First Legends of Disco: 40 Stars Discuss Their Careers in Classic Dance Music Hardcover – January 8, 2014

As he did with his first book in the series, The First Ladies Of Disco, author James Arena shines a light on some of the incredible artists who helped create a genre of music that not only made people feel good and get them out on the dance floor, but became a global cultural phenomenon. Disco music actually broke down racial, cultural, sexual and class barriers in a way that few genres have done - it was the MUSIC that brought people from all walks of life together and onto the dance floor to celebrate, escape, fantasize and to just let go and let the music carry them. Although often maligned over the years, the impact disco music has had and continues to have on most all dance music and pop music is major. From "samples", "looping", "borrowing", "filtering" and everything else, pop and dance music artists have these artists to thank - as the artists featured in these two books are the creators, the trailblazers.What I love and admire about James Arena is that you can feel his love, passion and respect for these artists in the way that he writes. The love, passion and respect these artists truly deserve. And just as important, he allows the artist to tell their stories in their own words, allowing them to shine, allowing them to take us on their own personal journeys through the golden age of disco, beyond and right through to the present. Getting to know a little more about the person behind the voice and the music that has brought so much joy to millions around the world for over 30 years has been priceless. And knowing that most of these artists are still creating music and performing around the world proves even further that their talent and artistry went far beyond a genre of music.Both of these books are well written, informative and even enlightening. They helped me to discover some artists and songs I wasn't too familiar with and helped me rediscover others, often hearing things in a new light. For me, reading these books is much like disco music itself, allowing me to escape, to fantasize and bringing me absolute joy.Thank you, James Arena, for illuminating these amazing stars and letting them shine so brightly.

Mr. Arena you have done it once again! The companion to First Ladies of Disco is a wealth of artists, writers, and producers who helped shaped, molded and defined a music genre that may be gone, but will never be forgotten. Mr. Arena has beautifully articulated each artist to tell their story, their family backgrounds, how they got their start, how they felt about disco at the time of their hit(s) they recorded, and what they've been up to in the intervening years. Mr. Arena carefully focuses on each artist, writer and producer with the feeling of complete dedication to their art. He brings to life the music and it's many scenes. You come away with such a glorified feeling from the book, knowing how strong and resilient these artist are, and as well as kind, nice, and hard working people they are. Many of disco's best moments will be relieved again through Mr. Arena's collections of interviews. I praise Mr. Arena for keeping the disco ball turning, the strobe lights flashing and the dance floor full. His determination, perseverance, dedication and passion have brought fourth a love to continue to keep this genre of music in the spotlight.

I hope Mr. Arena continues to mine this field for other disco legend gems. His books are outstanding, and I relish them. They stand in the pantheon of any true disco lovers' library, both his First Legends of Disco, and the First Ladies of Disco, along with Vince Aletti's Disco Files, and Billboard's Hot Dance/Disco 1974-2003, and you are all set with the material you need to learn about the beloved music and artists that heralded disco. Mr. Arena puts a personal touch on the artists by having them speak first hand about their experiences which is both endearing and nostalgic. As they reflect on their important contributions to the genre the reader lives vicariously through the era and the delight of the music! Thank you for this wonderful book!

After the amazingly articulate and heartfelt stories captured in his previous work - The First Ladies of Disco - James Arena follows it up with an equally engaging read of some of the biggest stars of the Disco Era!!! The personal and professional lives of many of the most popular dance artists of all time - from members of Chic, A Taste of Honey and Sister Sledge to Carol Jiani, Bonnie Pointer and John Davis - every aspect of the genre is covered in this engaging book. A "Must-Read" for die-hard Disco fans as well as those just now embracing the Dance genre!

Oh my..I have this and the followup book by Mr. James Arena and never rated or reviewed. Out for awhile now, this lovingly written homage to various Disco Queens gave me such wonderful insights to what it was then and what has happened to many wonderful, unique and talented ladies whose music so many of us heard on the radio, hustled to on the dancefloor and boogied to in our livingroom...Mr. Arena went on a labor of love on this one and offers a fun informative great read...

I just finished reading this wonderful book "First Legends of Disco-40 Stars discuss their careers in classic dance music" Author James Arena. The book is so well written, its as if you're sitting there listening to the author interviewing the artists. There were moments when I was reading the book on the train and almost missed my stop because the material was so interesting. If you lived the disco era this is a must read. In general, I highly recommend this book.

If you like Disco, you'll appreciate this book a lot. It's full of anecdotes and information from behind the scenes that you just wouldnt find anywhere else. A must read!!!

I found out stuff I always wondered about here. Very good cross section for artists and producers with very in depth stories about the early days. Great read.

Excellent read. Bought back many good memories for me and good that it explored rare disco and artists. Loved it.

Memories galore in this great read

Cette année le Disco fête ses 40 ans! Un genre musical qui ouvert la voie aux Daft Punk, David Guetta et autres DJs. Cet ouvrage rédigé en anglais par James Arena est la suite de "First Ladies of Disco". 40 artistes parmi lesquels les membres des groupes Chic, Village People ou Sister Sledge ainsi que des artistes solo tels que Carole Jiani, Geraldine Hunt, France Joli racontent leurs souvenirs de leurs années "Disco".