Van McCoy
b. 6 January 1944, Washington, DC, USA, d. 6 July 1979. This successful artist had been a member of several groups prior to announcing his solo career with "Hey Mr DJ". Released in 1959, the single was distributed by Sceptre Records, with whom McCoy subsequently served in an A&R capacity. He also branched out into writing and production work, making contributions to hits by the Drifters, Gladys Knight And The Pips and Barbara Lewis. Following that, McCoy embarked on a fruitful relationship with Peaches And Herb. In 1968, he established VMP (Van McCoy Productions) and enjoyed further success with Jackie Wilson ("I Get The Sweetest Feeling") and Brenda And The Tabulations ("Right On The Tip Of My Tongue"). He later became the musical arranger for the Stylistics, on the departure of Thom Bell, and emphasized the sweet, sentimental facets of their sound. McCoy was also encouraged to record under his own name and, fronting the Soul Symphony, secured an international smash in 1975 with the multi-million-selling disco-dance track, "The Hustle". This perky performance set the pattern for further releases but the style quickly grew anonymous. McCoy continued his successful production career with, among others, Faith, Hope And Charity, until his premature death from a heart attack in 1979.
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Top Tracks
- The Hustle (Original Mix)
- The Hustle
- The Hustle (Super Hustle Mix)
- Theme From Star Trek
- Love Is the Answer
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