weekend in Orlando, I thought I would share with you the five part video of friends who attended Gay Days in 2010. You can enjoy this and other videos from the highly recommended YouTube channel "Life In The Form of Sean" And if you like the videos, then you should "Like" Sean on Facebook
"Gay Days 2010"
Videos produced by Mark O'Byrne.
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE
PART FOUR
PART FIVE
Now that you enjoyed the video visit of Disney World, this week's "Disco Saturday" blog begins with a little Disco Mickey Mouse.
Sorry Mickey for bringing this up. But you did record this.
Oh and Donald Duck doesn't get off the hook. He wasn't a "Disco Duck" but was a "Macho Duck".
Well thats enough "Disney Disco" as these are modern times and the younger attendees would prefer Lady Gaga disney. Whatever your musical preference, if you are attending "Gay Days" in Orlando, be safe, have fun and dance a little.
And I have the next dance for you with birthday greetings..
"I've Got The Next Dance" by Deniece Williams
June Deniece Chandler turns 61 on June 3rd.
One part of the "Gay Days" theme is to wear a RED T-SHIRT to the theme parks. And being the fashion conscience people of the world, surely the gays will wear those red shirts very well. (Well those who wear shirts)
"You Wear It Well" by DeBarge
Eldra Patrick DeBarge, "El" DeBarge turns 50 on June 4th!
While waiting on line for a theme park ride many will hope they can "Move On Up" in line quickly. June 3rd was the birthday of the late Curtis Mayfield, who wrote the song "Move On Up" which was covered by the disco group Destination.
"Move On UP" by Destination
And once you get on those theme park rides, "Don't let go" for you don't want to fall off. Or if that theme park involves a haunted house or other scary attraction, "Don't let Go" of your partner!
"Don't Let Go" by Isaac Hayes
And after a day in the theme parks, many will go to any of the circuit parties or clubs and the music will continue to play.
"Let The Music Play" by Shannon
And it all comes to an end late Sunday. So where will YOU go when the party is over?
"Disco Sunday" goes to Philadelphia of course.
"Where Will You Go When The Party's Over" by Archie Bell & The Drells on Philadelphia International.
And our next stop in Philly is our favorite First Choice "Let No Man Put Asunder"
And finally here are two from the "Everyone had to try disco at least once" catagory...
TYRONE DAVIS "Get On UP"
And Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr, "Shine On Silver Moon"
And thats your Disco Saturday for this week.
Keep on shining!
Since this weeks "Disco Saturday" is in honor of Gay Days weekend in Orlando, I thought I would share with you the five part video of friends who attended Gay Days in 2010. You can enjoy this and other videos from the highly recommended YouTube channel "Life In The Form of Sean" And if you like the videos, then you should "Like" Sean on Facebook
"Gay Days 2010"
Videos produced by Mark O'Byrne.
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE
PART FOUR
PART FIVE
Now that you enjoyed the video visit of Disney World, this week's "Disco Saturday" blog begins with a little Disco Mickey Mouse.
Sorry Mickey for bringing this up. But you did record this.
Oh and Donald Duck doesn't get off the hook. He wasn't a "Disco Duck" but was a "Macho Duck".
Well thats enough "Disney Disco" as these are modern times and the younger attendees would prefer Lady Gaga disney. Whatever your musical preference, if you are attending "Gay Days" in Orlando, be safe, have fun and dance a little.
And I have the next dance for you with birthday greetings..
"I've Got The Next Dance" by Deniece Williams
June Deniece Chandler turns 61 on June 3rd.
One part of the "Gay Days" theme is to wear a RED T-SHIRT to the theme parks. And being the fashion conscience people of the world, surely the gays will wear those red shirts very well. (Well those who wear shirts)
"You Wear It Well" by DeBarge
Eldra Patrick DeBarge, "El" DeBarge turns 50 on June 4th!
While waiting on line for a theme park ride many will hope they can "Move On Up" in line quickly. June 3rd was the birthday of the late Curtis Mayfield, who wrote the song "Move On Up" which was covered by the disco group Destination.
"Move On UP" by Destination
And once you get on those theme park rides, "Don't let go" for you don't want to fall off. Or if that theme park involves a haunted house or other scary attraction, "Don't let Go" of your partner!
"Don't Let Go" by Isaac Hayes
And after a day in the theme parks, many will go to any of the circuit parties or clubs and the music will continue to play.
