The 1970s were a transformative decade for music, fashion, and nightlife, coalescing into the glittering phenomenon known as disco. More than just a genre, disco was a cultural explosion that redefined social scenes and influenced generations of artists. Now, a novel book, A Night at the Disco by Alice Harris and Christian John Wikane, offers a stunning visual journey back to that era, capturing the energy and style of the stars who defined the sound of a generation.
Published by ACC Art Books on March 24, 2026, the book presents an unprecedented collection of photographs featuring over 100 artists who shaped the disco landscape. From the underground clubs of New York City to the glamorous discothèques around the world, A Night at the Disco illuminates the diverse styles and sounds that fueled the movement – spanning soul, pop, funk, jazz, and rock. The book isn’t simply a visual archive; it’s enriched by exclusive commentary from iconic figures like Donna Summer, Barry Gibb, and Debbie Harry, offering firsthand accounts of the era’s creative process and cultural impact.
A Visual Celebration of Disco Icons
The photographs within A Night at the Disco offer a captivating glimpse into the world of disco’s biggest names. The Village People, known for their infectious hit “YMCA” and celebration of gay culture, are pictured in New York City during the 1970s as featured in The Guardian. Earth, Wind & Fire, a quintessential disco group, are similarly showcased in a mid-1970s photograph, embodying the band’s signature blend of funk, soul, and jazz.
Earth Wind & Fire in the mid-1970s. Photograph: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Diana Ross is captured in the DJ booth at Studio 54 in 1980, a year after topping the disco charts with “The Boss.” The legendary Studio 54 itself, epitomizing the hedonistic spirit of the disco scene, is also featured in a photograph from 1978. The book also highlights Labelle, comprised of singers Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash, and Patti LaBelle, performing on television in 1975. Boney M, one of the bestselling acts of the 1970s with hits like “Daddy Cool,” and Amii Stewart, whose “Knock on Wood” earned a Grammy nomination, are also included in the collection.
Beyond the Music: Fashion and Nightlife
A Night at the Disco doesn’t solely focus on the musicians; it also captures the fashion and atmosphere that defined the era. Bonnie Pointer, known for her flamboyant style and reinvention of Motown classics for the disco era, is pictured in 1979. The Real Thing, a successful British band with hits like “You to Me Are Everything,” is shown performing in Amsterdam in 1979. The book demonstrates how disco seamlessly integrated music, fashion, and nightlife into a global cultural phenomenon.
Diana Ross in the DJ booth at Studio 54 in 1980, a year after she had topped the disco charts with The Boss. Photograph: New York Daily News /Getty Images
Christian John Wikane, a New York City-based music journalist and essayist, has interviewed over 600 recording artists, songwriters, and producers, including many featured in the book according to Amazon. His extensive experience provides valuable context to the stories behind the beats. The book also features a foreword by Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, adding another layer of insight from a key figure in the disco movement.
A Night at the Disco promises to be a treat for music, dance, and disco fans, offering a nostalgic and visually stunning journey back to a decade that continues to influence popular culture today. The book serves as a reminder of the power of disco to unite people through music, fashion, and the shared experience of the dance floor.
As the book hits shelves on March 24, 2026, it’s likely to spark renewed interest in the disco era and its enduring legacy. The release coincides with ongoing celebrations of the genre’s influence on contemporary music and fashion.
What are your favorite disco memories? Share your thoughts in the comments below and aid us celebrate the kings and queens of the disco era!
