Disco Music
This cheerful song about dancing through the night was written by British singer and songwriter Leo and American musician, songwriter and producer Vini Poncia. (He has worked with many artists through the years, including The Ronettes, Ringo Starr, Peter Criss, and Kiss, to name a few.) The song was released as a single, backed with “Magdelena” and was on Sayer’s 1976 album Endless Flight.
In 1976-1977, the song was an international success. It rose to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, Canada, and New Zealand. It was #2 in Australia and U.K., #5 in Ireland #9 in Germany, and #11 in The Netherlands. In 1978, “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” won a Grammy for Best R&B Song.
On the track were (vocals), John Barnes (clavinet), Larry Carlton and Ray Parker, Jr. (guitar), Steve Gadd (drums), and Chuck Rainey (bass). On background vocals were Clydie King, Becky Louis, and Sherlie Matthews.
Sayer began his career in 1973 and had a number of big hits with songs and albums throughout the 1970s. He has continued to tour and perform. He now resides in Australia.