"Let The Music Play" by Shannon
And it all comes to an end late Sunday. So where will YOU go when the party is over?
"Disco Sunday" goes to Philadelphia of course.
"Where Will You Go When The Party's Over" by Archie Bell & The Drells on Philadelphia International.
And our next stop in Philly is our favorite First Choice "Let No Man Put Asunder"
And finally here are two from the "Everyone had to try disco at least once" catagory...
TYRONE DAVIS "Get On UP"
And Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr, "Shine On Silver Moon"
And thats your Disco Saturday for this week.
Keep on shining!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Disco Saturday: In Memoriam
Get ready for a lot of music for one blog entry!
This is the "Disco Saturday" Memorial Day weekend edition where we remember the dearly departed performers who's sounds graced the dance floors and whos music will live on forever. Some of the performers we lost recently. So lets remember them and enjoy the music and the memories. No notes, just enjoy the music and remember.
There is a lot here but throughout the weekend I may add more, so stay tuned.
LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY (November 5, 1946 – March 21, 2011)
"Dreamin" (1976)
"Love Sensation"
"Runaway" by The Salsoul Orchestra featuring Loleatta Holloway
"Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch featured Loleatta's vocals. The hit song in the early 1990's helped revive her career for a while.
DAN HARTMAN (December 8, 1950—March 22, 1994)
"Vertigo/Relight My Fire" featuring the vocals of the late Loleatta Holloway
"Instant Replay"
"Just For Fun"
ALTON McCLAIN AND DESTINY "It Must Be Love" (1979)
The group was short lived, only together from 1978 to 1981. Delores Warren of the group died in 1985 at the age of 32. Alton McClain-Scarborough continues as a gospel singer today
CROWN HEIGHTS AFFAIR
"Dreaming A Dream" (1975)
Bert Reid of the group died in 2004 at the age of 48
EDWIN STARR
(January 21, 1942 – April 2, 2003)
"Contact" (1978)
"H.A.P.P.Y. Radio" (1979)
ESTHER PHILLIPS
(December 23, 1935 – August 7, 1984)
"What A Difference A Day Makes" (1975)
TEENA MARIE(March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010)
"I Need Your Lovin" (1980)
"Square Biz" (1981)
"Lovergirl" (1984)
"Behind The Groove" (1980)
"It Must Be Magic" (1981)
GLADYS KNIGHT AND THE PIPS
"Baby Don't Change Your Mind" (1976)
IN memory of Edward "Eddie" Roy Patten, one of THE PIPS and Gladys' cousin.
(August 27, 1939 – February 25, 2005)
THE FOUR TOPS
Levi Stubbles (June 6, 1936 – October 17, 2008)
Renaldo "Obie" Benson (June 14, 1936 – July 1, 2005)
Lawrence Payton (March 2, 1938 – June 20, 1997)
"Catfish" (1976)
SYLVESTER
Sylvester James (September 6, 1947 – December 16, 1988)
"You Make Me Feel Mighty Real"
"Dance (Disco Heat)"
"Someone Like You"
"Don't Stop"
"I Need You"
Sylvester is missed greatly, but with him in Disco heaven is Izora Rhodes Armstead (July 6, 1942 – September 16, 2004) One of Sylvester's backup singers as "Two Tons O Fun" and later "The Weather Girls"
"I Got The Feeling" by Two Tons O Fun
"Make Someone Feel Happy Today" by Two Tons O' Fun
"It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls
"Don't Let Love Slip Away" by Izora Rhodes Armstead
VICKI SUE ROBINSON (May 31, 1954 – April 27, 2000)
"Turn The Beat Around"
"Daylight"
MCFADDEN & WHITEHEAD
Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, songwriters and producers from Gamble & Huff's famed Philadelphia International. They had one major hit song of their own and produced many for the disco turntables.
"Ain't No Stopping Us Now"
Songs written by McFadden & Whitehead that were popular in the disco era. Some were not huge hits but they fit nicely in between the heaviest of the dance tunes from the era.
"Bad Luck" by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes featuring vocals from the late Teddy Pendergrass. (1975)
"Lets Groove" by Archie Bell and the Drells
"Let's Go Disco" by Archie Bell and the Drells
"The More I Get The MOre I Want" by Teddy Pendergrass
"Let Life Flow" by The O'Jays
We lost http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Redd at the age of 46 in 1992. She had better success as a backup singer than with her own solo work but she did leave us with a couple dance club classics.
"Can You Handle It" (1980)
"Love Is Gonna Get Ya"
"I'll Never Give You Up" (1982)
By the time disco was declared "dead" in the early 1980's, the beat continued. Disco never really died. It evolved and thrived.
There is so much more I could post but its time to close this out So last but never least, the forever and always Diva in this blogger's heart, PHYLLIS HYMAN. Who could get you do to the dance floor and back to an intimate candlelight setting with the greatest of class.
"You Know How To Love Me"
"How Long (Has this been going on)"
"Loving You, Losing You" (1977)
And that is enough Disco for "Disco Saturday" to carry you through the weekend. I told you this blog post would include a lot of music. With loving memory to the performers posted today and many that were not posted. They may be gone but will never be forgotten. Their music and original pure talent will always live on with Pride and Soul.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend here in the United States. And especially sending love and respect to the members of our United States Armed Forces, those who are dearly departed and who are currently serving. For this Memorial Day holiday was created in your honor.
Lest we forget.
"Heroes" by The Commodores, a tribute to our US Military.
This is the "Disco Saturday" Memorial Day weekend edition where we remember the dearly departed performers who's sounds graced the dance floors and whos music will live on forever. Some of the performers we lost recently. So lets remember them and enjoy the music and the memories. No notes, just enjoy the music and remember.
There is a lot here but throughout the weekend I may add more, so stay tuned.
LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY (November 5, 1946 – March 21, 2011)
"Dreamin" (1976)
"Love Sensation"
"Runaway" by The Salsoul Orchestra featuring Loleatta Holloway
"Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch featured Loleatta's vocals. The hit song in the early 1990's helped revive her career for a while.
DAN HARTMAN (December 8, 1950—March 22, 1994)
"Vertigo/Relight My Fire" featuring the vocals of the late Loleatta Holloway
"Instant Replay"
"Just For Fun"
ALTON McCLAIN AND DESTINY "It Must Be Love" (1979)
The group was short lived, only together from 1978 to 1981. Delores Warren of the group died in 1985 at the age of 32. Alton McClain-Scarborough continues as a gospel singer today
CROWN HEIGHTS AFFAIR
"Dreaming A Dream" (1975)
Bert Reid of the group died in 2004 at the age of 48
EDWIN STARR
(January 21, 1942 – April 2, 2003)
"Contact" (1978)
"H.A.P.P.Y. Radio" (1979)
ESTHER PHILLIPS
(December 23, 1935 – August 7, 1984)
"What A Difference A Day Makes" (1975)
TEENA MARIE(March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010)
"I Need Your Lovin" (1980)
"Square Biz" (1981)
"Lovergirl" (1984)
"Behind The Groove" (1980)
"It Must Be Magic" (1981)
GLADYS KNIGHT AND THE PIPS
"Baby Don't Change Your Mind" (1976)
IN memory of Edward "Eddie" Roy Patten, one of THE PIPS and Gladys' cousin.
(August 27, 1939 – February 25, 2005)
THE FOUR TOPS
Levi Stubbles (June 6, 1936 – October 17, 2008)
Renaldo "Obie" Benson (June 14, 1936 – July 1, 2005)
Lawrence Payton (March 2, 1938 – June 20, 1997)
"Catfish" (1976)
SYLVESTER
Sylvester James (September 6, 1947 – December 16, 1988)
"You Make Me Feel Mighty Real"
"Dance (Disco Heat)"
"Someone Like You"
"Don't Stop"
"I Need You"
Sylvester is missed greatly, but with him in Disco heaven is Izora Rhodes Armstead (July 6, 1942 – September 16, 2004) One of Sylvester's backup singers as "Two Tons O Fun" and later "The Weather Girls"
"I Got The Feeling" by Two Tons O Fun
"Make Someone Feel Happy Today" by Two Tons O' Fun
"It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls
"Don't Let Love Slip Away" by Izora Rhodes Armstead
VICKI SUE ROBINSON (May 31, 1954 – April 27, 2000)
"Turn The Beat Around"
"Daylight"
MCFADDEN & WHITEHEAD
Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, songwriters and producers from Gamble & Huff's famed Philadelphia International. They had one major hit song of their own and produced many for the disco turntables.
