Disco music is a genre that originated in the African American and homosexual communities in the early 1970s. It is characterized by danceable beats, prominent basslines, and orchestral strings. Disco music was popularized in the nightclubs of New York City and quickly grew into a global phenomenon. Despite being often associated with the glitz and glamour of the 70s, disco music continues to be an influence on contemporary music and popular culture.
One of the most intriguing questions in the history of disco is, what is considered to be the first disco song? The answer to this question is not straightforward, and it depends on many factors that we are going to explore in this blog post. So, sit back, relax, and let’s go on a journey through the history of disco music.
The Origins of Disco Music
The roots of disco can be traced back to the 1960s when African American and Hispanic communities in urban centers such as New York, Miami, and Philadelphia were creating rhythmic and danceable music that was an amalgamation of various genres such as funk, soul, and R&B. The music was often played in bars, clubs, and parties and was enjoyed by these marginalized communities.
A significant development in the history of disco occurred in 1973 when a French Cameroonian saxophonist, Manu Dibango, released a track called “Soul Makossa.” The song featured a distinctive jazz-funk sound with Dibango’s saxophone riff as the centerpiece. The song became an international hit and was played in nightclubs around the world.
It is said that the popularity of “Soul Makossa” in New York nightclubs played a pivotal role in shaping the disco sound. DJs would play the song at parties and extend the danceable parts to keep the crowd on the dancefloor. The song’s success paved the way for future disco hits and is considered by many as the first disco song.
Disco’s Early Years
The success of “Soul Makossa” inspired many other artists to experiment with the disco sound. One of the earliest disco hits was Gloria Gaynor’s “Never Can Say Goodbye,” released in 1974. The song featured a repetitive beat and a catchy chorus that became a dancefloor favorite.
Another song that is widely regarded as one of the first disco hits is “Love’s Theme” by the American band Love Unlimited Orchestra. The track featured soaring strings and a driving beat that was used as the theme song for the television show, ‘Soul Train.’
In 1975, the release of Donna Summer’s “Love to Love You Baby” marked a turning point in disco music history. The song featured Summer moaning and groaning over a hypnotic beat, lasting for over 16 minutes. The song became an instant classic and helped to cement disco music’s place in popular culture.
Final Thoughts
So, what is considered to be the first disco song? While there is no single answer to this question, it is safe to say that “Soul Makossa” played an important role in shaping the disco sound. The song’s popularity in New York nightclubs inspired many artists to experiment with the genre and create their own disco hits.
Disco music’s legacy can still be felt today, with contemporary artists often drawing inspiration from the genre. The disco sound paved the way for many other music genres such as house, techno, and EDM. While the 70s might be over, the disco era lives on in the music and culture of today.