Another sad entry to our obituary file today as we received news of the passing of a legend. A disco and pop songwriter and producer with an unfathomably spectacular resumé of hits, Casablanca mainstay Bob Esty passed away on September 27, 2019, according to reports. He was 72.
Billboard quotes a friend as stating that Esty died of metastatic cancer.
Bob Esty produced a slew of hit records for Casablanca Records in the 1970s, including Donna Summer’s “Once Upon A Time,” “Rumor Has It” and “Last Dance.” He also produced Garage classics “Take Me Home” by Cher and DC LaRue‘s “Do You Want The Real Thing,” “Hot Jungle Drums and Voo Doo Rhythm” among others. But the way history works out, the best known production with his name attached is likely The Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men.”
“Last Dance” was among the songs featured in the Donna Summer/disco vehicle Thank God It’s Friday and won two Grammys and the Oscar for best original song in 1979.
DC LaRue reposted a tribute he made for for Bob Esty’s birthday in 2013. “Lots of chit chat about my friendship with Bob and some of my favorite Bob Esty tracks!! Unfortunately now a tribute in loving memory. RIP.”
Found this Birthday Tribute I did to Bob Esty six years ago!! Lot's of chit chat about my friendship with Bob and some of my favorite Bob Esty tracks!!
Unfortunately now a tribute in loving memory.
RIPhttps://t.co/aPeULrrHap— D.C. LaRue (@larue_d_c) September 29, 2019
