Singer Made A Bet-It Was EASIER to Write Disco Hit Than a Rock Hit..He was Right | Professor Of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2022
- The most streamed song for the band Kiss is I was Made For Loving You.. this 1979 hit started as a challenge between a disco producer & legendary front man Paul Stanley… Paul maintained, that it was much easier to write a “disco hit” than it was to write a rock hit. We go ‘behind the masks’ to reveal how the world’s most famous glam rock band created their biggest international hit…from the Kiss album Dynasty and how it was the original lineups last big hit and how Gene Simmons wasn’t happy about this part next on professor of rock .
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#1970s #rock #vinylstory
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you were a part of the Kiss army YOu’ll dig this channel it’s your musical time machine. . Make sure to subscribe below right now. So that you know when our latest and greatest interviews and videos drop
Between 1974 and 1977, the band KISS was one of the biggest box office draws around the world. But after a string of four consecutive Top 25 singles, KISS's commercialism declined, and the band became fractured from egos & rock n’ roll debauchery.
It was 1979, at the height of the Disco Era, when the masked leaders of the rebellious youth of the 70s hit a crossroad.
It seemed that the studded leather costumes, and the painted faces that for years had fascinated millions of soldiers in the KISS army, was becoming a dying ember...
They hired an outside songwriter for the first time, and put 'four on the floor' to start a massive bonfire called “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” In ’78, KISS drummer Peter Criss released a self-titled solo debut album, produced by Vini Poncia (pawn-see-uh) The album did not sell well- stalling at #43 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, but Peter enjoyed working with Vini so much, he recommended that KISS hire Vini as the producer for their 1979 album Dynasty.
If you looked at Vini Poncia's history as a producer, the last band you would expect him to work with in the studio would be KISS.
Vini worked with a ton of notable artists, but about the closest he came to heavy rock n’ roll was producing Ringo Starr’s 1973 LP, Ringo, featuring the #1 hit “Photography,” and Ringo’s cover of Johnny Burnette’s rockabilly tune “You’re Sixteen,” that also reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Vini also produced Ringo’s follow-up LP, Goodnight Vienna, along with co-writing Leo Sayer’s chart topper “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” in ’76: There was no question that Vini knew how to craft a hit pop song, but working with softer fare, like Melissa Manchester, and a solo record by TV’s Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter, would seem like an image killer for a band like KISS that had legions of loyal followers.
Despite the odd pairing, Vini was named producer for the Dynasty record. The first thing Vini pushed for was for Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons to collect material that could get them back on the radio. - บันเทิง
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest "departure" song for a rock band, meaning. a song that was a huge change in what they normally do?
still gonna go with "Beth"
Stix mr roboto
"Cemetery Gates" by Pantera comes to mind.
Ozzy mama I’m coming home
Billy Idol eyes without a face
The entirety of Into the Unknown by Bad Religion. Thesaurus Punk Masquerading as RUSH.
I remember when it first came out and even though, it was a different kind of song for Kiss, I never really thought of it as being a disco song. Kiss was an amazing experience to see live. My brother was a huge fan and I remember him going to a local shoe maker and having a pair of Kiss boots made after he had gone to a Kiss concert. I had not thought of this for a long time. It is crazy to think we walked around in platform shoes then, thinking we were cool. My brother is quite sick now with cancer and seems like an old man. I will have to call him and remind him of his Kiss boots, thanks Professor for taking me back.
a great sign of that era is that there was still a shoe maker. my best to your brother. remember the good times.
It’s what I call disco rock, like Rod Stewart’s Da Ya Think I’m Sexy from the same year. I have always been part of the Kiss Army! Sending love to your brother, Tim!
Cool story I was a teenager and kiss Destroyer was my first 8 track I ever got for Christmas . At the time of this hit I had already lived through being picked on because Beth was a hit and I thought I was a hard rocker at the time, so by the time this came out I was into bands like Ac/Dc. I pray for your brother and thanks for reminding me how much fun it was to dress up like KISS in the 70s I imagine your brother looked cool as heck
Thoughts for your brother, Tim! I lost my Mum six and a half years ago and just lost a work mate as well to cancer, so I have some idea of what you are going through. Sit down with your brother and watch this episode of Professor of Rock together and enjoy reliving some KISS memories together.
Mark from Melbourne Australia
Good luck to your brother!!
❤️💜💚
Since rock and disco both evolved from rhythm and blues, they're not as far apart as some rock fans like to think. It actually made perfect sense for rock bands to experiment with disco as it reconnected them with rock's R&B roots.
Blondie is another prime example from that era. While known more for their Disco-esque songs, they had a lot of rock and punk influenced songs as well.
Debra Harry might have been the first pop-punk princess 😃
I always love when bands do songs that are off brand for them, it shows they have a range and they usually end up just being fun songs.
I feel the same way about Vital Signs by Rush
Pay the Man by Offspring would be an example
"More Than Words" by "Extreme".
I think some fans react so negatively to it because they're afraid the band is going a direction they won't like.
Helter Skelter is a great example
I was both a serious rocker and a disco queen. And this is my favorite song by them. I always loved KISS' music, but I still could not think of this song as a disco song, but it was great to dance to. BTW I'm 65 yrs now.
good deal.
Fox on the run you were, no doubt!❤
I was born in 77 and I never did get the whole Kiss thing. Always seemed weird to me.
Sixty-five, more power to you! I was born in '64 so I'm coming up!
Ya, I never hated disco...but...this did seem like an easy song to write. What is most memorable? The bass..dum dum dum dum.... ya, that can be done with ease & speed on the guitar controlls. Fun to play though!
If you liked Kiss, you were never a serious rocker.
My wife's been a KISS Army member since the beginning and we'll be on the final KISS Kruise (our third) in six weeks. We had about a 20 minute sit down with Paul on our first Kruise, he's a fun guy to talk to. Love your work Adam.
