Hamilton Bohannon was a disco bandleader and percussionist who recorded as Bohannon, with hit singles including “Let’s Start the Dance” and “Foot Stompin’ Music.”
- Died: April 24, 2020 (Who else died on April 24?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 78.
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Dancefloor hits and samples
Bohannon’s early career as a session musician included drumming for Stevie Wonder on tracks including “I Was Made to Love Her.” He began releasing his own albums with 1973’s “Stop & Go,” writing songs and drumming with an aggressive, pounding rhythm that would influence the rise of house music and techno. Bohannon’s songs became dance club favorites in the disco era, even when they didn’t perform well on the charts. “Foot Stompin’ Music,” “Disco Stomp,” and “Let’s Start the Dance” were among his hits that packed dancefloors. In later years, Bohannon’s music was sampled by artists including Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, and Digable Planets. His song “Save Your Souls” was featured in the 2019 film “Just Mercy.”
Bohannon on his influence on house music
“When the music changed like that, I didn’t have to try and record something to keep up with it. Because … my music was already doing it.” —quoted in The Guardian
What people said about him
Full obituary: Variety