"Ain't No Stopping Us Now"
Songs written by McFadden & Whitehead that were popular in the disco era. Some were not huge hits but they fit nicely in between the heaviest of the dance tunes from the era.
"Bad Luck" by Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes featuring vocals from the late Teddy Pendergrass. (1975)
"Lets Groove" by Archie Bell and the Drells
"Let's Go Disco" by Archie Bell and the Drells
"The More I Get The MOre I Want" by Teddy Pendergrass
"Let Life Flow" by The O'Jays
We lost http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Redd at the age of 46 in 1992. She had better success as a backup singer than with her own solo work but she did leave us with a couple dance club classics.
"Can You Handle It" (1980)
"Love Is Gonna Get Ya"
"I'll Never Give You Up" (1982)
By the time disco was declared "dead" in the early 1980's, the beat continued. Disco never really died. It evolved and thrived.
There is so much more I could post but its time to close this out So last but never least, the forever and always Diva in this blogger's heart, PHYLLIS HYMAN. Who could get you do to the dance floor and back to an intimate candlelight setting with the greatest of class.
"You Know How To Love Me"
"How Long (Has this been going on)"
"Loving You, Losing You" (1977)
And that is enough Disco for "Disco Saturday" to carry you through the weekend. I told you this blog post would include a lot of music. With loving memory to the performers posted today and many that were not posted. They may be gone but will never be forgotten. Their music and original pure talent will always live on with Pride and Soul.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend here in the United States. And especially sending love and respect to the members of our United States Armed Forces, those who are dearly departed and who are currently serving. For this Memorial Day holiday was created in your honor.
Lest we forget.
"Heroes" by The Commodores, a tribute to our US Military.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Disco Saturday Rapture 2011
Well there is talk about May 21st being the time of Rapture, the end of the world as we know it. But not before you get your Disco on!
Might as well start with "Rapture"
So if the Rapture happens and people begin floating upward, will some land on the moon?
"Float On" by The Floaters
"How High The Moon" by Gloria Gaynor
Before the rapture is complete lets celebrate the birthday of "Butch" Tavares, born May 18, 1948. He is one of the Tavares brothers who had some of our favorite Disco tunes. And even though the world may end tonight, we don't want you to take away our music.
"Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel"
It's also GRACE JONES birthday this week, born one day after Butch Tavares on May 19, 1948
"Slave to the Rhythm" (1985)
"La Vie En Rose" (1977)
Also celebrating a birthday this week is CHER and here is her disco hit "take Me Home" from 1979
And Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers celebrates his 70th birthday on May 21st.
Now that we got the birthdays and the Rapture issue covered, how about we just GET DOWN to some disco business! Dance you ass off to these party people! If it really is the end of the world you might as well go out with a groove.
Gino Soccio
Hamilton Bohannon "Lets Start The Dance"
And finally, just in case this is the last day, lets walk on some sunshine.
Central Line
And that is the Pride And Soul "Disco Saturday" for Rapture day 2011. Next week (if we have one LOL) we will have a special Memorial Day edition honoring the dearly departed Disco greats. Thanks for visiting!
Might as well start with "Rapture"
So if the Rapture happens and people begin floating upward, will some land on the moon?
"Float On" by The Floaters
"How High The Moon" by Gloria Gaynor
Before the rapture is complete lets celebrate the birthday of "Butch" Tavares, born May 18, 1948. He is one of the Tavares brothers who had some of our favorite Disco tunes. And even though the world may end tonight, we don't want you to take away our music.
"Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel"
It's also GRACE JONES birthday this week, born one day after Butch Tavares on May 19, 1948
"Slave to the Rhythm" (1985)
"La Vie En Rose" (1977)
Also celebrating a birthday this week is CHER and here is her disco hit "take Me Home" from 1979
And Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers celebrates his 70th birthday on May 21st.
Now that we got the birthdays and the Rapture issue covered, how about we just GET DOWN to some disco business! Dance you ass off to these party people! If it really is the end of the world you might as well go out with a groove.
Gino Soccio
Hamilton Bohannon "Lets Start The Dance"
And finally, just in case this is the last day, lets walk on some sunshine.
Central Line
And that is the Pride And Soul "Disco Saturday" for Rapture day 2011. Next week (if we have one LOL) we will have a special Memorial Day edition honoring the dearly departed Disco greats. Thanks for visiting!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Disco Saturday (May 14th)
Well the Blogger site was down for nearly 24 hours but everything is back up and running in time for Pride And Soul's weekly "Disco Saturday".
