TV One’s hit show “Unsung” has gained a following by showcasing beloved acts of the past few decades that haven’t gotten their just due. In the latest episode, “Feeding Disco Fever, ” airing Wednesday, February 20 at 10 p.m., disco and the people who created it are the focus on a two-hour show dedicated to the popular dance music that dominated the 70’s. It’s a good time to do it. Two of disco’s most dynamic performers – Donna Summer and The Bee Gee’s Robin Gibb both died last year. Disco, which lived and died in the excesses of the 70’s through clubs like New York City’s famed Studio 54, was one of the first genres to embrace a diverse group of fans.
On “Unsung” many of disco’s hitmakers including Anita Ward (“Ring My Bell”) and Nile Rodgers share their memories and the stories behind disco hits like “Le Freak” by Rodgers’ group Chic, “In the Bush” by Musique, “The Hustle” by Van McCoy, “Rock Your Baby” by Van McCoy and other significant songs and artists of the era. “I will boldly say that disco music is the most liberated type of music ever, “ Rodgers told Thesun.com.”It’s a feeling, there’s something magical about it. I had never heard anything like Donna Summer and the Bee Gees when they started doing disco. For the first time in my life I saw people get together, from every ethnicity and nationality, to dance. Disco was multi-racial. Everyone — whatever their race or sexuality — felt equal for the first time.”