I Hope Y'all Have An Amazing Time, I Hope Something Special Happens!!!! Congratulations 👏🎉👏🎉 Happy Blessed, Anniversary To You Both, Many PRayersNLuv WWG1WGA 👼👼🥂🎊🌹🥳
Kiss's "I was made For Loving You " stays firmly in my top 5 of all time favorite songs. That was hard rock showing disco how to do it right :)
Paul is a SERIOUSLY under appreciated vocalist. Not many people know he sang the lead in the Phantom of the Opera.
now this i gotta hear!
I watched him in that in Toronto. He was great, different, but great nonetheless.
@@dursty3226 Where can we hear it?!
@@rosemarypaul6093 It’s on TH-cam. Type in Paul Stanley phantom of the opera
His KISS work from 1983-2004 makes Phantom look like a joke
Thank you for respecting KISS as a great band and for being the consummate professional, storyteller, rock historian and awesome dude. You bring stories to life much like Casey Kasem. Having said that, I’ve been a huge KISS fan since 1978 and always will be a huge fan. I love this song, as well as all of their music. Thank you as always Professor of Rock, for sharing another wonderful story in the annuals of Rock n Roll history.
Nice shout out to the immortal Kasem. Not totally dead if you're still influencing people!
TBH I never took KISS very seriously. Adam's presentation makes me re-think that notion.
He is the Casey Kasem of the 21st century. Our hero!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 You're 100% absolutely right!
I too am a KISS fan, been a fan since '98, and I've collected every single album the band has released, including the soundtrack from Detroit Rock City, and their authorized tribute album, along with collecting three KISS T-shirts, two ballcaps, three books, an interview cd, a special 40th Anniversary decoed Hot Wheels car, an animated Scooby film with KISS, two masks, some DVDs, one doll, and one poster.
When I heard the question posed, I couldn't help but think of " I was made for loving you " Great song, a little bit of Rock a little bit of Disco. It had appeal to listeners of both genres, and had the bonus effect of bringing new members to the KISS fan base.
It's the most musically novel thing I've heard from them. Really tasty guitar work over that blatantly disco rhythm.
I Was Made For Loving You is my favorite KISS song. I really loved Paul reaching up and hitting the falsetto and the driving beat
Thank you for finally doing a KISS video! I’m a massive fan and I think they are one of the most underrated bands of all time. This song is proof of their abilities as musicians. They can play anything from Rock, Pop, Metal, Disco, you name it. Just look at their catalog. War Machine, Cold Gin, Shandi, Beth, Sure Know Something, Forever, Detroit Rock City, I Was Made For Loving You, Lick It Up, Rock and Roll All Nite. No other band out there can play such a diverse range of styles and make it work. I recently saw them live and it was probably the best live show I’ve ever seen. I’d love to see you sit down with the guys for a one on one!
I totally agree! Talk about rolling with the punches.
I don't know about underrated. They were superstars and probably the most popular band among pretty much everyone I knew back in the 70s. Back then in California, I don't think I've been to any house that didn't have The Destroyer album in their collection. Their popularity is how "Kiss meets the Phantom" happened. Plus, they had a toy line. I don't know many other bands with Action Figures.
@@DikaWolf as far as music critics go, they were totally underrated as musicians. They were never taken seriously. As far as recognition goes, they were treated like a joke. They weren’t played on radio, they had virtually no support from DJ’s, R&RHOF didn’t include them for 15years after they were eligible, even after selling 100 million albums critics still pan them. They influenced generations and changed how artists do live shows. But it was the fans who were the ones that kept them going. If that’s not underrated, I don’t know what is.
@@belle.m I don't know about music critics, but they were definitely not niche. My mom (a normal suburban housewife) owned The Destroyer album, and their toy commercials played during Saturday Morning Cartoons. That doesn't say underrated to me. I can think of very few musicians that got that kind of notoriety.
@@DikaWolf you’re literally missing the point. Read the post again. I said underrated as musicians, not to everyday fans. Also an opinion expressed by the band. And I don’t get the niche comment. Putting words in my mouth. I literally expressed an opinion. You’re welcome to yours. Whatever.
I love this song!!!! And I never thought of it as a "disco" song. It's a ROCK song with good dance beat. Many rock bands have made good dance records without having been accused of going "disco". In 1979 young people were sick of the "classic" disco style filled with strings and orchestras. They wanted good dance records that also rocked - so the early 80s saw a big shift in dance music now to feature more synths and guitars. We still wanted to dance! But we wanted to rock while doing it. So this Kiss song ROCKED!
It is a disco style rocker, for sure. I think Disco Demolition Night really did help pave the way for new wave to enter the scene.
People seem to like the song now but I remember that the KISS fans like me HATED it !! A lot of their fans that were friends of mine moved on from the band after this album!! 🤷🏻♂️
First time I heard it and it's disco through and through.
doesn't sound disco to me
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 New Wave was already well on its way. Disco Demolition Night just cleared the bodies. 😉
What sounded SO DISCO at the time, has actually aged well. Many songs I didn't like, at the time, I LOVE now.
It’s one of the great things about music. You don’t like that song yet!!! :) I never liked jazz but have found myself getting more into it as I get older.
I've been a KISS fan since 1974. My brother brought home the first KISS record that year and I've been hooked ever since. My first record I bought was Dynasty. Couldn't get enough of it. Loved every song then and still do today. Seen them on the Dynasty Tour December '79 thanks to my brother. Their music did change because I kind of think they were trying to re-invent themselves and go with the times of the music happening then. It may not have had a great impact here in the U.S. but definitely made a huge impact on Australia as well as the Unmasked album. I have loved them through thick and thin. I always couldn't wait to see what was going to be the next album to come out and what was it going to sound like. Thank you Professor of Rock for bringing this album to the forefront for discussion.
I got hooked on a different song from this album... give the track "Sure Know Something" a listen. The lyrics are excellent 👍 and the music is great 👍
As a kid born in the early 80’s and a life long Kiss Fan, I’ve always loved this song for its awesome guitar work… both Lead & Rhythm/Bass. Ace & Gene absolutely knocked it out of the park. I agree it really was some of Ace’s best work. And the bass riff Gene belts out in it was killer. He may hate the lyrics that he sang, but good god the dude should feel proud of that riff.
