The Rise of Disco

Disco is classified as a genre of dance music that shares musical aspects with funk, soul, pop as well as salsa. The 1970s were a real time of change – the emergence of new subcultures and modern sentiments led to numerous movements, which all ultimately brought about the birth of Disco. Disco had a huge cultural impact on American society; it changed how they reacted to new music, new fashion, new club culture, and new film. Disco music offered vibrant sounds with R&B funk roots to the American public, which they responded to by the creation of new energetic dance moves.

Disco was an outlet for the nation's youth. The 1970s were a time of struggle for most Americans; crime rates soared, unemployment was common, and inflation was at an all time high. Disco provided its audience with positivity and happiness. It quickly made its way into the mainstream – best-selling hits by artists such as Donna Summer and the Village People made for large cultural changes and a shift in American attitude. A prime example of the success of Disco was the 1977 film, Saturday Night Fever, which took Disco’s commercial popularity to the markets. The soundtrack produced several top hits, while the album sold over fifteen million copies.

The rise of Disco and its subsequent culture changed the shape of popular music culture forever.