Death Of A Disco Dancer – Fayette R.I.P.

In a period that will be remembered for the passing of Michael Jackson, some other recent musical deaths may be overlooked. Not only have we recently lost Sky Saxon of notable ‘60s garage band The Seeds but also music executive Allen Klein has passed away – he could not only count The Animals and John Lennon amongst his clients but he was also producer of 1973’s crazy cult psychedelic film The Holy Mountain (many alt.pop and disco acts currently cite it as a major influence). But for disco dancing dabblers, the saddest news comes in the form of the death of Fayette Pinkney. As one-third of Philly girl band The Three Degrees, Pinkney’s biggest success came during the disco era. Wearing flashy LaBellesque outfits, The Three Degrees delivered classy harmonies and choreography. But the ladies were a cut-above the cookie-cutter club kids of the day because they were borne out of the ‘Philly sound’, their funky pop was awash in lavish strings, brass and percussion. Considered by many as Philadelphia’s answer to The Supremes (but “bigger and stronger and melodic” according to Gamble & Huff), they first signed with regional Philly label Swan Records to record local Philly hit 'Gee Baby', working in the studio with musicians who would become the backbone of the Philly soul scene. They then scored a wider hit with 'Contact' on Warner before signing with the legendary Gamble & Huff’s Philladelphia International Records in 1972. Breaking out with disco anthem 'Dirty Ol’ Man', they next achieved iconic status by teaming with MSOB to record 'TSOP (The Sound Of Philladelphia)' as the theme for the definitive black music TV show of the day, Soul Train. International fame followed as they charted globally with disco ballad 'When Will I See You Again' (since covered by Barry White, Boys Town Gang, Love Tattoo, Erasure and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – that last one probably related to the fact that Prince Charles named the trio as his favourite group…). They even got to appear in the Hollywood box office smash The French Connection performing 'Everybody Gets To Go To The Moon'. But with the disco backlash, their career waned – although they continued to do well in the UK – and Pinkney left the group in 1976. After recording a solo album (One Degree), Pinkney returned to study and was most recently working in healthcare, although it is believed Pinkney joined a gospel choir and continued to offer her services as a vocal coach.

Can you keep your hands to yourself during this?