What Disco Music Means to Us in Miami

 What Disco Music Means to Us in Miami

Dj Alex Gutierrez

For many of us who grew up in Miami in the early '70s, disco music became the soundtrack of our youth—a pulse that not only defined our social lives but also helped shape the culture of this vibrant city. Many of us had recently arrived from Cuba, seeking a new life in the United States. We were just beginning to adapt to a new world, adjusting to the language, the customs, and the reality of life in a foreign country. But one thing that quickly united us was the universal language of music, and in Miami, it was disco that spoke to us. The Roots of Disco: From Rhythm and Blues to Dance Music Disco didn't just appear out of nowhere; it was the result of years of musical evolution. By the late '60s, artists like James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, and Motown acts like Diana Ross and The Supremes had already laid the groundwork for what would become disco. Disco emerged from the fusion of funk, soul, and rhythm and blues, but also borrowed from the psychedelic rock era. It was a sound that combined deep bass lines, upbeat rhythms, and lush orchestration—perfect for the dance floor. In Miami, the rise of disco coincided with the city's growing diversity. People from all walks of life embraced the music for its beat, its inclusivity, and its joyful celebration of life. As preteens, we started hosting small get-togethers, parties at our homes, or secret jam sessions, where the latest sounds became our escape. We were introduced to artists who would go on to define the early disco sound—Eddie Kendricks, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Barry White, and The O’Jays. These were the voices that spoke to our hearts, influencing the direction of disco as it began to form its identity. The Rise of the House Party DJ As we grew older, the house parties became more elaborate, and the role of the DJ began to take shape. Local boys, with their record players and vinyl collections, were tasked with bringing the music to life at these gatherings. They became the first "House Party DJs," providing the soundtrack for all the fun and drama that came with those formative years. These early DJs had to learn the art of mixing, creating seamless transitions between tracks to keep the energy high. As the music scene grew, so did the number of local garage bands, many influenced by the sounds they heard on local radio stations like Disco 96, Super Q, Hot 105, and Studio 107. Miami was a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity was reflected in the music scene. Local bands like The Antiques, Heaven, Clockwork, and Mantrap formed in high school basements and were inspired by the sounds they heard on the radio. Each band had its own unique style, but all were united in their love for the disco beats that were quickly becoming the pulse of the city.

The Sweet 15s and The Birth of the Nightclubs

One of the most important cultural events in our community was the Quinceañera—a girl’s 15th birthday party, which was often an elaborate celebration that required top-tier entertainment. These parties would see the best local DJs and live bands performing to packed crowds, and disco music was always at the center of the action. At these events, young ladies experienced their first real taste of Miami’s nightlife, and as we all grew older, the same music followed us to the burgeoning nightclub scene. Miami’s club scene exploded in the mid-'70s, and disco was the heartbeat of this transformation. Venues like the Shanghai, Pagoda, Mix 2, The Brasserie, and Rumbottoms and of course my home " The Limelight" all of these became the go-to spots for anyone looking to dance the night away. These clubs were hubs of energy and style, with extravagant decor and lighting that matched the high-energy disco beats. They weren’t just places to hang out—they were the cultural fabric that defined Miami. Miami was also home to some of the most iconic gay clubs in the country, including The Warehouse, The Copa, The Winward, Monster in Key West, and Uncle Charlie’s. These clubs not only provided a space for liberation and self-expression, but also became vibrant, inclusive environments where the music played a huge role in bringing people together. For DJs like myself, these clubs were a treasure trove of musical knowledge and mixology—places where we could experiment, learn, and perfect our craft. watching and hearing DJs like Bob Lombardi, Bill Kelly, Rick Alonso to name a few.

Disco in Our Lives: From Cars to Classrooms

Disco music wasn’t just confined to nightclubs. It was in our cars, our homes, and the halls of high schools. It was the music that filled the air at lunchtime, the soundtrack to our teen years. Every song took on a special meaning: "Love Train," "I Will Survive," "Rock Your Baby," "Last Dance." These weren’t just songs—they were anthems that defined moments, friendships, and even heartbreaks. We lived and breathed disco. The influence of disco extended beyond the dance floors and into our everyday lives. Iconic songs like Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff" or Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" became anthems of empowerment, offering a sense of freedom and liberation for listeners of all ages. Disco wasn’t just about dancing—it was about living boldly and confidently.

Disco’s Enduring Legacy

As we became adults, we continued our weekend rituals of going out to the clubs. By then, music had evolved, and mainstream radio began pushing disco into the background. But for us, the true disco fans, it was never just a passing phase—it was a lifestyle, a rhythm that stayed with us. Even as new genres emerged, disco remained a vital part of our cultural identity. Two of my longest club residencies, Club Mystique in the Airport Hilton and Alcazaba in the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables, were places where I could blend salsa, contemporary sounds, and, of course, classic disco. The crowds would go wild for Alec Costandino's "Romeo and Juliet," a track that still gets the same response today. The secret to disco’s longevity, in my opinion, is its core message of positivity, love, and hope. While songs like "Supernature," with its environmental themes, or "Devil’s Gun," with its darker tones, were exceptions, the majority of the genre was a celebration of life and joy.

The Impact of Disco on Today’s Music

It’s amazing to see younger generations at my disco events today. They’ve heard the music in movies, TV shows, and pop culture references, but their understanding of classic disco is still limited. They approach it with a certain level of mockery, not fully appreciating the history, culture, or raw energy behind it. But as they experience it live, they begin to understand how disco shaped the soundscape of the late '70s and early '80s, influencing genres from electronic dance music (EDM) to pop and hip-hop.

Will disco music die with us?

I hope not. As long as there are DJs like myself, and fans who still feel the magic of those beats, disco will never fade. It’s part of our identity here in Miami—it’s in our bones, in our blood. And for those who understand the roots and evolution of disco, it will always be the soundtrack to our best memories. Disco is more than just a genre of music—it’s a cultural movement that lives on in our hearts. As long as there are those who remember when it ruled the night, it will always have a place in our lives. So let’s keep the rhythm alive and continue celebrating this timeless sound, because disco is here to stay. See you on the Dancefloor!

Disco AF at Bar Nancy with DJ Alex Gutierrez