Quincy Jones and the Dawn of Disco Quincy Jones and the Dawn and Death of Disco
History of the Discothèque and the Disco Genre France, WWII Danced to pre-recorded jazz USA: alternative to rock clubs New counterculture New, exciting, exotic Originally was music for the minorities African roots Racial clubs Gay clubs and musicians Shift to EVERYONE could be a producer All about the audience, the spectacle R&B, Soul influences, James Brown Sylvester and the Village People
Donna Summer Many Disco hits in the late 70’s “I Feel Love” “Love to Love You Baby” Distinct vocal style Pre-pop disco poster child Music to touch on: Love to love you baby (start, middle, return at 7:25) Full strings, guitar style, brass, constant drums, REALLY LONG song, ends at 13? I Feel Love Synth start, vocal style, hard to understand. More of a feeling
Was disco as much of a musical revolution as rock?
Bringing Disco to the Mainstream Saturday Night Fever The Bee Gees The Hustle Drugs and rebellion Influence on other music Songs: Stayin Alive The Hustle Influence= Blondie, Abba, Rod Stewart, etc.
The Death of Disco
Was the music industry more accessible to newcomers after disco? Easier to enter, harder to leave a mark?
Quincy Jones Jazz musician Toured the world starting at 19 “Music vs. Music Business” Turned to film scores (32!) The Wiz and meeting MJ Qwest Productions Frank Sinatra, MJ, etc. “Divinity Interceded” style of production Collaboration https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincy_Jones_production_discography
Quincy Jones & Michael Jackson Off The Wall (‘79) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough Last disco success Thriller (‘82) Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller Helped bring dance music into the 80’s MTV success and strained relationships Bad (‘87) Don’t stop til you get enough Restore dance image after fall of disco
Should music producers focus more on making hits, or instead on designing what they love? After seeing success stories from both types of producers Is there still room for only one or the other in today’s world?
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