Boogie Town

Disco: Freedom Through Music

‘Disco’ originated from the French word, discotheque. The word originally meant ‘record library.’ The form of disco music that we know today was created in the 1970s by African American DJs who used music as a medium to express their freedom. The style of music catered to marginalized communities.

Disco was freeing for many and that quality was displayed throughout culture through clothing, hairstyles, makeup, and even the style of dance. Some of the new moves that were popular are:

  • The Twist
  • The Mashed Potato
  • The Y.M.C.A.
  • The Funky Chicken Dance
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The disco era provided a platform for many influential artists to step into the spotlight, for example, Gloria Gaynor. Gaynor’s hit song, “I Will Survive,” spread like wildfire amongst women. Some of her other hit songs include “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and “Let Me Know.”