Half a Century Ago: How This Unforgettable Disco Hit and Dance Phenomenon Transformed the Music Scene

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Disco music’s time in the sun may have passed, but the legacy of “The Hustle,” a mega hit in the genre, lives on

Alice George – Museums Correspondent

April 18, 2025 1:00 p.m.

On April 18, 1975, “The Hustle,” crafted by Van McCoy and the Soul City Symphony, was released, quickly ascending to become a massive dance hit of the era. Selling over ten million copies, the song not only captured the spirit of disco but also introduced a dance that resonated powerfully with audiences of the time.

This infectious track is celebrated for its driving beat, underscored by McCoy’s repeated command, “Do the hustle,” which appears eleven times, while the only other lyric, “Do it,” resurfaces five times. The single’s origins trace back to a night when McCoy observed the hustle dance in a New York nightclub, where the dance had originally flourished within Latino communities. Reflecting on this experience, McCoy noted, “It was something completely different from the you-do-your-thing-and-I-do-mine dances. It was people dancing together again.” This creative output earned “The Hustle” a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.

In popular memory, disco is often encapsulated in scenes featuring John Travolta, especially his iconic role in the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever, which, alongside its Bee Gees soundtrack, became a cultural touchstone. Yet the roots of disco extend further back than the film’s release, emerging from underground venues frequented by Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities in New York City. These spaces served as safe havens where dance and music thrived, particularly after public dancing restrictions for same-sex couples were lifted in 1971, leading to a vibrant club scene.

The late 1960s and early 1970s set the stage for disco’s ascendance amid societal turmoil, marked by economic challenges and the aftermath of the Vietnam War. As disco began to gain traction in the mainstream around 1975, it provided not only an outlet for escapism but also a celebration of diverse identities and experiences. Curator Krystal Klingenberg from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History articulated this moment as one where multiple musical influences converged, resulting in a cultural phenomenon that combined partner dancing with the emergence of electronic and soul music.

Musically, disco was distinguished by the lavish use of synthesizers, electronic pianos, and orchestral backing, creating an irresistible rhythm that drew countless dancers to the floor. The hallmark “four-on-the-floor” beat became synonymous with disco, encouraging movement and energy within nightclubs. The dance aspect was integral, as seen with Travolta’s choreography in Saturday Night Fever, which popularized not just the hustle itself but a broader spectrum of dance moves derived from earlier styles like the lindy hop and cha-cha.

In some venues, the hustle was introduced as a line dance, while couple dancing emerged as a preferred style shortly after the song’s debut. A New York Times article noted a revival of couples dancing together, framing the hustle as a sign of sophistication as opposed to previous, more individualistic dance trends. It highlighted a desire for greater style and interaction on the dance floor, reminiscent of early 1960s dances like Chubby Checker’s “Twist.”

As disco infiltrated Billboard’s Hot 100, rock artists, including Cher and Rod Stewart, began to embrace its rhythms. The genre’s influence extended to unique cultural events such as disco roller-skating parties and boat gatherings, further enhancing its appeal. Disco records often came in extended-play formats, granting DJs the flexibility to create longer dance experiences that resonated deeply with audiences, a sentiment likened to a religious experience by some clubgoers.

Disco culture extended beyond the music itself, influencing fashion trends for both men and women. Journalist Ed McCormack remarked that disco fashion encompassed a wide array of styles, from tailored suits to flamboyant cosmic attire, reflecting the eclectic spirit of disco enthusiasts. Iconic figures like Donna Summer, often dubbed the “Queen of Disco,” captured hearts alongside other legendary artists such as Gloria Gaynor and the Bee Gees, solidifying their place in music history.

However, by the end of the 1970s, disco’s prominence faced significant backlash. The infamous “Disco Demolition Night” on July 12, 1979, organized by DJ Steve Dahl, symbolized a turning point for the genre. This event led to tumultuous scenes at a baseball game and was fueled by underlying tensions about race, gender, and sexuality. Disco, often associated with marginalized groups, became a target for those who felt threatened by its cultural shift.

Although “The Hustle” and the disco era were relatively brief phenomena in the context of music history, their impact laid the groundwork for subsequent genres like house music and electronic dance music. Today, artists such as Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa continue to draw from disco’s rich legacy, demonstrating its enduring influence in contemporary music.

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