The History of Disco
A. Gautam
Disco Lights
Disco is a dance form as well as music style. The term comes from the French word “discotheque” which means a library of phonographic records. Disco originated in the 1960s as a fusion or mix of different forms in the U.S. The first performers were African Americans and then Latin Americans. Hence, disco elements were funk, soul, pop, and salsa. Disco’s popularity crossed many boundaries. What began in night clubs became a huge phenomenon not only in America but also in many parts of the world, like Bollywood. By the late ‘70s, disco clubs were in most American cities. DJs who played dance records gained popularity around this time.
Music
Disco music began as layered sound of reverberated, or echoed, vocals, doubled by horns. In addition, the background had electric piano and “chicken-scratch” rhythm guitars on electric guitar. The guitarist would create a distinct guitar sound by lightly pressing the strings against the fretboard, quickly releasing the strings, while strumming close to the guitar’s bridge. The light press and release created slightly muted sound. Synthesizers were also commonly used to create disco music. The many beats created polyrhythmic sounds. The lyrics were often lighthearted.
Visuals
Lighted dance floors with the flashing lights to compliment the beat were common in a disco dance scene. The reflective disco ball suspended from the ceiling was also an important part of the discotheque. Disco dancers often wore very expensive, bright, colorful and vibrant fabric. The loud music and colorful sights made disco an audio-visual experience.
Question
Which sentence would be the MOST important to include in an objective summary of the passage?
Responses
A Disco is a type of dance and music that started in the U.S. in the 1960s as a mix of different forms. Disco is a type of dance and music that started in the U.S. in the 1960s as a mix of different forms.
B Disco sounds like “chicken-scratch” rhythm, which may be strange for some listeners. Disco sounds like “chicken-scratch” rhythm, which may be strange for some listeners.
C Because most lyrics are lighthearted, disco music is not taken seriously by many. Because most lyrics are lighthearted, disco music is not taken seriously by many.
D Discotheque visitors are required to wear vibrant colors that reflect the light of the disco balls.