The Godfather of Disco

The late Mel Cheren was at the apex of the creation of some of the most influential house tracks. He enabled the birth of new sounds through which the black and latino gay communities of Chicago and New York would find expression and release on the dance floor and beyond. Through his participation in legendary club Paradise Garage and the product of West End Records, Cheren articulated a sound that changed music forever.

This is a personal view described by Gene Graham but it charts a story that connects with us all as we recognize tunes and see how the jigsaw of characters and events weave through the narrative of club history. Cheren was also a founder of Gay Men's Health Crisis and remained a committed activist for 25 years. Interviews with legendary DJs abound and all set to the beat of some great sounds.

Topher Campbell