I Was Born This Way
Encyclopedia
"I Was Born This Way" is a disco song by Valentino, released in 1975, then by Carl Bean
in 1977 (both artists for Motown), and a remake in 1995 by country singer Johnny Rodriguez
. It was written by Chris Spierer and Bunny Jones. The record was first released on the Motown-distributed Gaiee Records and performed by Valentino formerly of The Dynamic Superiors
. Frankie Crocker of WBLS Radio in New York first aired the song and it was an instant hit. The writers, Chris Spierer and Bunny Jones wanted to write a Gay anthem and make the plight on Gay issues known and bring it to the forefront.
The song's lyrics is about a man who proclaims that he's a homosexual and that he was "born this way". It was one of the first gay disco songs written specifically for the Gay community, before the Village People
wave.
It was also sampled in 1999 by Stuart Price
, using the alias Pour Homme, as "Born this Way". It was a tremendous hit in Europe.
In 2008, Magnus Carlsson
, Sweden's popular gay male vocalist re-recorded 3 versions of "I Was Born This Way" in addition to Paul Oskar of Norway. Magnus Carlsson can be seen performing "I Was Born This Way" on You Tube as well as Marty Thomas of the Broadway hit show "Wicked"
In 1978, the Carl Bean version on Motown Records became a club hit on the Billboard Club Play Singles at #15. The song was later remixed in 1995 on Next Plateau Records, then was on the Pet Shop Boys
' 20th Anniversary album "Back to Mine" in 2005. West End Records
released a CD mixed by DJ Gomi which included 6 versions of the song as well as a two-part 12" Vinyl Edition.
Two versions of "I Was Born This Way" (Bean's, and a newer recording by Jimmy Somerville
) were featured in the 2006 independent film "Another Gay Movie
". Bean went on to entitle his autobiography I Was Born This Way.
For the past 35 years since it was written, it has become an anthem for the gay community and has been on countless compilation albums as well as being (sampled) on other recordings many times.
Carl Bean
Carl Bean is the founding prelate of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement, a liberal protestant denomination that is particularly welcoming of lesbian, gay and bisexual African Americans...
in 1977 (both artists for Motown), and a remake in 1995 by country singer Johnny Rodriguez
Johnny Rodriguez
Johnny Rodriguez is an American country music singer. He was the first famous Latin American country music singer, infusing his music with Latin sounds, and even singing verses of songs in Spanish....
. It was written by Chris Spierer and Bunny Jones. The record was first released on the Motown-distributed Gaiee Records and performed by Valentino formerly of The Dynamic Superiors
The Dynamic Superiors
The Dynamic Superiors are a Motown group from Washington, D.C., United States.The group formed in 1963 with members Tony Washington , George Spann , George Peterback, Jr. , Michael McCalpin , and Maurice Washington . After a ten year wait, they received their first recording contract in 1974...
. Frankie Crocker of WBLS Radio in New York first aired the song and it was an instant hit. The writers, Chris Spierer and Bunny Jones wanted to write a Gay anthem and make the plight on Gay issues known and bring it to the forefront.
The song's lyrics is about a man who proclaims that he's a homosexual and that he was "born this way". It was one of the first gay disco songs written specifically for the Gay community, before the Village People
Village People
Village People is a concept disco group that formed in the United States in 1977, well known for their on-stage costumes depicting American cultural stereotypes, as well as their catchy tunes and suggestive lyrics....
wave.
It was also sampled in 1999 by Stuart Price
Stuart Price
Stuart Price is a three time Grammy-winning British electronic musician, songwriter, and record producer whose remixing and production skills are in demand by artists including New Order, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Missy Elliott, Scissor Sisters, The Killers, Pet Shop Boys, Brandon...
, using the alias Pour Homme, as "Born this Way". It was a tremendous hit in Europe.
In 2008, Magnus Carlsson
Magnus Carlsson
Lars Magnus Carlsson is a Swedish singer and former member of the bands Alcazar and Barbados.- Early life :Magnus Carlsson grew up in Fristad, outside Borås...
, Sweden's popular gay male vocalist re-recorded 3 versions of "I Was Born This Way" in addition to Paul Oskar of Norway. Magnus Carlsson can be seen performing "I Was Born This Way" on You Tube as well as Marty Thomas of the Broadway hit show "Wicked"
Success of each version
Valentino's version was a success in UK (where it was a #1 disco hit) and in the USA.In 1978, the Carl Bean version on Motown Records became a club hit on the Billboard Club Play Singles at #15. The song was later remixed in 1995 on Next Plateau Records, then was on the Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys are an English electronic dance music duo, consisting of Neil Tennant, who provides main vocals, keyboards and occasional guitar, and Chris Lowe on keyboards....
' 20th Anniversary album "Back to Mine" in 2005. West End Records
West End Records
West End Records is a record label, which is known as one of the most prominent labels in dance music’s history along with Prelude Records, Salsoul Records and Casablanca Records.-History:...
released a CD mixed by DJ Gomi which included 6 versions of the song as well as a two-part 12" Vinyl Edition.
Two versions of "I Was Born This Way" (Bean's, and a newer recording by Jimmy Somerville
Jimmy Somerville
James William Somerville is a Scottish pop singer and songwriter. He had considerable success in the 1980s with the pop groups Bronski Beat and The Communards, and has also had a successful solo career. He is known in particular for his falsetto singing voice...
) were featured in the 2006 independent film "Another Gay Movie
Another Gay Movie
Another Gay Movie is a 2006 gay romantic comedy film directed by Todd Stephens. It satirically follows four gay friends, Andy, Jarod, Nico and Griff, who vow upon graduating high school that they will all lose their "anal virginity" before their bull dyke friend Muffler's big Labor Day party...
". Bean went on to entitle his autobiography I Was Born This Way.
For the past 35 years since it was written, it has become an anthem for the gay community and has been on countless compilation albums as well as being (sampled) on other recordings many times.