Who was Disco-Tex, and why do I suddenly want a boa?
Disco-Tex was the stage persona of Monti Rock III (born Joseph Montañez Jr.). He didn’t just sing; he hosted the party—banter, winks, and “get on the floor, baby!” included. Behind the curtains were pop powerhouses Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan (of “Lady Marmalade” and “My Eyes Adored You” fame), crafting bulletproof melodies for Monti’s glitter gospel.
Discography & chart highlights
- Disco-Tex & His Sex-O-Lettes Review (1975, Chelsea) — includes the signature smashes “Get Dancin’” and “I Wanna Dance Wit’ Choo (Doo Dat Dance)”.
- Manhattan Millionaire (1976, Chelsea) — glossier textures, deep-fan delights.
Key singles: “Get Dancin’” (US Top 10; UK Top 10), “I Wanna Dance Wit’ Choo (Doo Dat Dance)” (US Top 30; UK Top 10), and “Jam Band” (a culty groove that fans love).
Why they mattered
Disco-Tex fused club euphoria with Broadway showmanship. It wasn’t just disco; it was a revue on vinyl. The group’s exuberant, camp-forward style resonated in queer nightlife and beyond—and those patter breakdowns? Catnip for anyone who loves a little theater with their thump.
Fun facts for the cocktail hour
- Movie cameo: Monti Rock III appears as the DJ in Saturday Night Fever (1977).
- Songwriting legends: Producers/writers Bob Crewe & Kenny Nolan were simultaneously chart-dominating elsewhere (“Lady Marmalade,” “My Eyes Adored You”).
- Band alum: Backing vocalist Cidny Bullens (then Cindy) later carved out a remarkable solo career.
Start listening (my picks)
- “Get Dancin’” — the joyful elevator to the glitter floor. Includes Monti's exclamation, "My chiffon is wet, darling!"
- “I Wanna Dance Wit’ Choo (Doo Dat Dance)” — flirty groove, built to woo.
- “Jam Band” — a strut for the deep-cut curious.
Watch & listen right here
“Get Dancin’” — a feel-good disco classic.
“I Wanna Dance Wit’ Choo (Doo Dat Dance)” — flirtation set to four-on-the-floor.
Live TV sparkle on The Midnight Special.
“Jam Band” — a swaggering deep cut.
Status & legacy
The core Disco-Tex years ran 1974–76, with later revivals as fashions shifted. Monti Rock III kept reinventing, landing a memorable turn as the DJ in Saturday Night Fever and eventually performing and ministering in Las Vegas. The glitter hasn’t dulled—drop a needle on these tracks and tell me your living room doesn’t transform into a mini Studio 54.