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Jim Burgess (producer)
Encyclopedia
James Michael "Jim" Burgess (1952–1993) was a disco record producer and New York DJ of the 1970s, and was variously referred to as "one of the hottest DJ's and Remixers of the Disco era"
He remixed and produced numerous disco versions of popular songs, with a number of them being million sellers. His most successful and best known production was Alicia Bridges
' I Love the Nightlife, which has become a "Disco standard". First released in 1978, it went to number five on the Billboard charts
, and was given a new lease of life with its use in the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
. Other extremely successful productions include:
He was also a popular DJ at many New York clubs (e.g. The Saint
) and was "one of the most influential remix
ers for the disco
era".
. He trained as a classical tenor and opera singer, and had "an amazing ear". He started as a DJ in Florida in the early-mid 1970s and then "moved on to Limelight, a gay club in Atlanta" where he was "discovered" by Tony Martino and Alan Harris, the owners of the New York club 12 West.
, Underground, Studio 54
, Paradise Garage
, as well as playing the Ice Palace in Fire Island".
Burgess had been one of the initial three resident DJs at the Saint along with Alan Dodd and Roy Thode, from its opening on 20 September 1980.
Burgess's popularity was attributed not only to his style and technique, but a love for theatrical effects and elements, which developed from his love of opera. He would frequently create his own "sound scenes" by using the dialogue from well-known film scenes over the break of a record - as well as attentuating the effect through long mixes and sophisticated blending.
Burgess chose to end his career at age 28 with a farewell party at the Saint on 31 January 1981. During the party, he famously walked out at the peak of the night and let the record run out. Afterwards Sharon White took over for the rest of the evening. Nevertheless, he still did subsequent infrequent gigs in New York, and started playing regularly at the Saint again in 1986. His actual last gig according to his partner was at The Ice Palace in 1989.
In Philadelphia he studied voice at the Curtis Institute of Music. He sang with the Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Rittenhouse Opera Society, and appeared as Florestan in Beethoven's "Fidelio" at the Lake George Opera Festival in New York and as Siegfried and Parsifal with the Liederkranz Society of New York, which awarded him first prize in its Wagner Competition.
Although he was never diagnosed with AIDS, he took ill soon after Labor Day in 1992. It was then that he was informed of his HIV status. His illness progressed very quickly and he died of an AIDS related brain tumor four months after taking ill, on 18 January 1993 at his home in Philadelphia. He was survived by his partner, Martin Dillon, his sister, Dawn Krop of Gainesville, Fl, and his brother, Jonathan, of Asheville, N.C.
Alicia Bridges
Alicia Bridges is an American singer who co-wrote and performed her international hit "I Love the Nightlife " in 1978.-Early years:...
' I Love the Nightlife, which has become a "Disco standard". First released in 1978, it went to number five on the Billboard charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
, and was given a new lease of life with its use in the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. The plot is based on the journey of three drag queens who travel across the Australian Outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a tour bus that they have named...
. Other extremely successful productions include:
- Rod StewartRod StewartRoderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE is a British singer-songwriter and musician, born and raised in North London, England and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry....
's Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?"Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" is a 1978 hit song for Rod Stewart. It was written by Stewart and Carmine Appice, and produced by Tom Dowd."Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" spent one week at the top of the British charts in December 1978 and four weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, starting 10 February 1979... - The Doobie BrothersThe Doobie BrothersThe Doobie Brothers are an American rock band. The group has sold over 40 million units worldwide throughout their career. The Doobie Brothers were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.-Original incarnation:...
' What a Fool BelievesWhat a Fool Believes"What a Fool Believes" is a song written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. The best-known version was recorded by The Doobie Brothers for their 1978 album Minute by Minute. The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14, 1979, remaining in that position for one week...
(12" disco remix version) and - Madleen KaneMadleen KaneMadleen Kane is a model and singer, born on 4 March 1958 in Malmö, Sweden, to a Swedish father and American mother. A former Elite fashion model , she worked since 17 y.o. to 19 above all for the German fashion magazine Burda Moden...
's Fire In My Heart and Secret Love Affair
He was also a popular DJ at many New York clubs (e.g. The Saint
The Saint (club)
The Saint was an American gay superclub, located in the East Village neighborhood of the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, that operated from 1980 to 1987.-History:...
) and was "one of the most influential remix
Remix
A remix is an alternative version of a recorded song, made from an original version. This term is also used for any alterations of media other than song ....
ers for the disco
Disco
Disco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. It had its roots in clubs that catered to African American, gay, psychedelic, and other communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and...
era".
Early years
Burgess was born on July 21, 1952 in Okeechobee, FloridaOkeechobee, Florida
Okeechobee is a city in Okeechobee County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,376 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 5,784. It is the county seat of Okeechobee County. The Speckled Perch Festival is held annually in honor of the most...
