Disco legend Norma Jean Wright returns to the spotlight with a powerful tribute to the music, culture and community that changed dance floors worldwide.
Former CHIC lead vocalist Norma Jean Wright is celebrating the enduring legacy of disco with her new single ‘Ode To Disco’, a vibrant homage to the genre’s history, influence and global impact.
Produced by longtime collaborator Bert Price, the track will be released across all major streaming platforms on 12 July 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of Disco Demolition Night. An exclusive pre-release of the Radio Mix and additional remixes will be available via Traxsource from 3 July 2026.
Described as a musical love letter to one of the most influential cultural movements in modern music history, ‘Ode To Disco’ blends authentic disco energy with contemporary production. The track celebrates the legendary clubs, DJs, artists and communities that shaped the movement, referencing iconic venues including Studio 54, Paradise Garage and The Loft while recognising the pioneers whose influence continues to shape today’s dance music scene.
At the centre of the release is Wright’s unmistakable voice, one that has been woven into disco history since she became the original lead vocalist of CHIC. Throughout her career, Wright has worked with some of music’s biggest names, including Luther Vandross, Sister Sledge, Aretha Franklin and Madonna. She continues to perform internationally with former CHIC lead vocalist Luci Martin and as part of The First Ladies of Disco alongside Martha Wash and Linda Clifford.
Following the success of her 2024 solo EP Living & Loving Life, which reached No.1 on the Amazon UK Soul Chart, Wright’s latest release reinforces her status as one of disco’s most recognisable and enduring voices.
The story behind ‘Ode To Disco’ began with British disco enthusiast Mark “Sparky” Wools, who unexpectedly found himself writing lyrics inspired by the history and cultural significance of the genre.
“‘Ode To Disco’ is a celebration of disco’s spirit, history and cultural significance, its roots, its rise and its lasting influence on club culture today,” explains Wools. “I truly love disco music and suddenly found myself writing a song about it. I knew it needed authenticity, soul and lived experience, which is why I reached out to Norma Jean.”
When Wright heard the early demo and lyrics, she immediately recognised the potential of the project.
“Sparky covered the history so well, it intrigued me,” says Wright. “I heard a melody and hook, and had to jump on board to bring it to life. It was also an opportunity to shine a light on many fellow trailblazers of the disco era whose talents were tarnished by the Disco Demolition in 1979. The whole project felt like the right idea, at the right time, with the right people.”
The collaboration brought together a team of disco pioneers and industry figures, including Max Szadek, longtime assistant to Luther Vandross, acclaimed producer Bert Price, and former Warner Records/RFC label president Ray Caviano.
Together, they have created a release designed to connect generations, highlighting the continuing relevance of disco’s influence on modern dance music.
“People are finally looking back and acknowledging the people, the voices, the clubs and the DJs that transcended borders and shaped culture around the world,” says Szadek.
Caviano believes a new generation is discovering the impact disco had on music and popular culture.
“There’s another resurgence starting,” he notes. “Younger listeners are exploring music from the ’70s and early ’80s and recognising how disco changed everything. It was the DJs and dance floors that turned songs into hits and reshaped the industry.”
While rooted in celebration, ‘Ode To Disco’ also carries a message of unity. For Wright, the values that defined disco remain just as important today.
“With today’s political climate the way it is, there’s a heavy-duty effort to divide people,” she says. “Back when I first recorded disco, there was similar upheaval, but people found a way to dance, unite and believe in something beyond fighting each other. This song reminds people how important music is to bring us together.”
The release will arrive with an extensive remix package featuring the Radio Mix, Extended Mix, Jazz House Mix, Disco’s Biscuits Club Mix and Nu-Disco Mix, giving both longtime fans and new listeners different ways to experience the track.
More than a nostalgic tribute, ‘Ode To Disco’ is a celebration of a movement that continues to inspire artists and audiences nearly five decades after disco’s first golden era.
As interest in the genre continues to grow, Norma Jean Wright remains at the forefront of its revival, carrying disco’s message of connection, creativity and celebration to a new generation.