What a great episode! I'm truly enjoying the history behind the music you develop and present so well! Many thanks, and keep 'em comin'!
“Sure Know Something”is another great song from that album 😎
@@VerticalMARS1 My uncle, who's a professional guitar player with decades in his backpack now, used to call that song Bee Gee's on steroids. I used to hate him for it, until I learned to play the instrument too, and realised he was pretty much spot on. 😀
This has always been my favorite song by KISS. I honestly did not realize it was such a huge international hit. I just thought it was so well written and well performed. Thought it would actually be a great wedding song for some folks. Did not realize Desmond Child was involved. Thanks for all the info. Big fan. Please keep up the good work.
I was one of those who were a die hard KISS fan at the time, I hated this song and thought they sold out.....BUT a few years after it's release, I gave it another try and it's one of my favorite KISS songs still do this day.
Hey professor, I was a member of the KISS army in the 80s. I saw them in concert multiple times, even painted my face (I was Paul, my best friend was Gene) to attend some of those concerts. That song, I was made for loving you, brings back such great memories. The kind that really pull you back to a place in time like it was just yesterday. I especially remember one occasion: I had just come back from Army Basic Training. My friend and I were heading out on a road trip to celebrate, and my girlfriend was upset she couldn't go with us. So, we met at his house the night before the trip, he slept on the sofa, and my gf and I spent the night together in his room with KISS albums playing in the background, with that song especially speaking the truth, and marking it as a very special night. I'll never forget it.
This song is awesome! I love KISS, and my three littles ones became so obsessed with this song and KISS that we had to take them to see KISS. It was the fall season before the pandemic, and they loved the show! My middle one swears Paul pointed at her during this song!! They were the only kids to not only see KISS live, but dress up as KISS for Halloween in their entire elementary school.
Must have been such a blast for your kiddos!
I have always loved this song and it is still one of my favorites to this day! I remember going to the record store as a 10 year old buying the single on 45.
I’ve loved this song for decades.
As someone who doesn’t bring a bunch of prejudicial baggage to the music I consume, I’m able to really enjoy a lot of stuff out there (country, not so much, but I’m working on it 😊).
Life’s too short, and there’s so much great music out there, try and enjoy as much of it as you can.
Love this song.
I was in my 2nd yr in college and this song was playing all over campus from the student union, the pizza joints, video arcades & out of the dorm rooms! We loved it and when it was rumored that KISS may be coming back to Pittsburgh. Everyone freaked when it was proved to be a rumor.
I was at the 1978 show when AC/DC opened for them. Talk about an awesome concert!
I haven't heard "I was made for Loving You" live, but I did get to hear most of the Destroyer album live during that concert and I still have the front of the tee shirt from the concert, framed, in my office. I have no regrets!
Another fantastic video Prof! I also love the Kiss Destroyer album behind you. That was the very first album I ever owned and still holds a special place in my heart. I remember staring at that album cover for hours. It has a very "Molly Hatchet" vibe. Simply epic!
I Was Made For Loving You to me is a hybrid rock/disco that works. It's a far cry from Love Gun, but Kiss wasn't the only band that recorded the same type of song--Some claim One Of These Nights by the Eagles is an example.
Yes. Glenn Frey wanted to do a song in the vein of The Bee Gees, burgeoning Funk/Disco, and 1960s R&B. It came out great. Frey considered it possibly his favorite Eagles record.
@@anthonyyoutubefan7567 One of my favorites, too, especially with Don Felder's non-disco blistering solo and Randy Meisner's under-appreciated high harmony.
@@vehicle22 Oh, Meisner's definitely not underappreciated by me...just yesterday, I listened to their On The Border album, form 1974, and his distinctive vocals are all in there.
🤔 … I’d never considered that about One of These Nights. But yeah, I hear it.
Add ELO's Last Train to London and Stones Miss You.
I had been a kiss fan since the 70's when my neighbors dressed up and lip sync'd at the talent show in elementary. Then I had an amazingly deep crush on a coworker of mine who, to this day, is the biggest KISS fan I have ever known. The song you mentioned "I'll fight hell to hold you" was probably one of my all time favorites because the lyrics spoke to me about friendship and how I wanted to be close to this KISS fan. Thank you for reminding me about it and bringing me right back to high school and that crush. Yes, he is still a huge KISS fan, been on several KISS Kruise's. I have mellowed since and even though I still love the rock music of the 70's and 80's, i mostly listen to country music and am grateful that it is moving back to 90's country because that was some of the best. Keep up the great content. Love it all.
Mr Professor, the research it must have took on making this video is mind boggling. From someone who grew up with this band I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Truly enjoyed this video.
I totally love this song. Not really a die hard Kiss fan, but I like several of their songs. I was always impressed with the high notes of this song. I'd like to point out if you're a great songwriter, like Desmond Child, it doesn't matter what genre or artist you work with, a great song is a great song. I Was Made for Living You is a great song.
Thank you, it's called the music Business and if you don't have a few great songs every once in a while you won't be in the Business for very long.
Although I saw the reunion in the late 90s on principle I was only 3 when this came out. Used to have nightmares about their midnight special shows.
He gets up to an A5!
Everybody was trying to get a disco hit back in the day. I heard that Nile Rodgers said that Ethel Merman and Frank Sinatra contacted him about making a disco album.
Christine: Okay, dope-burnout, let's get one thing straight, here. As far as I'm concerned, good tunes is good tunes. Be it disco or rock, or polka, or whatever have you, regardless of the category. Disco is just easier to dance to.
- Detroit Rock City
Had this album. .... "No such thing as a guilty pleasure. It's either good or bad." Couldn't have said it better myself. You're the man Adam. 💯🤟
"Dynasty" is a great album. Other superb songs on it like "Sure Know Something", "Magic Touch", "Charisma", and "2,000 Man" are among my all-time favorite KISS songs.
Magic Touch is another awesome song. Professor Rock should cover that one too.
Save Your Love! 😃
Oh HELL YES!!!
