51 Years Ago, KC and the Sunshine Band's Most Misunderstood Song Was Billboard's #1

Disco may be one of the most polarizing genres of all time, having even incited "disco is dead" proclamations and inspiring a 1979 "Disco Demolition Night" in which rioters, spurred on by radio DJs, destroyed disco records. However, not only has disco inspired modern pop and electronic music, but it's also seen a resurgence. For instance, The Bee Geeswere honored at the Kennedy Center in 2023, and Gloria Gaynorhas been named as an honoree by the same institution for 2025. However, one band that shaped disco and whose catchy music has endured through the decades remains underappreciated: KC and the Sunshine Band, who are responsible for hits such as "Boogie Shoes," "That's the Way (I Like It)," and "Get Down Tonight." And their hit song, "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty" prevailed as Billboard's #1 song 51 years ago today.