Mind you this blogger can't dance but loves to listen to the old school beats. I wasn't quite old enough to go to any of the discoteques of that time but I surely had my ears glued to the radio and the records and tapes.
Here are this week's ten best of the best.
"Mandolay" (1979) by LaFlavour
"keep On Jumpin" (1978) by Musique
Musique included one of my all time favorite Dance music Divas on vocals, Jocelyn Brown. Legendary vocalist for many disco acts and productions and just a few SOLO releases in comparison but each top notch including the remake of "Aint No Mountain High Enough" by Inner Life
The BROOKLYN, BRONX AND QUEENS -BB and Q Band, "On the Beat" (1980)
Always have to include something from Philadelphia. Here is Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes with Teddy Pendergrass on vocals doing "Tell the World How I Feel About Cha Baby" from the 1975 album "Wake Up Everybody"
Also from Philadelphia, THE TRAMMPS
"Zing went the strings of my heart"
And now we can CHANT!!!!
Keep it HOT! Cheryl Lynn
"I've Got The Next Dance" by Deniece Williams
And for the old school House music fans, lets "Break For Love" by RAZE and the timing for me would be late 1980's, South Beach Miami. Power 96 radio used to jam this!
And there is your ten for this week's "Disco Saturday" Hope you enjoyed it.
Mind you this blogger can't dance but loves to listen to the old school beats. I wasn't quite old enough to go to any of the discoteques of that time but I surely had my ears glued to the radio and the records and tapes.
Here are this week's ten best of the best.
"Mandolay" (1979) by LaFlavour
"keep On Jumpin" (1978) by Musique
Musique included one of my all time favorite Dance music Divas on vocals, Jocelyn Brown. Legendary vocalist for many disco acts and productions and just a few SOLO releases in comparison but each top notch including the remake of "Aint No Mountain High Enough" by Inner Life
The BROOKLYN, BRONX AND QUEENS -BB and Q Band, "On the Beat" (1980)
Always have to include something from Philadelphia. Here is Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes with Teddy Pendergrass on vocals doing "Tell the World How I Feel About Cha Baby" from the 1975 album "Wake Up Everybody"
Also from Philadelphia, THE TRAMMPS
"Zing went the strings of my heart"
And now we can CHANT!!!!
Keep it HOT! Cheryl Lynn
"I've Got The Next Dance" by Deniece Williams
And for the old school House music fans, lets "Break For Love" by RAZE and the timing for me would be late 1980's, South Beach Miami. Power 96 radio used to jam this!
And there is your ten for this week's "Disco Saturday" Hope you enjoyed it.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Disco Saturday
A new weekly feature of the "Pride and Soul" blog will be Disco Saturday (the only name I can come up with right now) as this blogger comes out of the closet as a proud DISCO fan. But here you will find the BEST examples of the genre and not the cookie cutter "pop" disco crap that is often the example of the public scorn that the genre recieved by the 1980's. Of course this is really just my opinion. But heres hoping you will just enjoy the music and dance.
My first Disco post is by FIRST CHOICE with lead vocals by Rochelle Fleming
"Let No Man Put Asunder" (1977)
"Im So Glad To Be A Woman" by Love Unlimited
Love Unlimited produced by Barry White and featured his wife Glodean James, her sister Linda James and their cousin Diane Taylor. Love Unlimited was the female backup vocals on Barry White's music as well as their own girl group throughout the 1970's until the death of Diane Taylor in 1985.
Not to be confused with Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra, the musicians behind all of the Barry White empire, there were two versions of the legendary song "Loves Theme". Here is the VOCAL version by Love Unlimited
Sadly, the vocal version wasn't as big a hit as the instrumental by the Love Unlimited Orchestra.
And here is a song from Barry White himself that rocked a few Disco dance floors, "Look At Her" from 1978
"Can You Handle It" by Sharon Redd (1980)
"Lets Go Disco" by Archie Bell and The Drells
"We're On The Right Track" By South Shore Commission
(Sidney L. Pinchback II, original member of South Shore Commission passed away recently of diabetes complications. RIP)
"We're On The Right Track" was also recorded by Blue Magic but for this week's Disco Saturday here is an early disco sound of Blue Magic's "Look Me Up" from 1974
And to hear "Look Me Up" reminds me of another great song out of Philadelphia and thus another song from First Choice..."Newsy Neighbors"
Now I want to keep this to 10 songs and I have reached this point but I have to pick an extra. Another under recognized group DOUBLE EXPOSURE and their classic "My Love is Free"
Hope you enjoyed this first installment of "Disco Saturday" where you will be reminded of the deepest grooves and the underrated performers first and foremost.