2000 man was a Rolling Stones cover
@@lonnysimmons1889 I know.
Awesome story Prof! I've seen KISS several times now, and just last year while we were on vacation in Maine took the whole family to see KISS play in Bangor. My two daughters (ages 10 and 7) are lifelong KISS fans!
I'd completely forgotten this song existed until a couple of days ago when Lynda Carter posted her performance of it on Twitter. (Fun song!) When you said that she and Kiss shared that producer, that connection to the song suddenly made sense!
I remember when this song came out. I too, I can’t believe I’m gonna admit this but…, danced to this song at the disco too!! Even then, I never really thought “hey, that’s a disco song.” It’s just good music to me.
❤️💜💚
Love I Was Made For Loving You, great song and was lucky enough to see them perform it in Melbourne a few weeks ago, it went off!
Great video !!!
Thanks so much for the insight, the respect, and the history lesson on one of rock’s greatest band !!
You truly are the PRO-fessor !!!
I was 9 years old and a full fledged member of the Kiss Army Fan Club. Had posters all over my room. When news came out that KISS was doing a disco song, I was completely devastated. Then I thought something must really be wrong with me after the song was released and I secretly loved it. Go figure.
I LOVE their spin on disco rock!
I didn`t know there was a Disco controversy until my older brother threatened to kill me over the Bee Gees. I remember hearing Kiss` "Disco" song on the radio a lot. It was just Rock n Roll to me.
We must be about the same age then.
@@baneverything5580 Everybody's talking about the new sound is funny, but it's still Rock & Roll to me.
My brothers had Kiss Lunchbox’s w/action figures. and I had a Charlie’s Angels lunchbox w/angel dolls~ they blew up my lunchbox with a grip of firecrackers and told me Kiss & the Angels had an after concert party ~ I never new what they meant till years later ~ I just recall crying so my mom got me a Holly Hobby lb, she said it was safer 😅
Stones did a disco hit with "miss you". The reason these bands were able to last so long was their ability to adapt and write songs to go along with the era
Bowie is another example adjusting each decade.
Yes, Bowie, Stewart, The Stones and other rock bands made disco songs. It never bothered me that Kiss made one also.
David Bowie is another great example.
@@chrisoakley5830 Blondie!
Throw the Kinks in there, too. Wish I Could Fly Like Superman. However, it's my opinion, that some of these are "more disco" than others. This, and Rod's songs are VERY disco, whereas the Stones & Kinks songs are disco-lite, or semi-disco.
As a guy who’s 78 and an ex musician I’ve always loved KISS. So many of there songs have that driving beat that reminds me of ZZ TOP! ROCK ON!!!🎸🎹🎼
I Was Made For Loving You was the song that got me into more of Kiss' music. Their early stuff didn't appeal to me, but my best friend at the time was a Kiss fanatic who would have hated that song when it came out! Lol I love this show! Thanks Professor, for bring back the awesome memories!
Great song. I saw KISS in concert Oct 2021. AWESOME STILL. I listened to this song with ear plugs hooked to my cassette player for 10 hrs straight on repeat on my motorcycle from Utah to California. My average speed was 72 mph counting 4 stops for gas. I was flying low!
Stanley is an amazing song writer. Incredible talent.
I went to Vegas for my 30th birthday almost exactly 10 years ago, and I dragged my friends kicking and screaming to indoor KISS mini-golf, where, in retaliation, they told the staff it was my birthday. I was asked what my favorite KISS song is, I told the guy "I Was Made For Loving You," expecting to be teased for my choice, but the dude seemed to approve, and they dedicated the song for me over the PA between 8-year-olds celebrating their own birthdays. Honestly a highlight of that cursed trip, and I will cherish this song forever.
Professor, thank you for telling the story of how my favorite Kiss song came about! I have already heard most of this, but still good to see you covering it. I have always taken the song for what it is, a catchy tune that always gets you going and puts you in a good mood, at least it does that for me! And yes, Gene still gives this song a hard time when someone asks him about it, but I don't care lol. It is an awesome song that has stood the test of time.
I loved and still love every track on this album! To this day I sing “Dirty Living”, “Save Your Love”, “Charisma” & “2,000 Man”. They all brought their A game for this one.
This song blended in with what was being played on the radio at that time.I suppose what shocked people the most was the band who was playing the song.Kiss had a reputation at the time of being a Rock Band.Many would have never believed that they would play such a song as this..I loved it back in the day and still play it to this day..I'm working on opening a disco in 2023 and I'm sure this song will be on the list along with Donna Summer songs to be played and to dance to.No need to be ashamed Gene Simmons...
Hey Prof. I always enjoying listening to your videos, it's not just the content that I enjoy, but its how you tell it that I like most, (not sure how to explain precisely) it's how you communicate it, how you speak, the tone and that. you can tell its from a person who knows and enjoys what they're talking about and not just reading from some wiki script. when i listen to you explain and talk about the song or artist I feel that I can actually sit and listen and learn. for me it feels like I'm being educated as apposed to just been thrown random facts. Keep doing what your doing, your awesome.
Paul Stanley has always been one of my favorite rock performers. You can just tell how much he loves performing, and he has such a distinctive style and voice.
Professor, I think that Desmond Child deserves an episode dedicated to his contribution to Rock and Roll! He seems to have written a series of songs that form the foundations of many radio stations play lists! Give it some thought as there must be other songwriters or producers who have been successful across several bands and who should be recognised for their success and contribution to Rock.
Mark from Melbourne Australia
Such an underappreciated musical figure.
Diane Warren too i think
He wrote with Hanson as well!
Alice Cooper...Poison
What about Russ Ballard?
I am probably one of the few people who liked the Elder and Kiss Unmasked, which was a pretty good power pop album. I have been lucky enough to have seen Kiss and their reconfigured lineups many times over the years. These guys have definetely left their mark on pop culture.
The Elder had a couple of good songs but overall it was a misfire
I also like Unmasked very much, it's not as hard edged as previous albums but as you said it's a very good pop/rock album.
@@michaelrochester48 It did have a few misfires.
