Roberta Kelly from the Oasis and Casablanca Record & Filmworks disco years
In 1975 she released the single "Love Power" a cover version of a 1967 hit by The Sandpebbles, written by Teddy Vann, and later made famous as part of the repertoire of Luther Vandross. The single was backed with "Drifter", never included in any album and an example of the pre-disco Moroder-Bellotte production, similar to Donna Summer's "Lady of the night" material. In April 1976, Kelly turned to disco with the single "Trouble-Maker" and released an album by the same name. The album contained five tracks, including an extended version of "Love Power".
In 1977, she released Zodiac Lady, a controversial album that Casablanca Records, during the disco heyday, refused at first to release.[citation needed] Imports from Italy swamped the international dance floors, creating a hit for the title track and songs such as "Love Sign". This album spawned a twelve-inch single, "Zodiacs," which had major club and radio play. "Funky Stardust", "Love Sign" and "I’m Sagittarius" were released from that album, in addition to "Zodiacs" itself in different countries. "Zodiacs" peaked at No. 24 in the US Hot Dance/Club Play chart in 1977,[3] and at No. 44 in the UK Singles Chart in 1978.[4] "Love Sign" was released as a single in Italy only.[citation needed] Both "Trouble-Maker" and "Zodiac Lady" were produced by Moroder and Bellotte.
Gettin' The Spirit, followed in March 1978. Produced by Giorgio Moroder and Bob Esty, it was an album consisting of gospel songs, performed in the disco style. The album featured dance versions of the Edwin Hawkins penned, "Oh Happy Day" and "To My Father's House," with both songs released on one single. "Gettin' The Spirit" was also released with a disco version of "My Sweet Lord". It peaked at No. 9 on the US Hot Dance/Club Play chart in 1978.[3]
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