“I’m Coming Out” was meant to be a gay liberation song but the song’s writer and producer Nile Rodgers didn’t tell Diana Ross that. Which led to a whole thing. It’s a crazy story. The origin of the song is fascinating but more interesting is how disco in general was part of the gay rights movement. We chart the rise of disco and look at the way it dovetailed with the struggle for LGBTQ rights and how being gay is so different for Sylvester than for Tyler the Creator.
Guests:
Wesley Morris, Critic, New York Times
Craig Seymour, Music Critic and Activist
Nile Rodgers, Record Producer and Chic Founder
Bill Coleman, Artist Manager
DJ Jellybean Benitez, Deejay
Nelson George, Filmmaker and Author
Credits:
Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out
Chic - Le Freak
Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
Barry White - You’re The First, My Last, My Everything
Diana Ross - Love Hangover
A Taste of Honey - Boogie Oogie Oogie
Donna Summer - Love to Love You Baby
Grace Jones - Pull up to the Bumper
Candi Stanton - Young Hearts Run Free
Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive
Tyler the Creator - I Ain’t Got Time
Tyler, The Creator Used To Be Accused of Homophobia, Now Raps About “Kissing White Boys”, Genius
Tyler The Creator And Funk Flex Have an Honest Conversation Plus, Hot 97
