Why Sylvester is the undisputed ‘Queen of Disco’
Step II, released in September 1978, marking a significant step in his career. Influenced by the rising popularity of disco, particularly within the gay community, Sylvester initially hesitated to embrace the genre but recognized its commercial potential.
During the album’s production, he collaborated with musician Patrick Cowley, known for his innovative use of synthesizers, and crafted the hit singles “Dance (Disco Heat),” and “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”, two songs that would solidify Sylvester’s status as a disco pioneer.“Dance (Disco Heat)” was Sylvester’s first Top 40 hit in the United States, where it peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the fall of 1978.
A 12″ single was released in 1978, with “Dance (Disco Heat)” as the A-side and “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” as the B-side, two extended dance mixes that proved to be very popular in the dance clubs at the time.
The two songs held down the top spot on the Billboard Dance/Disco chart for six weeks in August and September of that year and helped to establish Sylvester’s career as a noted disco and dance music performer, both in the U.S.