My first Disco post is by FIRST CHOICE with lead vocals by Rochelle Fleming
"Let No Man Put Asunder" (1977)
"Im So Glad To Be A Woman" by Love Unlimited
Love Unlimited produced by Barry White and featured his wife Glodean James, her sister Linda James and their cousin Diane Taylor. Love Unlimited was the female backup vocals on Barry White's music as well as their own girl group throughout the 1970's until the death of Diane Taylor in 1985.
Not to be confused with Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra, the musicians behind all of the Barry White empire, there were two versions of the legendary song "Loves Theme". Here is the VOCAL version by Love Unlimited
Sadly, the vocal version wasn't as big a hit as the instrumental by the Love Unlimited Orchestra.
And here is a song from Barry White himself that rocked a few Disco dance floors, "Look At Her" from 1978
"Can You Handle It" by Sharon Redd (1980)
"Lets Go Disco" by Archie Bell and The Drells
"We're On The Right Track" By South Shore Commission
(Sidney L. Pinchback II, original member of South Shore Commission passed away recently of diabetes complications. RIP)
"We're On The Right Track" was also recorded by Blue Magic but for this week's Disco Saturday here is an early disco sound of Blue Magic's "Look Me Up" from 1974
And to hear "Look Me Up" reminds me of another great song out of Philadelphia and thus another song from First Choice..."Newsy Neighbors"
Now I want to keep this to 10 songs and I have reached this point but I have to pick an extra. Another under recognized group DOUBLE EXPOSURE and their classic "My Love is Free"
Hope you enjoyed this first installment of "Disco Saturday" where you will be reminded of the deepest grooves and the underrated performers first and foremost.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Robinson & Redd: AIDS birth and death.
May 1 in history....
Max Robinson, the first African-American to host a nightly national network newscast and often the first African-American/Black man to hold news anchoring positions on major television stations was born on May 1, 1939.
ABC News promo for "World News Tonight" anchored by Frank Reynolds, Max Robinson and Peter Jennings ran from 1978 until the death of Frank Reynolds in 1983 when Peter Jennings became the sole anchor of the program.
His first television anchoring duty came over 50 years ago in Virgina where he was forced to report the news behind a screen with the station's logo so that the viewers could not see that a black man was reporting the news at a time when it was unheard of especially in the South. One day he defiantly moved the screen and was fired but moved on to bigger cities and became a legend in local television in Washington DC earning his way to become a national figure in television journalism.
Max Robinson died in December 1988 at the age of 49 from complications from AIDS.
And musically, singer SHARON REDD passed away on May 1, 1992 at the age of 46. Reports were that she died of AIDS complications or pneumonia or both.
Sharon Redd was one of Bette Midler's "Harlettes" before becoming a solo performer with popular dance/disco songs like "Can You Handle It" (my favorite)
Max Robinson, the first African-American to host a nightly national network newscast and often the first African-American/Black man to hold news anchoring positions on major television stations was born on May 1, 1939.
ABC News promo for "World News Tonight" anchored by Frank Reynolds, Max Robinson and Peter Jennings ran from 1978 until the death of Frank Reynolds in 1983 when Peter Jennings became the sole anchor of the program.
His first television anchoring duty came over 50 years ago in Virgina where he was forced to report the news behind a screen with the station's logo so that the viewers could not see that a black man was reporting the news at a time when it was unheard of especially in the South. One day he defiantly moved the screen and was fired but moved on to bigger cities and became a legend in local television in Washington DC earning his way to become a national figure in television journalism.
Max Robinson died in December 1988 at the age of 49 from complications from AIDS.
And musically, singer SHARON REDD passed away on May 1, 1992 at the age of 46. Reports were that she died of AIDS complications or pneumonia or both.
Sharon Redd was one of Bette Midler's "Harlettes" before becoming a solo performer with popular dance/disco songs like "Can You Handle It" (my favorite)
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