Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution

Not ready to let go of PRIDE quite yet… If you have not had the pleasure of binging Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution, I highly recommend it!

This 3-Part Series produced by the BBC/PBS tackles the musical history of DISCO from its break in underground dance parties that offered space and voice to marginalized communities to topping the “charts” globally. Its rise and fall came quickly. By July 12, 1979, it would burn at Kimensky Park, “Disco Demolition” as the final nail coming as AIDS swept though the gay community. 

Disco emboldened a Revolution while giving voice to "Disco Divas" like Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan. Disco spread through all-inclusiv, pop-up dance venues leaning into the desire to dance, get high, and share a little love. FOMO would set in fast with the Who's Who in New York City. Elite society could not look away as Studio 54 and voyeurs like Andy Warhol and his entourage made it their own. This would mark its rise and fall!

Tanya Tip’s: If you are ready to be whisked through a decade of decadence and its aftermath you cannot beat the 2018 documentary, Studio 54. It’s not just me, it got a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.   

Pushing back on racism, sexism, shame and fear, Disco saw second class citizens gathering to vibe and dance together. The movement found its way through sweaty underground basements and co-opted mainstream venues giving rise to energized, collective voices emboldened to push back on intolerance. This is powerfully illustrated with the Stonewall riots. 

Disco was cultural revolution

Disco’s quick rise through global mainstream culture would also be its downfall. As this underground dance craze bubbled to the surface, Rock ‘n’ Roll would take a temporary backseat as AIDS, still a mysterious disease, ravaged and stigmatized homosexual communities.

Disco did not stand a chance. 

Having said that, it’s hard to keep Sex, Drugs and Dance down. Just as the mainstream co-opted Disco for themselves, “Disco Demolition” burned records at Comiskey Park, AIDS spread, and Rock ‘n’ Roll revolted.

Disco Demolition Night

Champeroned by DJ's like Frankie Knuckles, Disco narrowly escaped New York for Chicago. The scene would pop again this time with remix disco breaks and R&B to create a new genre of dance music, known as House music. 

Pioneers like Knuckles would keep disco alive as it evolved into the world of raves and the electronic dance music we know today. 

By 1977 when Saturday Night Fever was the big winner at theaters as John Travolta flipped the script adding sensitive, straight white male to the mix. The cool vibe was eroding; it would not take long for shame and judgement to curb the groovy dance vibe.

A tie that binds, let’s not forget that our beloved Village People emerged during the disco era touting Y-M-C-A with farcical displays exemplifying the vibe of the time. 

Tanya’s Tips: Check out the Groovy Tunes - oOYes Disco playlist for some of our favorite disco hits.

• Funkytown - Lipps Inc.

• Staying Alive - Bee Gees

• We Are Family - Sister Sledge

• Le Freak - Chic

• That's the Way (I Like It) - KC & The Sunshine Band

• I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

• Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire

• Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye) - Donna Summers

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