. He trained as a classical tenor and opera singer, and had "an amazing ear". He started as a DJ in Florida in the early-mid 1970s and then "moved on to Limelight, a gay club in Atlanta" where he was "discovered" by Tony Martino and Alan Harris, the owners of the New York club 12 West.
New York
He moved to New York where he played at "all the hottest clubs like 12 West, Infinity, the SaintThe Saint (club)
The Saint was an American gay superclub, located in the East Village neighborhood of the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, that operated from 1980 to 1987.-History:...
, Underground, Studio 54
Studio 54
Studio 54 was a highly popular discotheque from 1977 until 1991, located at 254 West 54th Street in Manhattan, New York, USA. It was originally the Gallo Opera House, opening in 1927, after which it changed names several times, eventually becoming a CBS radio and television studio. In 1977 it...
, Paradise Garage
Paradise Garage
The Paradise Garage was a discotheque notable in the history of modern gay and nightclub cultures and in dance and pop music. It was founded by Michael Brody, its sole proprietor, and was located at 84 King Street, in the Hudson Square neighborhood of New York City. It operated from 1976 to 1987...
, as well as playing the Ice Palace in Fire Island".
Burgess had been one of the initial three resident DJs at the Saint along with Alan Dodd and Roy Thode, from its opening on 20 September 1980.
Burgess's popularity was attributed not only to his style and technique, but a love for theatrical effects and elements, which developed from his love of opera. He would frequently create his own "sound scenes" by using the dialogue from well-known film scenes over the break of a record - as well as attentuating the effect through long mixes and sophisticated blending.
Burgess chose to end his career at age 28 with a farewell party at the Saint on 31 January 1981. During the party, he famously walked out at the peak of the night and let the record run out. Afterwards Sharon White took over for the rest of the evening. Nevertheless, he still did subsequent infrequent gigs in New York, and started playing regularly at the Saint again in 1986. His actual last gig according to his partner was at The Ice Palace in 1989.
Philadelphia
After commuting back and forth from NY to Philly, in 1987 he made the move to Philadelphia to pursue his first ambition, opera singing.In Philadelphia he studied voice at the Curtis Institute of Music. He sang with the Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Rittenhouse Opera Society, and appeared as Florestan in Beethoven's "Fidelio" at the Lake George Opera Festival in New York and as Siegfried and Parsifal with the Liederkranz Society of New York, which awarded him first prize in its Wagner Competition.
Although he was never diagnosed with AIDS, he took ill soon after Labor Day in 1992. It was then that he was informed of his HIV status. His illness progressed very quickly and he died of an AIDS related brain tumor four months after taking ill, on 18 January 1993 at his home in Philadelphia. He was survived by his partner, Martin Dillon, his sister, Dawn Krop of Gainesville, Fl, and his brother, Jonathan, of Asheville, N.C.
Remixes
Some of the more notable singles that Burgess was involved in the remixing and/or production of are:Discography, www.discogs.com, accessed 2008-07-23| Song title | Artist | Label | Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| "I love the nightlife" | Alicia Bridges Alicia Bridges Alicia Bridges is an American singer who co-wrote and performed her international hit "I Love the Nightlife " in 1978.-Early years:... |
Polydor | 1978 |
| "Da ya think I'm sexy" | Rod Stewart Rod Stewart Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE is a British singer-songwriter and musician, born and raised in North London, England and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry.... |
1978 | |
| "I Was Made for Lovin' You I Was Made For Lovin' You I Was Made for Lovin' You" is a song by American hard rock band Kiss, originally released on their 1979 album Dynasty. It was released as the A-side of their first single from the album. It was the band's second Gold single, selling over 1 million copies. The single was certified Platinum in the... " |
KISS KISS (band) Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,... |
Casablanca | 1979 |
| "Here comes that sound again Here Comes That Sound Again Here Comes That Sound Again is a 1979 disco single by Love De-Luxe, a dance studio group formed by British producer, Alan Hawkshaw.The single hit number on the dance charts in the summer of 1979, for one week. The single did not crossover to any other chart and Love De-Luxe had no other charted... " |
Love De-Luxe Love De-Luxe Love De-Luxe was a disco studio group assembled by British producer Alan Hawkshaw . They had one chart entry: "Here Comes That Sound Again", which spent a week at #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in 1979... |
1979 | |
| "the Beat goes on and on" | Ripple | Canadian Unidisc | |
| "What a fool believes What a Fool Believes "What a Fool Believes" is a song written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. The best-known version was recorded by The Doobie Brothers for their 1978 album Minute by Minute. The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14, 1979, remaining in that position for one week... " (12" Disco mix) |
