George McCrae
"The King of Disco Soul"
He’s a perfectionist. If there was a “soul revolution”
then one man carried the banner - George McCrae. He’s been known and loved
for over two decades throughout 82 countries. His talent has the critics
raving and keeps him on the move, constantly touring the world. George
was the spearhead of one of Disco’s biggest innovations, known as “The
Miami Sound”, an adjunct of dance music imbued with the warm sunshine of
Florida and the aroma of the orange grove.
He was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, in1944,
the second oldest of nine children. He began singing in church at the age
of six, and in the early 60’s had his own group, The Jivin’ Jets. In 1963
George opted for a life on the ocean waves with the US Navy, and after
four years went back to his first love, music. At one time, he thought
he might not make it, and considered a career like his father’s as a Policeman.
But this West Palm Beach Department’s loss was to be Disco’s gain.
A New Hurricane was about to hit Florida – and the
world – George McCrae’s greatest 1974 monster hit, “Rock Your Baby”. This
single became the record of 1974, selling an impressive 52 million copies
worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing single releases in pop
history. Each prestigious music magazine voted it “Single of The Year”
and it remained number one in the charts of no less then 82 countries.
But George McCrae isn’t a man to rest on his laurels.
From his album Rock Your Baby he pulled another couple of substantial successes,
the singles “I Can’t Leave You Alone” and “You Can Have It All”. And around
the world, he carried on making the magic; breaking his records in Europe,
hitting the charts in the USA. His musical crown is well placed; for when
it comes to soul side of Disco, for George McCrae, once a king means....always
a King.