D. C. LaRue
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D.C. Larue born David Charles L'Heureux was born in April 26, 1948. He was a pure Disco artist who had some success on the charts as well as in the clubs. But after some success his fame quickly died away.
His well-known hit was in 1976, called "Cathedrals". With the release of his first album, on Pyramid Records, D.C. proved he could write, sing, produce and perform like a true veteran. "Cathedrals" released in 1976 caused an immediate sensation in the clubs.
In less than a year work began, and finished, on his second album. 1976's "The Tea Dance" featured such notable background singers as Lani Groves and Sharon Redd. It also included a duet with legendary 1960's icon Lou Christie. The stand out cuts were the 12" of "Face Of Love" and "The Overture." The album itself was a concept idea capturing the essence and feel of a Broadway show. Although "Cathedrals" sold over 100,000 copies in its first three weeks, "The Tea Dance" more than doubled its sales over the course of its life and became a bigger hit.
1977 brought personal appearances, and much writing and experimenting for D.C. As well as inking deals for a movie role and putting the finishing touches on several tracks for a new album. He changed labels through a distribution deal between Pyramid and Casablanca Records. As part of the deal he was asked to provide a track for their new movie.
1978 began with the release of the soundtrack to Thank God It's Friday, which included D.C.'s track "Do You Want The Real Thing." That summer brought his biggest success ever with the release of "Confessions." Although only one 12" was released from it, the 12" single "Let Them Dance," would propel the album to Gold status and garner him numerous awards.
His movie debut was actually a bit part in the flop, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Perhaps it was fate that he was not given a larger role as the movie seems to have hurt more careers than it helped.
In 1979 he released "Forces Of the Night." It featured the 12" single "Hot Jungle Drums And Voodoo Rhythm" as well as duets with Rita Moreno (Hollywood actress/Broadway hoofer) on "Have A Good Time" and Michelle Aller (the beautiful voice on Cerrone's "Call Me Tonight") on "On With The Dance."
Another movie part in Can't Stop the Music (1980) seems to prove that acting was not in the cards for Mr. LaRue.
As the decade ended D.C. released his final vinyl output. 1980's "Star Baby" lacked the spark and ingenuity that had been prevailent in his earlier releases. It did however feature yet another duet with Lou Christie ("Into The Ozone") and the 12" release of "So Much For L.A." garnered some club reaction. I however played the flipside, "Boys Can't Fake It."
As the disco-era ended D.C. turned to other interests. Most notably his love of photography and graphic designing. The 'other' career he had always had.
