'Disco Duck' hit number 1 on the Billboard charts in 1976.

That Was A Hit?!?: 'Disco Duck'

Soundcheck | Dec 9, 2013

Our series That Was a Hit?!? is all about songs that have unexpectedly made their way to the top of the charts. Recently we spoke with Memphis music historian Robert Gordon about his book Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion. But there’s one postscript to the Stax Records history we just had to follow up on. And it involves a disco-dancing duck. Gordon tells Soundcheck host John Schaefer how Stax co-founder Estelle Axton went on to produce one of the most successful records ever to come out of Memphis: "Disco Duck," by local radio DJ Rick Dees.

 

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Rahm Emanuel Says Israel’s Path Is “Not Sustainable Politically.” Plus, the Critic Richard Brody on “The Odyssey”

A likely Democratic presidential candidate says the U.S. must end unconditional support for Israel. Emanuel explains his proposal for Middle East peace, and his position on trans rights.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Smoke-filled skies are new normal for NYC summers, experts warn

Climate change has caused wildfires in Canada to grow more frequent and more intense, which creates a viscous cycle as the blazes pump more carbon into the atmosphere.
Gothamist |

From Subpoenas to Cockroaches: Journalist Intimidation 101

Plus, a documentary about the eBay stalking scandal.
On the Media |

Join us for a live series on what it means to make New York more affordable

We’re holding community events across New York City, “In Conversation: The Affordability Series,” through the rest of the year to explore real solutions to issues affecting millions of New Yorkers.
Gothamist |
YOU ARE ONLINE