Disco Facts: Learn About This Popular Form Of Dance Music

Disco is considered to be one of the most significant musical movements of the '70s.

Disco brought back the popular phenomenon of social dancing, but with a newer, freer style of dancing. Disco dancing allowed people to dance collectively and not just as a couple.

Disco is a beat-driven style of music that has elements of funk, pop, soul, and salsa. Initially, it was more popular among the underground subculture, but soon, the music became a phenomenon worldwide. The word 'disco' comes from the French word 'discotheque,' a library of phonograph records. With the rise of disco music, the disc jockey or DJ also gained prominence in disco clubs. The peak of the disco craze was in the late '70s, but disco has remained a popular genre of music ever since.

Popularity Of The Disco

For many people, the disco era appeared to be a short-lived craze of music and culture, but you can still find major disco elements in contemporary dance music.

Though it started in the late '60s, disco music hit its peak in the years 1977 and 1978. After the movies 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'Thank God It's Friday' were released, the songs and dances in those movies became an immediate sensation across the globe. Disco music typically has four-on-the-floor beats, with strings, horns, electric piano, synthesizers, and electric guitars. The typical lighting for disco music involves swirling, multi-colored lights that flash to the beat, and a mirror or a disco ball. The overall effect is of a funky sound, flashing lights, and an overall positive vibe that disco dancers embraced. 

History & Origin Of The Disco

Disco originated as the music of the underground scene in the late '60s, and within a decade, the signature disco sound became the most popular music style in the world.

Manu Dibango's song, 'Soul Makossa,' became a big hit in Paris and ushered in the disco era. Soon disco moved beyond the disco clubs with colored lights and became a part of people's lives, with the songs blasting from TVs and radios everywhere. Disco music evolved from various subcultures of music, and its beat allowed for more freedom in dancing styles.

David Mancuso, a wealthy New Yorker, opened a nightclub called The Loft in 1970, and with that, the official era of disco clubs began in the USA. The dance moves also evolved with the music. The dancers started to invent new moves while dancing non-stop to the music. The disco scene allowed them to enjoy themselves alone, as a couple, or in a group. 

The decline of disco as a major trend in popular music was spearheaded by the infamous event known as 'Disco Demolition Night.' Though new genres of music came into prominence and made their place, disco continued to remain special, and a revival may soon be on the cards.

Most Famous Disco Songs

Disco music helped many artists like Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, and the Bee Gees achieve superstardom and a significant position in the music industry.

The five most famous disco songs include the following:

'Staying Alive' by the Bee Gees was in the movie 'Saturday Night Fever.' This great song featured in a hugely entertaining movie, and is often the first disco song that people think of.

Gloria Gaynor sang many disco hits, and 'I Will Survive' was a smash hit in 1979. A song about self-belief is an evergreen song.

Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder sang 'I Feel Love' with a minimal electronic sound and laid the groundwork for house music.

'Miss You' by the Rolling Stones in 1978 was a great combination of disco with blues and rock.

The Trammps' 'Disco Inferno' became a smash hit after appearing in the soundtrack of the movie 'Saturday Night Fever.'

The Psychology Behind Discos

Disco music is known to inspire fans around the world to dance freely. People could move on the dance floor with freedom, in tandem with the repetitive and catchy beats.

Most disco clubs had large dance floors and huge PA systems. The Disc Jockey played the most popular disco songs loudly and continuously. The colored lights that flashed to the beat of the music and the mirror balls could create a world away from the real world.

It is widely known that dancing releases endorphins and lifts the mood. Similarly, disco music and discos helped people to relieve stress and feel happier.

FAQs

Why did the disco become so popular?

One of the main reasons the disco became so popular was due to its loud and repetitive sounds and the free-form dancing. The DJs also played a huge part in making disco music popular.

Is disco coming back?

New styles of music are coming to the fore, but many artists also tend to go back to their roots. Some great disco tracks have come out recently, and a disco revival is possible.

When was the peak of disco?

Disco music came into prominence in the '70s and reached its peak in 1977 and 1978, with the release of the movie 'Saturday Night Fever.'

How did disco get its name?

'Disco' comes from the French word 'discotheque', referring to a library of phonograph records. When the word came to the USA, it was shortened to 'disco'.

In which year did the disco decline?

The disco gained a lot of fans, but many did not like it much. It was met with a public backlash in 1979, with 'Disco Demolition Night,' and the decline of disco accelerated. However, disco did not end completely and has continued to be a part of house, drum, and bass styles.

What was disco known for?

Disco was known for loud, repetitive beats and free-form dancing. The flashing strobe lights, disco balls, and Disk Jockeys were also an integral part of disco culture.

What was the first disco hit?

The song 'You Should Be Dancing' by the Bee Gees was the first number one disco song on the charts in 1976. Later, the soundtrack of the movie 'Saturday Night Fever' was a huge hit.

Who invented disco?

Regine Zylberberg claimed to have been the first club DJ in 1953. She installed a dance floor with colored lights and turntables. Disco music evolved from different subcultures in the late '60s and early '70s in New York.

What are some fun facts about disco?

There are many fun facts about disco. The disco era officially began with David Mancuso opening a nightclub (The Loft in New York) in 1970. Earl Young, the drummer for the Trammps, invented the disco beat. Clubs in the '20s also had disco balls, and there are some reports that they were around even during the Civil War era.