I loved those albums, too. I never really cared what genre they did, just so long as the music was good. And they almost always had great riffs and melodies. Song for song, I rank Dynasty as their best album. No clunkers whatsoever.
@@chrisoakley5830 Ace Frehley made every song he played on more melodic. Melody and hooks were a bigger factor in their success than heaviness.
I like it! Friend of mine denied it being a disco song ... so much he got very upset even thinking about it.
Will share this video with him of course! 😅
I have been diehard Kiss fan since I was 4 years old. I loved the Dynasty album. I don't think there was a bad track on that album! To this day I am still a member of the Kiss army! I got my first Kiss album on my 4th birthday in 1975! It was their debut album. Loved them every since!
One of my favorite songs as i was growing up. I was 8 when my friends and I, tried singing the song. Imagine a bunch of kids from Mexico trying to sing "I was made for Loving You", it was epic.!!!
Always cool to get the great songwriter/producers highlighted. I see Desmond Child has co-written about 80 songs for major artists. I know he can do both, but was curious whether he was more proficient with the words or the music.
I was blown away by the Professor as he began to list some of the songs that Desmond had co-written. He quite literally forms the basis of many radio stations play lists!
Mark from Melbourne Australia
That Dynasty tour show was my second concert ever. Saw them at the Spectrum in Philly, and it totally blew my 10 year old mind. They were, to me, much larger than life, and they totally embodied that while on stage. Yes, I was in the KISS Army. I had the patches, the stickers, the comics, the whole shebang. All the boys in school were into KISS, and I'd bring my albums and other KISS memorabilia into school to show off. It made me very popular among my peers. My single mother was very supportive of my musical journey in the 70s, and she always made sure I got something KISS related every Christmas and birthday.. I had every album up to and including Dynasty, but unfortunately lost them all in a move right after my college years. Still hurts me to this day I that I no longer have them.
As far as this song goes, I LOVED it. I was really into disco because my mom was a disco queen at the time (even spending time at the famed Studio 54 in NYC). We'd play the records all the time in our apartment and do The Hustle or the Bump or whatever hot dance was out at the time. I Was Made For Loving You hangs in a special place in my heart, and whenever I hear it, I'm 10 years old again dancing in my living room with my mom.
BTW, my very first concert? Barry Manilow at the Robin Hood Dell in Philly (Now the Mann Music Center). These first two concerts show my breadth of my taste in popular music, still to this day.
Peace.
Bro I love KISS! I was in Lakeland Florida for the first show of the Dynasty Tour. I like Dynasty, but they only featured a couple songs off that LP. KISS opened up with...King Of The Night Time World and the rest became KISSTORY! I Was Made For Loving You is a fun song. I can remember the day I begged my mom to buy it for me (I am 58 now), and I am blessed that she did...I had to cut the grass, but hey...I got vinyl out of the deal, lol. The generations that come after us will have the honor of finding and listening to one of the greatest bands to grace the planet. I am very happy I found your channel Professor, thank you for it!!
Yeah, I remember when it first came on the radio. I had no preconceived notions of what a Kiss song should be, and this just caught my attention right away. For years, it was the only song I associated with Kiss, and not being a core Kiss fan, I didn't reject it. I never rejected either during the entire disco backlash days either. It didn't sound like a typical disco song, it sounded much more rock than disco to me.
In 1979, I heard KISS was going to do a live interview at a local radio station to promote their album Dynasty as well as their upcoming concert in the area. I convinced my best friend, who worked at a local newspaper, to get permission to write a story on them. She took me along as her "photographer". Amazingly, our credentials worked and we were admitted to the studio and there were Gene, Paul and Ace without makeup!! (Peter did not attend). I had my 35 mm camera hanging from a neck strap and Gene literally stepped toward me with his hand extended, intending to take it from me, growling, "No pictures." I leaned back and said I'd just put it back in my case. After the radio interview was over and they were off air, I engaged Gene with questions including, "Kiss is a rock band. Why did you put out a Disco record?" He narrowed his eyes and said, "We just give the people what they want to hear." His tone was icy. His response makes much more sense after listening to Professor of Rock's video. It was a heady afternoon for two 19-year-old fans and I still have Gene's autograph from that day.
One of favorites remember jamming out while blasting down the road in my t/a tops off an chasin tail at the lake all summer
As a huge KISS fan since 75 I remember being at my local record store in the mall when I was 14, just checking things out when I walked past the counter on the way out of the store and saw a stack of 45s with the Casablanca label on them which immediately caught my attention. I read the title "I Was Made For Loving You" from the forthcoming album Dynasty. My eyes just about popped out of my head! They weren't even put out in the store for sale yet, but I asked if I could buy a copy and he said yes. I never rode my bike home so fast just to listen to this 45. I listened to it over and over. Such great memories.
I was a KISS *FANATIC* when I was growing up in the 70's. My room was (almost literally) wallpaper'ed with KISS posters and even just cut outs from magazines. I BEGGED Mom to buy me any magizine I saw that had them in it. Whatever pics didn't make the wall were put into my scrapbook (which I still have). KISS was the band that inspired me to want to be a rock star, and Ace was the guy who inspired me to play lead guitar. And I have to be honest, Dynasty was the album where they started to lose me; I actually like Unmasked and The Elder much better! However, "I Was Made For Loving You" always gets my toes tapping and I'll definitely listen to it when it comes on. Thank you, Professor, for putting out a little KISStory!
When I first heard "I Was Made for Loving You," I thought that the Four Tops were trying to make a comeback. Three weeks later, after hearing it ten times, I finally heard a DJ mention that it was performed by Kiss. If I had been a Loonie Toons character, my eyes would've grown ten ties their size, the Model T horn would've sounded off and my jaw would've dropped straight down to the floor, making a loud resounding clang on impact. I was that surprised at the time. Then I saw it on MTV, I said to myself, "Wow, Kiss has really evolved as a band." "I Was Made for Loving You," "Beth" and "Rock and Roll All Night" are my 3 favorite songs by Kiss.
