images by CNN
The deaths this week of disco legends Robin Gibbs, of the Bee Gees,
and Donna Summers, marks an end to two important icons in the disco-era. Personally it carries me back to a carefree
time in my life, when I lived the carefree state of California in the city of
San Diego. A time before the modern day
conveniences of simple downloads and easy access videos. The days, in which we waited for signature shows
that provided our entertainment exposure, shows like Dick Clark and Soul Train. This was a time before 106 and park and
Friday night videos.
Robin Gibbs was one of the singers and brothers that made up
the iconic group the Bee Gees and created the signature “Saturday Night Fever”
sound, as well as other 70’s sounds.
They brought us songs like “Stayin Alive,” and “Jive Talkin.” Their 1979 album, “Spirits Having Flown” had
six no. 1 hits, the only group in pop history to write, produce and record that
many consecutive chart-topping singles, according to the Hall of Fame.
Donna Summers was the Queen of Disco. She gave us dancing tunes that will forever
be etched in our minds when we see a disco light. She defined the disco era. Her sultry voice coupled with strings,
synthesizers and a fluid dance beat created the movement. Her tunes were a bit too racy for some with her heavy breathing. Her music really introduced machines as a part of music. Her influence can still be heard today, just listen to Lady Gaga's "Born this Way." She gave us tunes like “Bad Girl,” “Love to
Love you Baby,” and “She Works Hard for the Money.” She had a sexiness in her music that went
right along with the carefree era that existed during that time.
It was time when we had to listen to music on the record
player with vinyl records. My older
sister, six years my senior was my exposure to music. She kept the records safely tucked away in
her room and I would wait for her to come home so that I could listen to
them. She was my link to the “big-girl”
world and would teach me dances like “The Hustle.”
I can still see the big bright flower Donna would wear in
her hair, and hear the smooth harmonic voices of the Bee Gees.
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