History and evolution of disco explored in new BBC documentary series
The three-part programme includes interviews with the likes of Honey Dijon to David Morales
December 18, 2024: This article was amended to reflect synopsis corrections
A new docu-series on the history of disco is out now.
The three-part BBC release titled Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution includes interviews with disco legends such as Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy, Nicky Siano, Honey Dijon, David Morales, François K and Candi Staton.
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The first instalment explores Disco's origins in the "sweaty basement bars" of NYC, while the second looks at disco's glittering peak, and the Black women and gay men it turned into icons.
The series also celebrates the hits that disco is most prominently recognised for such as Donna Summer’s ‘Love to Love You Baby’ to Sylvester’s ‘You Make Me Feel Mighty Real’
The last episode looks at the backlash against disco towards the end of the 1970s from predominantly white, rock-loving audiences; and how this - along with the rampant commercialism of this once Black, queer music - aided disco's demise. As well as a look into what came after.
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The series is airing on BBC Two with the first episode out last week with the remaining two to be released on December 23 and 30. The full series is also available on BBC iPlayer now.
Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution was co-produced by BBC Studios Specialist Factual Productions and PBS.
Watch the docu-series trailer below.
Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter