HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #4 (September 1978)

Disco Music & Disco Dancing

‘Hot City’ was taped in Los Angeles and these shows bring back the true experiences of what the Disco era was like in Disco clubs around the country . . . the clothes, the hair, the makeup, the moves, the sexuality, and the ‘attitude’. So step into a real time machine and disco the night away – and just remember that all these energetic couples are now in their 60’s and 70’s so dance while you can.

Hot City #1 –    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #1  (Augu...  
Hot City #2 –    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #2 (Augus...  
Hot City #3 –    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #3 (Septe...  
Hot City #4 –    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #4  (Sept...  
Hot City #5 –    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #5  (Sept...  
Hot City #6 –    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #6  (Sept...  
Hot City #7 –    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #7  (Sept...  
Hot City #8 –    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #8  (Octo...  

Le Disco -    • Le Disco NBC Television Show - August 1978  

In 1978 I was the Manager of 3M Graphics Systems Television Network and the ½” VHS video tape format was new in the United States. While developing 3M magnetic tape for this new format we would evaluate different formulation lots by recording off-air programs. I recently found a box of these test tapes that are now over 40 years old. I’ve uploaded them for your enjoyment . . . and please excuse the occasional tape wrinkles, drop-outs, mis-tracking and jump cuts.

During the height of disco-mania in August of 1978 a syndicate TV show called ‘Hot City’ was produced by Kip Walton and began airing on Metromedia stations across the country on Saturday nights at 8PM.

The show’s format called for guest appearances by acts including Frankie Valli, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Peter Brown, Eddie Kendricks, Linda Clifford, and Grace Jones. It also featured disco dancers and a disco dance contest. The choreographed dance numbers were by Jeff Kutash and his Dancers, called the ‘Hot City’ Stutters.

Producer Walton was seeking to capitalize on the “Saturday Night Fever” phenomenon on TV before it had a chance to fade. Not new to music and dance, Walton’s track record included five years producing and directing ‘Bandstand’ at Dick Clark Productions, as well as “Where the Action Is”, Mama Cass’ “Get It Together” and “Happening”. One of his earliest solo efforts was packaging “Pop,” an ABC youth special starring Davy Jones, the Osmonds and Mike Curb.

And, for all the dancers who participated in these shows and are now in their 60’s & 70’s, hope you enjoy the look back.

Please feel free to leave a comment

Watch HOT CITY Show # 2    • HOT CITY Disco Television Show - #2 (Augus...  

'Hot City' Disco Television Series
1978 from Kip Walton Productions & Viacom
Produced & Directed by Kip Walton
Executive Producer - Ed Warren
Associate Producer - Marc Robertson
Associate Director - Jimmy B. Frazier
Art Director - Ed Flesh
Assistant Art Director - Roger Spearman
Choreographer - Jeff Kutash
"HOT CITY" Theme composed by Verdeen White
"HOT CITY" Theme sung by Shelley Clark