Big Kiss fan as a youngster, and I loved this song from the get go. And still love it today.
I absolutely LOVE this song! I'm not a fan of the band by any means and think this year was the first time I ever heard it. The beat is just so cool and really fun... I'm glad that bet was made and that we got this gem 🤘😎
I like the song, love the guitars in it, love everything about it but I believe its more pop/rock then disco
November 7, 1979:
KISS played The Forum in LA during their “Unmasked” tour.
I was definitely a member of the KISS Army; even having painted that iconic emblem that you showed in the video here, on the inside of my bedroom door.
Side note: My parents were baffled and probably horrified by this complete change in their daughter’s musical tastes; considering that just a year earlier I was one of the many 13-year-olds who were swooning over Shaun Cassidy 😂
Ok, back to the story:
This was the first concert I had ever been to. I was 14 years old and had worked babysitting jobs all summer to save up for the $32 floor seat ticket, which I thought was going to be awesome.
Well, it wasn’t awesome at all; even wearing my KISS style platform boots, my five-foot self couldn’t see anything, with everyone around me standing on the seats trying to see.
I began to cry and my KISS makeup was getting ruined 😖 A guy a couple of seats over from me noticed; he asked me what was wrong, and when I choked out through my sobs that I couldn’t see anything, he politely asked if he could lift me up and when I nodded, he lifted me up onto his shoulders so I could see, and I got to see the whole concert.
At the end of the show we exchanged phone numbers and ended up talking on the phone all the time; to our respective parent’s dismay, as long distance calling was expensive back then.
And although he lived a two-hour Greyhound bus ride away from where I lived, he became my boyfriend and would come to see me every weekend, until a few months later when the pressure from his mother became too great and we broke off our relationship.
See, he was 15 years old and before he met me he was getting ready to go Texas for his mission trip; his mother had become a Mormon and was furious that he was spending his Saturdays with me instead of going to the temple with his mother.
We stayed friends and in semi regular contact, and ended up getting back together after my first marriage ended and his mother had moved on to whatever religion she had decided to follow at the time.
We were together for five years and had our daughter before ending up permanently separating ten years after we first met at that KISS concert.
Sorry for the novel, but this video brought me back to this memory, which as I’m writing this, I can’t help but think that this must be quite an interesting “How I met your mother” kind of story 😂
Thanks for sharing your "How I met my Boyfriend/Second Husband!" story Rochelle. It was a special story, complete with interfering Mother-in-Law, so plenty of people can relate. You didn't tell us the name of your daughter, does she have a Kiss related name?
Mark from Melbourne Australia
@@markfryer9880 No, actually.
I don’t remember what it was, but I had picked out a name for her that I liked, but her father had his own names that he wanted to give her, which he presented to me while visiting us in the hospital.
Then when I told him the name I wanted to give her, he threw a fit, tore up the piece of paper with the names on it, and threw it up in the air as he stormed out of the room.
I was an emotional mess with all of my 22 year old post-birth hormones so I caved and let him know when he came back, that we were going to name her what he wanted.
It was actually a pretty cool name in the end, because he chose a first and middle name where her initials were J.A.M.
And in case you’re wondering, by the time we split up the relationship had become pretty toxic, considering how his mother hated me “for corrupting her son” and always badmouthed me to him; probably part of why he never wanted to marry me, even though this was part of the original end goal of moving in together.
He always had excuses and was content with us just living together, so I got fed up with this and left.
If you’re doing the math and wondering how I could be divorced before having my daughter, I married my first husband when I was 16 years old and my husband was 19 years old, and he left just over two years later when I was 18 years old and pregnant with our second child. I had him after I turned 19 years old, and I got back together with my former KISS concert boyfriend when my son was five months old.
We had a pretty supportive friendship when I was married to my ex, and I would call him whenever I was upset about my husband’s cheating on me and his verbal abuse.
Ah, gotta love the cycle of dysfunction don’t you…..
Now older and wiser, none of that nonsense is going on now though, since I found my voice and learned how much I value living alone; with no drama, and until she crossed over the rainbow bridge this past February, my constant companion and furry courage for 12 years was my service dog.
She taught me how to live a courageous life on my own and I know that she handed me the baton to keep going, and I’m honoring her memory by doing just that ☺️
Wow. I remember my eldest sibling's music from the 1970s. He is a fan of KISS too. My brother has great records in his collection. Cheers!
a real "How I met your mother" story includes, "Well, why was I babysitting all summer? To explain that, we have to back up to shaun cassidy" :)
Sounds like the concert and your ex still have sweet memories for you and your family.
It's like you're inside my head. As a card-carrying member of the KISS Army, I remember all the talk about them selling out. Really, it was yet another example of the wide range of music KISS could easily draw from. Yeah, I liked it. I was 9. It's peppy. It's great to work out to. I also found it funny that I've sung IWMFLY as well as Call Me in variety cover bands IN THE SAME SET and never made the connection. They've been around for fifty years. There are bound to be songs, albums, change-ups, and experiments, that fans like or don't. How about the record-breaking longest Farewell Tour? Love 'em or hate 'em they stand the test of time.
You always nail it. Nobody talks about Benny Mardones' into the Night, or Toto's I Won't Hold You Back. Nice job. Much appreciated
I grew up listening to lots of music: from my parent's turntable in the late 70's, then to the radio cassette player and MTV in the 80's . . . I'm no music connoisseur but I've been exposed to various pop and rock artists and hit songs growing up. And yes, I'm "quite familiar" with Kiss, and with "I Was Made For Loving You." But I didn't know that that catchy hit is their song . . . until now, haha! Anyway, I was only five years old in 1979. So thanks, Professor of Rock!
I have seen KISS live twice, once through work and once on my own, but both for pleasure, and they put on one of the best stage shows I ever went too both times. Even if Gene Simmons decided he didn't like the song they still played it at both shows.
KISS was my first ever live concert in 1980 at Western Springs New Zealand, I saw them again in 97 and would of seen them 40 years to day I had first seen them but the the concert was cancelled.
