The official video of I.O.U. by Freez
Before freestyle had a name, a British electro-funk band helped write its blueprint. Freeez, led by London-born keyboardist and producer John Rocca, delivered one of the most influential dance records of the early 80s—a track that would echo through New York and Miami club scenes for years to come. Read the full Freeez biography.
The original 12″ version of One More Shot by C Bank About C-Bank C-Bank was a studio project of producer John Robie, one of the architects of New York electro. “One More Shot,” released on Next Plateau in 1982, put Jenny Burton’s vocal over a stark, synthesized arrangement that pointed directly at what freestyle would…
The 12″ version of Love You Will You Love Me by Judy Torres About Judy Torres Judy Torres grew up in the Bronx and was singing opera before Profile Records signed her at nineteen. “No Reason to Cry” arrived in 1987 and became a New York club anthem. Read the full Judy Torres biography.
The official video for Give Me Tonight by Shannon About Shannon Born Brenda Shannon Greene on May 2, 1958, in Washington, D.C., Shannon didn’t just record a hit—she helped invent a genre. Her 1983 single “Let the Music Play” is widely regarded as the first true freestyle record, a sonic blueprint that would launch a…
The radio version of Good Things Come To Those Who Wait by Nayobe About Nayobe Nayobe Gomez, Brooklyn-born and of Cuban descent, was singing at the very start of freestyle. “Please Don’t Go,” released in 1985, stands among Fever Records’ first singles and among the earliest records the genre can claim, cut when she was…
The 12″ version of Babe, We’re Gonna Love Tonight by Lime Read a biography of Lime About Lime Before freestyle crystallized as a genre, Lime was already perfecting the formula—infectious hooks, pulsing synthesizers, and vocals built for maximum dancefloor impact. The Canadian duo helped define the Hi-NRG sound that would influence dance music on both…
The original 12″ version of When I Hear Music by Debbie Deb About Debbie Deb Born Deborah Claire Wesoff-Kowalski in Miami, Florida, Debbie Deb was barely out of high school when she helped define the raw, electro-driven sound of Miami freestyle. Discovered by producer Tony “Pretty Tony” Butler—a pioneer of Miami bass and electro-funk—she brought…