909rewind Vol. 10… Giorgio Moroder

Welcome to 909rewind, a series from 909originals that delves into the early careers of some of dance music’s biggest names, uncovering hidden gems and familiar classics from the archives.

We dive into an artist’s back catalogue to uncover rare singles, albums, productions, remixes and more… the tracks that helped shape their sound and set them on the path to legendary status.

Today, 26 April, is the birthday of the man dubbed the ‘Father of Disco’, Giorgio Moroder, and therefore we could think of no better subject for this week’s 909rewind than an individual whose career has spanned a remarkable 54 years.

While the Ortisei, Italy native may be better known to younger listeners as the voice of Giorgio by Moroder on Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories, his early career incorporated pop, psychedelic rock and downtempo funk… before disco came calling.

Having released his first single in 1965, Cerca (Di Scordare), backed by the exquisitely-titled Shaba-dahba-dahbadah, Moroder’s first long player, That’s Bubble Gum – That’s Giorgio, came out in 1969, with a suitably late 60s psych art cover.

Follow up Son of My Father, in 1972, saw Moroder delve more into psychedelia, with the album’s closer (and the opening track on our playlist), Tears, going on to become the backbone for DJ Shadow’s Long Stem more than 30 years later.

With the coming of disco, Mordoer founded the group Munich Machine, alongside Pete Bellotte, Stefan Wissnet, Günther Moll and others, while also writing and producing tracks for Roberta Kelly and Donna Summer, including the seminal I Feel Love.

As the 70s made way for the 80s, he also became a sought after soundtrack artist, providing the soundscapes to Midnight Express (which included the epic Chase), American Gigolo and Cat People.

Raise a birthday glass to a true pioneer of both disco and electronica… Giorgio Moroder!