when did billboard remove the word disco from the title of their dance music charts?
When did Billboard remove the word disco from the title of their dance music charts?
Answer:
The term “disco” has a significant history in the context of dance music, especially during the late 1970s and early 1980s when disco was at its peak in popularity. The Billboard magazine’s charts reflected this trend by including disco in the titles of their dance music charts.
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Introduction of the Disco Chart:
- The Billboard Disco Action chart was first introduced in October 1974. It was initially compiled based on weekly returns from influential DJs and dance clubs to rank the most popular disco songs.
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Transition Period:
- As disco’s popularity began to wane in the early 1980s and the genre evolved into more diverse dance music forms, Billboard decided to update the chart’s title to better reflect the changing music landscape. The transitioning period also witnessed the broader term “dance” being more inclusive of various sub-genres beyond just disco.
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Removal of Disco from the Chart’s Title:
- In September 1981, Billboard officially removed the word “disco” from the chart’s title. This change acknowledged the genre’s evolution and the chart’s broader scope, which now included other forms of dance music beyond just traditional disco.
Final Answer:
Billboard removed the word “disco” from the title of their dance music charts in September 1981.