Funkster
19-12-2007, 05:42 PM
MEL CHEREN - R.I.P
I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Mel Cheren, the ‘Godfather of Disco,’ who passed away earlier today, from AIDS complications. Having had health problems for several months, his HIV status was only confirmed last month, by which point it was evidently too late.
MEL - We know that you, Larry and Michael are preparing for us in Paradise and remember, there will always be space for you on the dancefloor....R.I.P
MEL CHEREN began his career in the music business in 1959 at ABC-Paramount Records As head of production for Scepter Records, Cheren forged new territory: He was instrumental not only in creating the first 12” single for DJs, in forming the first record pool (The New York Record Pool-later to become For The Record Record Pool) and the first to release an instrumental mix on a 12” B-side (“We’re On The Right Track” by Ultra High Frequency). This innovation earned Cheren and Scepter a Billboard Trendsetter Award and soon set the standard for an industry-wide practice. In 1976, Mel co-founded West End Records and soon after signed Karen Young, whose single “Hot Shot” sold 800,000 copies making it one of the biggest selling 12” in history. Cheren, though respected for his record label, is loved by many for making possible one of the world’s most revered nightclubs, The Paradise Garage. He was the financial backer for the club which was owned and operated by his former partner, Michael Brody. During the Garage years, Cheren’s relationship with the club’s influential DJ Larry Levan blossomed, resulting in some of the most memorable records to come out of the late Seventies and early Eighties. In addition to his role in music history and being dubbed “The Godfather of Disco” by trade magazine Dance Music Report, Cheren is a dedicated AIDS awareness activists. In 1982 he became actively involved with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. In 1987 he formed 24 Hours For Life, a not-for-profit organization of media and music professionals which produced fundraising events for AIDS relief and education.
I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Mel Cheren, the ‘Godfather of Disco,’ who passed away earlier today, from AIDS complications. Having had health problems for several months, his HIV status was only confirmed last month, by which point it was evidently too late.
MEL - We know that you, Larry and Michael are preparing for us in Paradise and remember, there will always be space for you on the dancefloor....R.I.P
MEL CHEREN began his career in the music business in 1959 at ABC-Paramount Records As head of production for Scepter Records, Cheren forged new territory: He was instrumental not only in creating the first 12” single for DJs, in forming the first record pool (The New York Record Pool-later to become For The Record Record Pool) and the first to release an instrumental mix on a 12” B-side (“We’re On The Right Track” by Ultra High Frequency). This innovation earned Cheren and Scepter a Billboard Trendsetter Award and soon set the standard for an industry-wide practice. In 1976, Mel co-founded West End Records and soon after signed Karen Young, whose single “Hot Shot” sold 800,000 copies making it one of the biggest selling 12” in history. Cheren, though respected for his record label, is loved by many for making possible one of the world’s most revered nightclubs, The Paradise Garage. He was the financial backer for the club which was owned and operated by his former partner, Michael Brody. During the Garage years, Cheren’s relationship with the club’s influential DJ Larry Levan blossomed, resulting in some of the most memorable records to come out of the late Seventies and early Eighties. In addition to his role in music history and being dubbed “The Godfather of Disco” by trade magazine Dance Music Report, Cheren is a dedicated AIDS awareness activists. In 1982 he became actively involved with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. In 1987 he formed 24 Hours For Life, a not-for-profit organization of media and music professionals which produced fundraising events for AIDS relief and education.