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The War on Disco
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The War on Disco

2023-10-30 · 51 min · ★ 5.8

Documentary · History · Music

The War on Disco explores the culture war that erupted over the spectacular rise of disco music. Originating in underground Black and gay clubs, disco had unseated rock as America’s most popular music by the late 1970s. But many diehard rock fans viewed disco, with its repetitive beat and culture that emphasized pleasure, as shallow and superficial. A story that’s about much more than music, The War on Disco explores how the powerful anti-disco backlash revealed a cultural divide that to some seemed to be driven by racism and homophobia. The hostility came to a head on July 12, 1979, when a riot broke out at “Disco Demolition Night” during a baseball game in Chicago.

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Production details

Directors
Lisa Quijano Wolfinger
Production companies
American Experience Films, GBH, Lone Wolf Media, Robert Stone Productions
Countries
United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

Felipe RoseFelipe RoseSelf
Steve DahlSteve DahlSelf
Linda CliffordSelf
Rich KingRich KingSelf
Daphne BrooksSelf
Jefferson CowieSelf
Adam GreenfieldSelf
Ray SmithSelf
Joe ShanahanSelf
David LoganDavid LoganSelf
Ayana ContrerasSelf
Wayne WilliamsSelf
Darlene JacksonSelf
Diane Alexander WhiteSelf
Paul NatkinSelf
Lee AbramsSelf
Garry MeierSelf
Jim HanksJim HanksSelf
Dave HoekstraSelf
Nancy FaustSelf

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