Corona Cork Film Festival - The Godfather of Disco

Back when the majority of record companies were not willing to make a commitment to disco music, Mel Cheren was one of the first music industry insiders to promote and support the emerging dance music genre. By being out dancing in the clubs he had an inside track to what was hot and what was not and was instrumental in creating the 12” single for DJs as well as the instrumental mix on the b-side. He also played a role in the creation of the Paradise Garage club, as a financial backer for the legendary club. Built upon the distinctive sound created by resident DJ Larry Levan, the Garage is primarily revered as a uniquely safe and accepting environment for a multi-ethnic gay and straight membership.

At the same time that disco’s star was on the rise and gay liberation was gaining new ground, a dark shadow descended over the Gay Community. Cheren atte-nded some of the first meetings of concerned community leaders responding to the early warning signs of what was to become the public health catastrophe known as HIV/AIDS. His countless contributions to the fight against AIDS have become as legendary as his music industry landmarks and his iconic status within the evolution of New York City nightlife. Through it all, Mel has been there, done that, lived to tell the tale and continues to do it all today.

Pioneer, activist, survivor, Mel Cheren is The Godfather of Disco.