I've been a Kiss fan since the early 70s. My understanding of Paul's ego, business acumen, and marketing sense tells me he made up this story to justify chasing the music trend of the day to achieve a top 10 hit when disco wasn't consistent with Kiss's prior catalogue. With that said, I love this song and feel like it fits with their catalogue perfectly. I just wish the guitar solo was longer.☺☺☺
You are correct. The story is not true.
Yeah I’m pretty sure the bet story is false too. It was my understanding that Paul spent a lot of time at Studio 54 and basically challenged himself to write it. Also Casablanca records was basically going to fold if their record didn’t produce a hit song. They needed a commercial hit to survive.
@@belle.m Did not know Casablanca was in trouble then. They were THE disco label then (Donna Summer and the Village People were on the label), and I would've thought they'd be raking it in in 1979, the peak year of disco.
However, Kiss has said Casablanca was in deep trouble when they wanted to put out Alive! in 1975. The label had put out an album of Johnny Carson's monologues from the Tonight Show, and it flopped. They couldn't afford another failure.
@@TheJohnnyCotts By 79 disco was on the way out, Neil Bogart was a major drug addict who took loans out with the Mob, and KISS, though popular, spent more money on their touring and stage act than they were making in record sales. Casablanca was all about excess. It was half bought out by Polygram by then , and Donna Summer was suing them in 79.
You are exactly right. And they really spinned the record with this one!
I remember watching the movie as a kid and had no idea who they were but loved the movie..lol. I got older realized they were Kiss from the movie. This song came out I was 8 and I became a fan!
Keep doing what you're doing!
I was just a kid when this song came out-not old enough to have learned how to be picky/critical about whether or not a certain song "fit" a band. I was a HUGE KISS fan and I loved the song then and still love it today. Excellent video, Professor!
I'm an Aussie and was 17 when this song came out. I just know it, along with My Sharona, were the two biggest songs of 1979, it was HUGE. I never thought of this song as disco, but it sure got everyone on the dance floor. I've always loved it. I love it as much now as I did then. I wouldn't say I'm a Kiss fan, but I've always been fascinated by them. You've got to be doing something right if you're still going 50 years after you started. I almost went to their last show in Brisbane a couple of weeks ago, but decided not to, now I'm kind of sorry I didn't go. Wish I'd seen them in their hey day. Queen and Kiss are the only two shows I really feel like I missed out on.
I saw both Queen and Kiss, but really regret missing out on Pink Floyd. Kiss in Auckland in December 1980 was my first stadium concert, was in the evening after my last high school exam, and was on the eve of my 18th birthday! Can you say PARTY? Toned down only by my being the driver taking three friends in the family Kingswood station wagon 100 miles from Whangarei to Auckland, and then 100 miles back again after the concert. A few years later Pink Floyd played Auckland and Sydney in January 1988 and I was in Sydney the night they played Auckland, and in NZ the night they played Sydney :-(
You really did miss out, my child! My brother lives in Sydney, went to their farewell show recently (sometime around Aug-Sep 2022), and even though he's seen KISS quite a few times, said this show was sensational - production-wise, vocal-wise, music-wise - and that it beat out many of the previous shows he'd seen from them. Wow! I was expecting a review from him like, "yeh, seen it all before, shit's getting old, like they are..." but it was completely the opposite - he said KISS were on fire, like they were putting their heart and soul into this final farewell. So, uh, yeh, sorry you missed it Madamoiselle....
@@jondunmore4268 I thought and thought about it and thought I wouldn't have anyone to go with, but my niece the other day said she would have gone with me - aaaargh! Too late now, another regret! I was comforting myself with they probably weren't that good, past it, but now you're gong to make me cry!
@@BruceHoult Oh, you saw Queen, lucky! I would go to see Pink Floyd now, but I suppose zero chance of getting back together. My first concert was ACDC when I was 13 at the Melbourne Myer Music Bowl in 1976. I was lucky enough to see Bon Scott. That was with Ol 55, Ted Mulry Gang and Little River Band. My mum took me and a school mate. She was a good mum! I'm pretty certain ACDC wasn't her thing.
I love disco. It is a personal favorite music genre of mine. I've been a fan of Kiss since the 1970s and their disco hit "I Was Made For Loving You" has always been my favorite song from them.
I was barely 11 years old when the song came out and had already been a Kiss fan for a couple of years, lol. When it first came out it did feel a bit wierd and produced a sort of guilty pleasure, but also sounded incredibly fresh. Its rythm was incredibly contagious and the guitars, both rythm and solo, was just totally electrifying as a small kid. I clearly remember jumping on the couches with my brothers with tennis rackets as air guitars hahaha
i never really listened to kiss when i was young then my husband and i went and seen them live and its something that will stay with me for a lifetime this one the their best songs
I love their early studio albums and Alive! .. Felt let down with Destroyer but then elated with the next 2 LP's until Dynasty. Also love Ace's '78 solo LP 👍Hot In The Shade and Revenge are later ones I enjoyed.
I wish KISS would have sold this song.
Actually, always loved this song and Kiss was my favorite rock band. But I admittedly was never "only" a rocker.. I did and still love lots of genres and love to perform them too.. so it always seemed to me like a song to just test a different feel out and have some fun.
At the time of this song I was mainly a top 40 music fan. Kiss was the only Rock band that I cared for.
Professor!! Another great insight in an iconic American band. I was surprised to hear that Anton Figg was the session drummer for the album, pretty cool!
Its a fantastic song ! To this day where ever the song is played it ensures the party to ignite 😊
One of my favorite Desmond Child-written tunes -- "These Times are Hard for Lovers", performed by John Waite. He also wrote the similar-sounding "How Can We Be Lovers If We Can't Be Friends" (Michael Bolton)
He's written a ton of hits
I love John Waite!
John Waite is one of my all time facourite artists. I loved Missing You in 1984 and by chance bought Rovers Return from a bargain bin in Woolworths in 1987. It was a revelation and stunned me with the quality of the tracks. To this day it is a favourite album. Sometimes, Don't Lose Any Sleep, Wild One, She's The One and Act Of Love are my favourites. Oddly, I have never been that keen on These Times Are Hard For Lovers though it has grown on me in recent times. His voice is superb, like no-one else. I am a big fan of Bad English too.
