Dance music of the 60’s and 70’s makes an excellent selection for various party themes. It features infectiously catchy rhythms with soothing, soulful vocals that make this genre irresistibly danceable.
Disco music combined funk and uptempo soul tracks into an accessible dance style that was easier for audiences to dance to, which eventually gave way to DJ culture and remixes.
Disco
In the 1960s and 70s, various musical genres with danceable rhythms gained widespread appeal throughout the US. These included rhythm and blues, soul music, and funk – from which disco evolved, adding elements of Latin music and jazz into its soundscape. Early disco made its mark by employing classical instruments like horns, strings, flutes and more to craft its distinctive sound. Later on however, disco creators turned towards electronic instruments and synthesizers instead, often emphasizing repetitive vocal melodies and simple lyrics as central themes of their dance songs. Disco lyrics were designed to keep dancers focused on the rhythm and avoid distracting listeners with deeper meanings; disco lyrics typically concentrated on themes of love and encouragement for dancers while providing instructions on how to move (see: Peaches & Herb’s “Shake Your Booty,” or KC and The Sunshine Band’s “Do the Hustle” for examples).
Disco was popular across a spectrum of social and cultural groups. For instance, it enjoyed great appeal among interracial communities and underground gay clubs alike. Disco was accessible to a wide audience thanks to its blend of varied musical influences; iconic performers included Donna Summer and Earth Wind & Fire among many others.
First steps toward disco music’s evolution included the establishment of dance clubs. These new venues provided young people with a place to express themselves with colorful outfits and eye-catching dance moves; additionally, new sound technology allowed producers to experiment with their compositions, producing unexpected and futuristic sounds for clubgoers to experience.
Disco is distinguished from other musical genres by its danceable beat. The bass drum beat is performed in a “four on the floor” style that sounds four quarter notes consecutively within 4/4 musical measures, drawing influence from Latin dance music such as merengue.
Disco dance songs also typically contain hooks that people remember and associate with the song, such as a memorable phrase or melody that people will associate with it. A hook may be either lyrical or instrumental and typically repeated multiple times throughout a song – whether lyrical or instrumental; regardless of style it should capture attention and remain memorable; one such example being Lipps, Inc’s 1980 hit Funkytown by Lipps Inc which features one such memorable hook which often reappears throughout.
Afrobeat
Afrobeat music was designed to move, with elements derived from Ghanaian highlife, Nigerian juju and Jamaican reggae fused together with elements of funk, rock and jazz. Afrobeat was popularized by late multi-instrumentalist and human rights activist Fela Kuti combining African harmonic and rhythmic concepts with contemporary styles from America creating a style which has since grown immensely over time.
Fela’s style was so influential that it even inspired world-renowned producer and musician Brian Eno and David Byrne of Talking Heads; their 1980 album Remain in Light introduced polyrhythmic Afrobeat influences into Western music through Talking Heads’ repertoire. Today, Afrobeat dancers remain an influential element in dance music worldwide; whether clubs, barbecues or parties afrobeat dancers make people move like never before thanks to its music!
Music to accompany Afrobeat dancing can be defined as an amalgam of rattling bass lines, thrilling piano solos and heartwarming harmonies – with its rhythmic drive and pulsating beat being perfectly suitable for dancing afrobeat dancers are known to wear their uniforms wherever they go, perfecting dance moves on the spot as well as coming up with their own routines!
Zimbabwe’s Imbumbwe is one of the most acclaimed artists in this genre, known for their music played to ease boredom and alleviate feelings of loneliness in mine workers. Their unique sound features an acapella style accompanied by traditional instruments.
Many Afro-beat songs were initially only released as singles or on compilation records and rarely heard outside their countries of origin; however, more recent compilation records have proved otherwise. Many European club DJs have been taking advantage of this revival to unearth forgotten African grooves while gathering these rare funk fusions for new generations to enjoy.
Gqom, another afrobeat style from South Africa that first emerged in 2010, can be identified by heavy bass beats aligned with low, original and repetitive sounds, often repeated. Often described as a mix between traditional and modern styles, this genre has quickly gained worldwide renown since 2010.
Electronic music
Disco was not the only genre popular during this era of musical experimentation in the 70s; other genres like synth-pop also became prominent. Synth-pop can be identified by its use of synthesizers combined with elements from rock music; popular examples are from Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and Depeche Mode; their songs boast catchy melodies, lyrics, as well as funk and soul instrumentation that made up this form.
Electronic music became more widespread during the late 1960s due to the introduction of synthesizers which made production cheaper and simpler. Many renowned musicians at that time experimented with this new sound, including The Beatles and Beach Boys who began using oscillators and synthesizers in their music; eventually leading to different musical genres such as psychedelic rock and electronic rock being developed as result of these innovations.
The 1970s witnessed an explosion of dance music popularity and DJ culture. Funky, upbeat dance music from this era influenced an entire generation of listeners; not only were its songs great for dancing, but many evoked emotion that helped people connect with one another; many hits from this era continue to be played today on radio stations and nightclubs alike.
Donna Summer’s “On the Radio” remains one of the most beloved dance songs of this era, thanks to its upbeat tempo and infectious groove. With lyrics that celebrate joyous occasions like birthdays or graduation, this hit song has been covered by many artists such as the Beatles; additionally it’s been used in soundtracks and movies alike.
In the 1950s and 60s, composers like John Cage, Otto Luening, and Vladimir Ussachevsky began to experiment with audio tape technology to further their ideas about composition that had emerged with Arnold Schoenberg and Karlheinz Stockhausen’s New York School compositional theories. Their works mirrored Arnold Schoenberg and Karlheinz Stockhausen’s innovations regarding musical form.
The 1980s witnessed a surge of synth-pop popularity, and its widespread acceptance provided a pathway for other subgenres such as acid house, techno and trance that continue to rule today’s charts.
Novelty dances
Dance fads may come and go quickly, yet some remain timeless classics that remain popular today. Many novelty dances feature quirky moves designed to elicit laughter in participants; others may perform them to specific songs as a form of social dancing.
The 60s is best remembered as one of the heydays of rock n roll music, but they also spawned many iconic dance songs that remain relevant today. These timeless tunes can add life and energy to any party or dance floor and can be enjoyed by people of all ages – many can even be found online, making it easy for you to find what tune you’re searching for for your own party or event!
There are certain timeless disco tracks that everyone should know by heart, such as “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. This catchy tune has become a pop culture classic with its infectious beat and poignant lyrics; lead singer Barry Gibb’s falsetto provides the perfect compliment to funk bassline and driving horns, while Robin and Maurice Gibb’s harmonies round off this timeless disco classic.
“Play That Funky Music,” by KC and the Sunshine Band is another timeless classic that never ceases to excite listeners of all generations. This disco-funk classic boasts an upbeat, disco sound with an irresistibly catchy chorus and funky bassline; sure to put any audience dancing!
The 70’s saw an explosion of dance crazes created by African-American dancers attending clubs and discos across major US cities, like Madison, Swim, Mashed Potato; others included Frug and Watusi which took over world dance floors as global trends.
Lady Marmalade by American girl group LaBelle also reigned supreme during this era, topping the charts. This upbeat song boasts a funky groove and sensual lyrics that will have you breaking out into your own dance routine! A must-have addition for any music enthusiast!