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There weren't a lot of British groups known for their "Great Disco Hits of the '70s," but Heatwave certainly made a name for themselves with 1977's "Boogie Nights," written by group keyboardist Rod Temperton.
Rod wasn't really someone who hung out at dance clubs, but like the Bee Gees, he was able to create the feeling of what it was like to go out for a night of dancing. His songwriting skill created a disco classic.
Chartwise, it went to #1 in New Zealand...and #2 in the UK and Canada. In the US, it went to #5 on Billboard's Soul Chart and #2 on the Hot 100--behind Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" juggernaut.
TRIVIA #1: Rod Temperton's songwriting impressed producer Quincy Jones, who hired him to write some songs for Michael Jackson. Rod came up with several, including "Rock with You," and "Thriller." (He even wrote Vincent Price's "Thriller" monologue!)
TRIVIA #2: The song title inspired the film of the same name, starring Mark Wahlberg and Burt Reynolds. However, "Boogie Nights" was not used in "Boogie Nights" because Heatwave's lead singer, Johnnie Wilder, Jr. was a devout Christian and wouldn't allow it.
In his words, the song was "about dancing, NOT pornography."
"Boogie Nights" by Heatwave: a "Great Song of 1977" and a Disco Classic!
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