The 1970s and 1980s were the golden years of R&B music. Disco was the life of the party, with its infectious beats and catchy melodies that had people moving their bodies on the dance floor. However, by the end of the decade, disco had become somewhat of a dying breed, with its popularity waning as rock and hip-hop music began to dominate the charts.
But New York City was a city that would not give up on its beloved R&B sound so easily. As the years went by, the city continued to nurture its underground scene, with a new generation of artists and DJs emerging, determined to bring the sweet emotions and good times of the original disco era back to the fore.
This R&B revival of the New York City disco scene was more than just a flash in the pan – it was a genuine movement, with artists, clubs, and record labels working together to bring this beloved sound back to life.
Early Beginnings
The revival of R&B music in New York City was spearheaded by a small but dedicated group of DJs and producers, including François K, Larry Levan, and Nicky Siano. These visionary artists spent years honing their craft, experimenting with different styles and sounds to create a unique and distinctly New York brand of disco that would influence generations to come.
François K, one of the most respected and influential DJs in the city, is often credited with helping to revive the city’s R&B scene in the 1990s. Along with fellow DJs Larry Levan and Nicky Siano, K formed the legendary Sound Factory club in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, where they brought together a loyal following of dance floor enthusiasts to indulge in their unique brand of disco music.
Rise to Prominence
As the city’s R&B scene continued to gain momentum, a new generation of artists emerged to capitalize on the resurgence of interest. Singers and producers like Basement Jaxx, DJ Rizzla, and Masters at Work took the reins, infusing their music with fresh energy and modern flair.
Some notable names who rose to prominence during this time included singer-songwriters like Chaka Khan and Marsha Hunt, who enjoyed success on both the dance floor and on mainstream charts with their smooth, sultry vocal performances.
The Scene Comes to Life
The scene wasn’t limited to music, however – the fashion and style of the 1970s disco era were back in full force. Shimmering polyester, flashy colors, and sleek hairstyles – everything about this era’s fashion was flashy, attention-grabbing, and completely fabulous.
Some iconic clubs, such as the Paradise Garage, continued to thrive, hosting impromptu dance parties and jam sessions, and creating an atmosphere of liberation and self-expression. Other venues like the Loft, Save the Robot, and the Zanzibar club helped to incubate and incubate this scene.
Merging Genres
In this resurgence of R&B music in the city, something unexpected happened. A new sound began to emerge – a blend of classic disco with modern-day influences. Producers started experimenting with the tempo, beats, and instrumentation to create something fresh, bold, and addictive.
Singers from the R&B revival scene also started crossing paths with producers and DJs, sharing styles and techniques. The once-sacred lines between different genres began to blur, as jazz and electronic music started finding their way into R&B, vice versa, to name a few examples.
This merge of genres ultimately led to new creative avenues opening up. Music artists, from producers and songwriters to vocalists and DJs, experimented and innovated, leading to something distinctly new and yet rooted in the roots of the music.