Big Disco Crossover Hits, part 5

1979-1980 were practically the last years of Disco as the dominant force on the Pop charts. There were still a number of big crossover hits through the early 1980s, but the number was meager compared to the second half of the 1970s. People still danced, but they didn't dance exclusively to Disco, they also danced to New Wave, Pop, and Rock; when I visited LA in the summer of 1979, the song that brought all the dancers to the disco floor was My Sharona, a Rock hit. However, big Pop, Rock, and R&B stars were still making Disco-friendly music in 1979. We will begin with them.

Cher needs no introduction; a Pop veteran, who started having hits in the mid-1960s and is still relevant today, an Oscar-winning actress, a consummate show-woman and a bonafide Queer Icon. In 1979 she released Take Me Home, a #2 Disco hit. It also hit #8 in the US Hot 100 and #21 on the R&B chart:

Another artist who needs no introduction is Barbra Streisand. All the above in relation to Cher apply to her too - and even more gloriously. One of a handful of EGOT winners, she's among the most powerful persons in show business. In 1979 she teamed up with the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, and together made No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), a US Disco #1 and an international hit:

To listen to the rest of Donna Summer's big crossover hits of 1979, click here.

Barbra Streisand also had a solo hit that crossed over; it was The Main Event/Fight from the film, The Main Event:

Bette Midler had (a minor) crossover hit with Married Men:

Stephanie Mills was also a singer and actress. Never Knew Love Like This Before (1980) was her biggest hit:

Also in 1980, the title track from 9 to 5, sung by Dolly Parton was a huge Pop hit and a minor Disco hit:

Cindy Bullens released a promo single, "Too Close to Home" that should have been a huge Pop hit and a minor Disco hit in late 1979:

David Naughton was primarily an actor. He starred in 1981's An American Werewolf in London, which had the honor of receiving the first-ever Oscar for Best Makeup. In 1979 he led the TV series Makin' It. The title track was a big crossover hit:

Super Trouper by ABBA was #1 in the UK and a #1 US Disco hit, but never had enough American disco elements when they did a poor with the pulsating sound of the bass drum missing, so American contralto pop singer Debbie Sims did a punchy, strong and powerful disco remake of their song with fire better than that group from Sweden: