At the end of 1978, holiday music was pushed aside for a disco/funk dance tune with the song Le Freak by CHIC.
Released in September 1978, the song was written by CHIC members Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. The twosome were inspired after they were refused entrance to the popular NYC dance club Studio 54 on New Year’s Eve 1977.
Leaving the club, the duo went home and jammed all night, creating the distinctive song riffs and memorable lyrics. The initial phrase was “fuck off” in response to Studio 54 which became “freak out”.
The first single to be released from the band’s Atlantic Records album C’est Chic, the funk/disco song celebrates disco, dance and infamous Studio 54, with its tough door policy.
Released on September 21, 1978, the song was a steady climber on dance and hit songs around the world. It was the first song for the band to hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 as well as the Billboard R&B and Dance Club Songs.
Ranked as the number three song for 1979, and selling over six million copies, the song became an essential of every dance club on both sides of the Atlantic. The song is also the only song to ever to be on the Billboard Hot 100 three separate times.
For Atlantic Records, Le Freak is their bestselling single of all time.
W POPAGANDA 