Disco music

A new collection of disco numbers, Mighty Real: Greatest Dance Hits, showcases the career of Sylvester. Music critic Milo Miles argues that Sylvester — an openly gay, superstar costume-wearer from the start — was not only a pioneer, but also someone with whom the times have finally caught up.

In 2003, Donna Summer appeared on Fresh Air to talk about her memoir, Ordinary Girl, her hit Love to Love You Baby and her collaborator, record producer Giorgio Moroder. We remember Summer -- who died Thursday at the age of 63 -- with excerpts from that interview.

Rock historian Ed Ward talks about the Philadelphia soul music scene which produced such superstars as Teddy Pendergrass. Many of those artists were signed to the Philadelphia International Records label.

Record producer and former guitarist for the band Chic, Nile Rodgers. In the late 1970s Chic was one of the most successful disco groups. Hits included "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Le Freak," and "Everybody Dance." As a record producer, Rodgers has worked with Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, INXS, and Madonna. (Rebroadcast of 8/20/1996)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the Chemical Brothers' newest CD "Dig Your Own Hole."

Music critic Ken Tucker reviews the new record by Quad City DJs The Florida based group's album "Get On Up & Dance" has spun out the dance hit "C'mon and Ride It."

In the late 1970s Rodger's band Chic was one of the most successful disco groups. Its hits included "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Everybody Dance," and "Le Freak." Rodgers' is featured in "VH1 Presents the 70's," a new five part documentary series by the cable channel VH1 on the music of the 1970s. As a record producer, Rodgers has worked with Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Madonna.

Rock historian Ed Ward continues this week's five part series on the influence of several key record companies on the music world. Today, Ward looks at Casablanca, a big producer of disco hits, and its founder Nick Bogart.

Ken Tucker reviews the new album by "Chic," called "Chic-ism."

Rock critic Ed Ward profiles Miami's TK Studios. In the mid-70s, TK cranked out some of the biggest hits of the disco era, such as "Rock Your Baby" by George McCrae and "That's the Way I Like It" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band.