The Godfather of Disco Dies
The “Godfather of Disco” and prominent AIDS activist Mel Cheren died this week in his New York. The founder of the Paradise Garage, one of the seminal nightclubs in the world, passed away aged 74 from complications arising from a recent HIV diagnosis.
In a compelling story, Cheren survived HIV in the 80s and 90s, only to test positive for the disease in October this year.
Nicknamed the Godfather of Disco, Cheren was credited by Billboard magazine with inventing the 12-inch single and the purely instrumental B-side, which allowed a DJ to extend a dance song infinitely.
Speaking to British magazine One Week To Live last year, Cheren spoke about his life and urged people to follow his example. “I tell kids over and over again, when you’re choosing your career, don’t choose something unless you have a real passion for it. Even if it’s sweeping the street, if it’s something you enjoy, you’ll be great.”
In the early 80s when AIDS was an epidemic in New York, Cheren devoted his energy to tackling the crisis, turning over his house to the Gay Men’s Health Crisis centre and establishing 24 Hours For A Life, an organisation that helps people in the music industry with HIV.
In 2000, Cheren published a memoir, My Life and the Paradise Garage: Keep on Dancin’. ” In the book’s prologue, he wrote, “This is a story of my gay generation, the world we built, and the world we lost.”
Cheren lost over 300 friends to HIV. “I always wondered why god left me here and took all my friends,” he told CBS’ Logo News two weeks after he was diagnosed this year. “Nothing happens by accident.”
RIP Mel, we hope Paradise Garage is pumping for you in Heaven.
Your Thoughts
Hey there, you need to be logged in to get involved with SameSame, click here to login if you're already a member, or here if you need to become a new member.
genkij
said ages ago