I was never a big KISS fan but I love this song. It’s the only KISS song in my library. I’m not saying they’re bad, it just wasn’t what I liked at the time. I still sing along to this song when it comes on.
Me neither but I had the opposite reaction. lol
9 10 yrs old in the Midwest. Limited radio air time near me. No internet no clue about history or style. No ideas about selling out or commercialism. Kiss was one of my favorites whenever I could find the records. Loved this song from the first time I heard it and still do over 40 years later!
This song is one of my all time favorites. The beat is just awesome and you want to sing to it every time it comes out
Since 1975.....my favorite band
I met my cousin in 1976 in Florida and KISS was all we listened to for a week while smoking doobies.
Not a bad favorite to have.
They rock! 🎸
I LOVE this whole album (they are my favorite band). It’s TOO bad most Kiss fans only like ONE type of music.
One of my favorite songs of all time. And I am a hard core KISS fan.
I just saw them perform this in Vancouver for their End of the Road tour! Talk about bitter sweet! Still amazing performers, and Paul riding the stirrup to the star stage in the middle to sing this was a highlight in a night of already amazing performances. What a song, what a band!
Love this song, always have. One of Aces best solos even though it’s about 5 seconds long, powerful rhythm. It’s a heavy happening song, Paul’s voice is unbelievable. Genes bass line is brutal. I personally don’t hear/see this song as a disco, it just makes me feel good listening to it. FYI I was born in 68 so I know what disco is but to me this song is heavy and hardcore. Just my 2 cents.
That solo is a blazer for sure! This song rocks! That bassline always gets me pumped up!
I agree. It's disco rock. It worked somehow, it's not their worst song for sure.
I actually fell in love with the song as a kid, because of Gene’s brutal riff.
@@Kenshiro3rd Paul Stanley played bass on this song
@@keenanhomemovies6517 derp.
I would like to mirror other comments and thank you for including Kiss among the stories that you cover on your channel. Kiss is often marginalized and never given the credit they are due for their contribution to the history of Rock and Roll. In the instance of this song, as a Kiss fan it was such a thrill for me to watch and listen to its rise up the top 40 charts in 1979. I've never understood the backlash that some gave Kiss for it. In those days many Rock bands were doing Disco songs such as Rod Stewart and The Stones. Thanks again Professor for what you do.
I am sooo glad to see someone saying what I thought for years. Even though KISS had more chart success than people realize(Rock and Roll All Nite, Beth, Calling Dr. Love, Christine 16 were all at least in the top 20 and highter), I remember feeling so much pride because, other than Beth, everyone made fun of them for not being a force on Radio. Then, suddenly they were. The real problem was losing Peter Criss at such a crucial time. I was lucky and saw them about a Month before he officially left, even though the Rumors he was leaving were already known and some people weren't even sure he was going to be there. I believe their musical shift was a natural progression. One thing I encountered as well were older kids who were KISS fans before didn't like it when their younger siblings also became fans.
@@40milesband Yes, I didn't become a Kiss fan until 1978 when I was 12 so I missed all the songs that you listed actually being on the top 40. When... Lovin You... came out and it became apparent that it was going to be a big hit I looked forward each week to see how far it would climb. Back then I was mostly a top 40 fan with Kiss being the only hard rock that I liked and they were also my favorite musical act. For them to have a song on the chart was a big thrill for me that year.
Still a member of the kiss army! I was lucky enough to have seen kiss on the dynasty tour! For that 5 yr old kid I was blown away! Dynasty was the first album I got when it first came out! My sister and older brother had been kiss fans yrs before me! My brother hated the song, but my sister loved it!
While I was watching this video, I Was Made For Lovin' You came on the radio in the other room. Perfect!
Beth is my favorite KISS song. The best album KISS had since 1978 was Revenge . A very underrated album! 👏
It wasn't much later that one of my other favorite bands created a breakout Disco hit, Another One Bites the Dust. Great bands evolve over time, and growing up in the 70s, I loved this song when it came out. Of course, in 1979, I wouldn't admit that to my friends, or I might have lost my "Rocker" reputation. I'm one of the many folks who claimed to hate bands like the Bee Gees while humming "you can tell by the way I move my walk" in the shower. Kiss remains one of the all time great performance bands. Their shows were an experience beyond their music. This song was definitely a large part of that legacy despite Gene's misgivings. To those who say the band sell out, I'll quote Gene "Of course we sold out. We sold out in Detroit, we sold out in Boston" (sic)
Disco sucks
I love that KISS experimented, changed and grew over the years. I love that they all sang on their records. And I love Dynasty and Unmasked! I think they blended pop and rock perfectly on those albums. But I Love it Loud! Creatures of the Night is probably my favorite KISS album ever!
great job this was the ringtone on my phone for when my girl called for 2 years. im a huge kiss fan and this is one of my favs.
I adore this tune, the opening riff simply oozes charisma and excitement! Plus, I always picture Homer Simpson rocking out to this song in church! 🎸
Charisma is a song from the same album
Oh ya. So funny.
That riff is groovy and sublime! 😊
Ha ha! I remember that Simpsons episode with Homer and Marge in KISS makeup !😂
Peter Criss had a killer ballad off his solo outing “ I Can’t Stop The Rain “
It's been a long time since I've listened. I'll have to that.
Great song, very underrated. I haven’t listened to it in a long time either.
It is very good. I always thought it should have been a hit song.
When the song came on the radio it was one of the first songs that I liked because of the bass and the video at the beginning. Nice!!!
You created a great analysis of this song. Long time KISS fans struggle with this song even today. I liked it in 1979, but admittedly, I was in 5th grade, so I liked anything that was KISS at that time. Then the backlash came... This song wasn't cool. So it has been a guilty pleasure for 40 some years. At this point in my life, 2000 Man is a classic and Ace is the underappreciated genius in this formula.