Disco Baby

Released in 1975, Disco Baby is one of the albums that played a significant role in introducing the disco era. This LP features McCoy’s chart-topping hit “The Hustle,” which became a disco anthem and remains his most memorable song. For McCoy, Disco Baby marked a departure from his previous work in the ’60s and early ’70s, where he primarily focused on writing, producing, or arranging for vocalists. However, on Disco Baby, vocal performances take a backseat to the infectious beats, tracks, and production. Apart from “The Hustle,” which received extensive airplay on pop and black radio, Disco Baby leaned more towards being a club record rather than a radio-friendly album. Club DJs, recognizing its depth beyond the hit single, appreciated tracks like the title song reminiscent of B.T. Express, as well as McCoy’s sophisticated renditions of hits from 1974 and 1975 by artists like the Ohio Players, the Temptations, and Carol Douglas. While Disco Baby may feel somewhat limited outside of a club environment due to its producer-driven approach, it remains an enjoyable and groove-worthy artifact of its time.

Van Allen Clinton McCoy was a music producer, composer, bandleader, and singer. He began taking piano lessons at the age of four and later sang in the church choir. Throughout the 1960s, he penned numerous hits for various artists, including compositions performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips and The Shirelles.

In 1971, while writing for The Stylistics, Van connected with producers Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore. The following year, McCoy released a solo LP titled “Soul Improvisations,” which failed to make a significant impact. Subsequently, he formed the orchestra The Soul City Symphony and began performing with three vocalists, producing several albums.

During the recording sessions for the album “Disco Baby” in 1975, McCoy had an hour of studio time remaining. He quickly composed the song “The Hustle,” inspired by a new dance craze called the hustle, as relayed to him by a New York City DJ. The track was recorded on the spot and went on to become an international hit.