Disco Era

Personification of the Disco Era

It began in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It continued to increase in popularity and in the middle of the 1970s more and more disco songs topped the charts. Because of disco's increasing popularity, many "non-disco artists" felt they had to record disco songs because of the disco´s popularity rising also into the mainstream (even if it was not "pure" disco, it had to have some disco influence or overtones) Disco music was now a worldwide phenomenon!

Because of several years of popularity, an anti-disco sentiment manifested itself. Many musicians of a variety of rock music styles expressed strong disapproval of the long running popularity of disco and its highly identifiable culture, especially as the decade was coming to a close (later known as the disco era). July 12, 1979 became known as "the day disco died" because of an anti-disco demonstration held in Chicago. Radio DJs organized mass burnings of disco albums and posters. Rock station Dj´s staged "Disco Demolition Night", an anti-disco promotional event for disgruntled rock fans. On July 21, 1979, six days after the riot, the top six records on the U.S. music charts were disco songs. By September 22, two months later, there were no disco songs in the U.S. Top 10 chart. The media, in celebratory tones, declared disco dead and rock revived.-Answer.com

This many years after the era of Disco, most people will admit loving it while a handful hated it, and even others won’t admit having fun living it.  I for one enjoyed it, but didn’t dance much to it, because when it comes to having fun I go out to be entertained and not to be the entertainment.  My style of dance was more like the Fonz from Happy Days (just stand holding each other and swaying).  I may be wrong but I think that it’s still cool today (I don’t dance like that anymore, I dance more like D.L. Hughley from season 12 Dancing with the Stars).  I actually had a brother and sister that have lived in Los Angeles all their lives and they regularly appeared on spotlight dance in nationally televised Soul Train.

My love for music is all encumbering, from classical to country and everything in-between with tolerance for some music in the fringe.  I find that there is a style of music for every mood there is.  I can be in the perfect mood for smooth jazz, or high energy music of all genres for working out, and even some piano for relaxation.  From my culture I also love all that they have to offer from Regional (border town accordion music to Tex-Mex, Latin Pop-Shakira, Pitbull, and Tropical/Salsa etc.).

I personally have experimented in using my iPod to listen to something like Stayin’ Alive-Bee Gees while walking around performing tasks, and I notice that my body moves around as if it was 30 pounds lighter.  You develop a more rhythmic step (walk), but you need to stay aware of your communicating voice (you tend to be louder when you respond).  Music regardless of your preference can improve your attitude, and mood.  In my case it even takes me back in time to younger days (read that as carefree days).

One of the reasons for denying the enjoyment of the Disco Era may well be the fashion of the time; I admit to having a wardrobe that included my share of bell bottoms, and colorful shirts.  Disco fashion had a style all its own. Everyday clothing in the 1970's would not work for a festive night at a disco club. Instead, men and women both wore gaudy materials and daring styles. If attending a disco party, look the part by throwing on flared clothing that reflects light well.

I won’t criticize today’s young generation, because we lived our crazy youth as well, but I am still glad I lived my youth when I did.  The best is yet to come….