Disco

 

Disco is a genre of dance-oriented music that originated and was initially popular among African American, gay and Hispanic communities in the United States in the late 1960s. Most agree that the first disco songs were released in 1973, though some claim Manu Dibango’s 1972 Soul Makossa to be the first disco record. Musical influences include Funk and  Soul music. The Disco sound has soaring, often reverberated vocals over a steady “four-on-the-floor” beat, an eighth note (quaver) or sixteenth note (semi-quaver) hi-hat pattern with an open hi-hat on the off-beat, and a prominent, syncopated electric bass line. Strings, horns, electric pianos, and electric guitars create a lush background sound. Orchestral instruments such as the flute are often used for solo melodies, and unlike in rock, lead guitar is rarely used. Other early Disco tracks include recordings by Jerry Butler, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, and Boney M.

 

Rhythm Makers – Soul On Your Side