Quincy Jones and the Dawn of Disco Quincy

Quincy Jones and the Dawn of Disco Quincy Jones and the Dawn and Death of Disco

History of the Discothèque and the Disco Genre - - France, WWII - Danced to pre-recorded jazz USA: alternative to rock clubs - New counterculture - New, exciting, exotic Originally was music for the minorities - African roots - Racial clubs - Gay clubs and musicians Shift to EVERYONE could be a producer - All about the audience, the spectacle

Donna Summer - Many Disco hits in the late 70’s “I Feel Love” “Love to Love You Baby” Distinct vocal style Pre-pop disco poster child

Was disco as much of a musical revolution as rock?

Bringing Disco to the Mainstream - Saturday Night Fever The Bee Gees The Hustle Drugs and rebellion Influence on other music

The Death of Disco

Was the music industry more accessible to newcomers after disco?

Quincy Jones - Jazz musician - Toured the world starting at 19 “Music vs. Music Business” Turned to film scores (32!) - The Wiz and meeting MJ Qwest Productions - Frank Sinatra, MJ, etc. “Divinity Interceded” style of production Collaboration

Quincy Jones & Michael Jackson - - Off The Wall (‘ 79) - Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough - Last disco success Thriller (‘ 82) - Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller - Helped bring dance music into the 80’s - MTV success and strained relationships Bad (‘ 87)

Should music producers focus more on making hits, or instead on designing what they love?

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