The Doobie Brothers The Doobie Brothers The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band. The group has sold over 40 million units worldwide throughout their career. The Doobie Brothers were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.-Original incarnation:... |
Warner Bros | 1979 |
| "Rough Diamond" | Madleen Kane Madleen Kane Madleen Kane is a model and singer, born on 4 March 1958 in Malmö, Sweden, to a Swedish father and American mother. A former Elite fashion model , she worked since 17 y.o. to 19 above all for the German fashion magazine Burda Moden... |
Warner Bros | 1978 |
| "Forbidden Love" | Madleen Kane Madleen Kane Madleen Kane is a model and singer, born on 4 March 1958 in Malmö, Sweden, to a Swedish father and American mother. A former Elite fashion model , she worked since 17 y.o. to 19 above all for the German fashion magazine Burda Moden... |
Warner Bros | 1979 |
| "Night rider Night Rider -Literature:* Night Rider , a 1939 novel by Robert Penn Warren* Night Rider, a 2001 novel by W. A. Harbinson written under the Shaun Clarke pseudonym* Nightrider , a vampire superhero who was a member of Team Titans... " |
Venus Dodson | ||
| "I've got the next dance" | Deniece Williams Deniece Williams June Deniece Chandler known by her stage name Deniece Williams is an American Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer who achieved success in the 1970s and 1980s... |
Columbia | 1979 |
| "If there's love" | Amant Amant Amant may refer to:* Saint-Amant , the name of several people and towns* Les Amants, a painting by René Magritte* Les Amants, a film* A name of Lord Ganesha... |
||
| "Crazy love" | Alton McClain & Destiny | Polydor | 1979 |
| "Lotta love Lotta Love "Lotta Love" is a Neil Young composition which as recorded by Nicolette Larson reached #8 on Billboard Magazine's Hot 100 chart in February 1979 and also reached #1 on the Easy Listening chart ranking as the #10 Adult Contemporary hit of the year.... " |
Nicolette Larson Nicolette Larson Nicolette Larson was an American pop singer. She is perhaps best known for her work in the late 1970s with Neil Young, as well as her 1978 cover of Young's "Lotta Love". The song, her debut single, was a Number One Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks hit and #8 pop hit that year... |
Warner Bros | 1979 |
| "Don't stop the train" | Phyliss Nelson | ||
| "Runaway Love" | Linda Clifford Linda Clifford (singer) Linda Clifford is an American R&B, disco and house music singer and actress, who scored hits from the 1970s to the 1980s, most notably "If My Friends Could See Me Now", "Bridge over Troubled Water", "Runaway Love" and "Red Light".... |
Curtom | 1978 |
| "A lover's holiday" | Change Change (band) Change was an Italian-American post-disco group formed in Bologna, Italy in 1979 by businessman and executive producer Jacques Fred Petrus and Mauro Malavasi... |
Warner Bros | 1980 |
| "Victim" | Candi Staton Candi Staton Candi Staton is an American soul and gospel singer, best known for her 1970 remake of Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man" and her 1976 disco hit "Young Hearts Run Free". In 2007, Staton was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.-Early years:... |
1978 | |
| "No goodbyes No Goodbyes "No Goodbyes" is the final song from the musical Over Here!, which opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on March 6, 1974. The song was written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman and is a tear evoking to the soldiers as they ship off to war. It is also a sentimental goodbye to the... " |
Curtis Mayfield Curtis Mayfield Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly... |
Curtom | 1978 |
| "Party party" | Curtis Mayfield Curtis Mayfield Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly... |
Curtom | 1978 |
| "Try love Try Love Try Love is the second album by solo artist B. E. Taylor. It was released in 1997. It features a remake of a song B.E. made while in the B. E. Taylor Group... " |
Tony Wilson Tony Wilson Anthony Howard Wilson, commonly known as Tony Wilson , was an English record label owner, radio presenter, TV show host, nightclub manager, impresario and journalist for Granada Television and the BBC.... |
US Bearsville | 1979 |
| "Lovemaker" | Wham | GRT records | 1978 |
| "Bring on the boys" | Karen Young Karen Young (American singer) Karen Young was an American disco-era singer best known for her hit, "Hot Shot".-Biography:Young grew up in a Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rowhouse. Before becoming an international recording star with "Hot Shot," she recorded jingles and background vocals for the Philadelphia based... |
1978 |
External links
- http://www.djhistory.com/forum/showthread.php?p=273735
- http://gayhistory.wikispaces.com/Burgess,+Jim
- http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE3DB103DF936A15752C0A965958260
- http://www.discomusic.com/people-more/1556_0_11_0_C/
- http://www.discomusicpeople-more/45_0_11_0_C/ John Celiga interview
Further reading
- Love saves the day: A History of American Dance Music Culture 1970-79, Tim Lawrence, 2003, Duke University
- Last Night a Dj Saved My Life: The History of the Disc Jockey, Bill Brewster & Frank Broughton, Grove Press, 2000