AMS 335 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: David Mancuso, Club Disco, Stonewall Riots

• School: University of Alabama
• Department: American Studies
• Course: AMS 335
• Professor: Eric Weisbard

Document Summary

For one group in particular, agy men, a new focus for music and identity. For several other groups- blacks, latinos, women, older listeners- an alternative to rock. For rock, a threat to disco sucks movement. Disco also threatens the identity aspects of soul. Backlash reveals larger concerns about music, consumerism, and behavior in late 1970s. Underground discos let gays congregate more easily. 1977: disco goes from music to pop culture phenomenon. David mancuso creates in his home, 1970. Key innovations: members only policy for safety for gays from police, killer sound system, communal feel. Dj mixes records, weaving an experience over the course of the evening. Disco clubs proliferate, getting bigger and more exclusive over time. The mixer, allowing djs to segue records. The 12-inch single, for better sound and easier mixing. The remix single, to make a song work better and last longer on the dance floor. 4 on the floor disco beat perfect for dancing.