“Night Fever” The Rise of Disco

Disco “Disco” was derived from “discotheque,” a term first used in Europe during the 1960s to refer to nightclubs devoted to playing recorded music for dancing. “Disco” was derived from “discotheque,” a term first used in Europe during the 1960s to refer to nightclubs devoted to playing recorded music for dancing.

The Rise of Disco The rise of disco was driven by several factors: The rise of disco was driven by several factors: –Inspiration of black popular music: Motown, soul, and funk –Rise in popularity of social dancing among American middle class –New technologies: synthesizers, drum machines, and synchronized turntables –Hollywood film industry promoting musical trends –Economic recession—club owners hired DJs rather than live musicians

Disco Era (1975–80) Popular alternative to rock music Popular alternative to rock music Focused on social dancing Focused on social dancing Couple-based dances like the hustle and choreographed line dances similar to nineteenth-century ballroom dances Couple-based dances like the hustle and choreographed line dances similar to nineteenth-century ballroom dances Disco was a reaction against AOR and the idea of LPs as art and of rock groups as artists Disco was a reaction against AOR and the idea of LPs as art and of rock groups as artists Disco de-emphasized the importance of the band Disco de-emphasized the importance of the band – Focused attention on the producers, the DJs who played the recordings in nightclubs, and a few glamorous stars who sang with the backing of anonymous studio musicians Disco rejected the idea of albums as architecturally designed collections of pieces. Disco rejected the idea of albums as architecturally designed collections of pieces.

Disc Jockeys Rediscovered the single and expanded it to fill the time frame offered by the twelve-inch LP vinyl disc Rediscovered the single and expanded it to fill the time frame offered by the twelve-inch LP vinyl disc Developed techniques for blending one record into the next without interruption Developed techniques for blending one record into the next without interruption

Listening: “Bad Girls” and “Good Times” “Bad Girls” performed by Donna Summer “Bad Girls” performed by Donna Summer “Good Times” performed by Chic “Good Times” performed by Chic What makes these records disco: What makes these records disco: –The beat –A steady, medium-fast tempo –Straightforward, repetitive song forms –Straightforward subject matter –Limited harmonic vocabulary Return to the basics, danceable music with a new twist Return to the basics, danceable music with a new twist

Listening: “Bad Girls” and “Good Times” Some distinguishing characteristics of “Bad Girls” and “Good Times” Some distinguishing characteristics of “Bad Girls” and “Good Times” “Bad Girls” has greater textural variety “Bad Girls” has greater textural variety –Donna Summer’s lead vocal, responding voices, brass instruments, and a police whistle appear, disappear, and reappear over the course of the recording. “Bad Girls” is more elaborate from a formal point of view than “Good Times.” “Bad Girls” is more elaborate from a formal point of view than “Good Times.” The vocal styles used in the two recordings are different The vocal styles used in the two recordings are different –Donna Summer’s emphatic, expansive style derives from roots in R&B and gospel.