The Beginning of the 70s Brings a New Genre of Music: DISCO!

In the late 1960s/early 1970s a new genre of music was created, and that genre was Disco ! Many of us today are familiar with the dance music known as disco but when did it originate, and how did it become so popular? If you are interested in learning things about disco such as, the influences for disco's creation, or even why this genre of music is called disco, and more, then this blog post by a Contemporary Citizen is the perfect place for you.
The origins of disco music can be traced back to the inner city of New York in the late 1960s when it is believed to have premiered in the song, 'Only the Strong Survive', by Jerry Butler in 1969. But when this song first came out people did not think, 'o what a wonderful disco song!', because the name disco had not been tied to this new groundbreaking type of music just yet. This genre of music remained nameless until 1973.
The new genre of music gained its unforgettable name on September 13, 1973 in the Rolling Stones Magazine by author Vince Alleti. In the article "Discotheque Rock '72: Paaaaarty" Mr. Alleti referred to this new genre of music as "discotheque" and from that point on this new style of music would forever be called disco. The name disco refers to the combination of an array of instruments on top of a catchy dance beat.
The influences of disco music are believed to be funk, soul, and Latin American music, in combination with the unique atmosphere that many feel is a must while listening to disco music. Disco gained its popularity in large inner cities like New York, and Philadelphia due to the high number of dance clubs in combination with large amount of diverse people attending the clubs.
One of the first disco clubs was 'The Loft',(Left)a private, members only club opened in New York City, opened by DJ David Mancuso. When one thinks of disco an atmosphere of dancing, a mixture of light, and of course the 'disco ball' come to mind. And on this dark, flashing light filled dance floor people could dance without the fear of judgement, feeling equal, and this drew in crowds of people such as Gays, Lesbians, and African Americans.
The counterculture in the late 60s, early 70s, was growing large and clubs playing disco were seen by many people as a relief from the counterculture and a break from the popular music of the time. In New York city Gays, African Americans, Latinos, and Heterosexuals, would attend this disco dance clubs because it was a new style of music. Going to disco clubs gave people the chance to break away from the psychedelic dance music of the counterculture and the pop rock music that was played on the radio constantly. The new unique style of music along with new type of dancing atmosphere within clubs that were filled with diverse people is what made disco so popular in the 1970s.
One example of a popular disco artist of the 1970s is La Donna Adrian Gaines, but Gaines went by the stage name Donna Summers, and came to be known by yet another name: 'The Queen of Disco'. As proof to the popularity of Gaines and disco music, Gaines was the first artist in history to ever have three consecutive double albums reach number one on the US Billboard chart, and she would also go on to become a five time Grammy winner.
After watching this video the atmosphere at disco clubs can become a little more realistic with the presence of disco music, disco clothing, and a diverse group of people dancing and having fun in Donna Summer's video to her hit song, "This Time I Know Its For Real"
Disco became popular all around the world giving birth to dances such as, the 'cha-cha-cha', 'touch dancing', and 'the hustle. Disco gave birth to a new style of dressing, and influenced the lives of many people who grew up in this time. The unique atmosphere that was prevalent in disco clubs can still be found in dance clubs around the world today.




Bibliography:
Wikipedia.com
TheOriginof.com
http://www.jahsonic.com/VinceAletti.html
Disco Club Photos
Photo 1: 'Disco Fever'
Woman in Disco Jumpsuit
Male/Female Disco Jumpsuit Photograph
Japanese Night Club
Disco Dance Floor with Disco Ball