KC and the Sunshine Band's Harry Wayne Casey Keeps the Disco Era Alive

When it comes to disco legends, names like Donna Summer and the Bee Gees stand out. However, a resilient survivor from that iconic era is Harry Wayne Casey of KC and the Sunshine Band, who remains active at 72 years old. Marking a significant milestone, this band with a cheerful signature sound is celebrating its 50th year running strong and is gearing up for a performance in Costa Mesa on December 30th.

Often when people hear the term 'disco,' specific images and sounds may come to mind, but for Casey, disco was always rooted in R&B music. Throughout his journey, he has amassed a collection of hits from the '70s and '80s including classics like 'Get Down Tonight' and 'That's The Way (I Like It),' which he will bring to life once again at the upcoming Segerstrom Hall event.

In discussing his career, Casey revealed he had contemplated retirement, particularly after the pandemic presented an extended pause from touring. That break allowed him to experience a period of being settled, enjoying the comforts of home life. Nevertheless, the pull of performance and witnessing newer generations connect with his music eventually drew him back to the stage.

Casey's brush with retirement came after an experience at a jazz and funk festival in England, where he was surprised to see a young audience singing every word to his popular tunes. This heartwarming welcome made him realize the enduring love for his music. Earlier in his career, Casey has also been instrumental in shaping disco. He co-wrote what's often cited as the first major disco hit 'Rock Your Baby,' and contributed keyboards to the track. He believes his music extended beyond the confines of the disco genre and continues to influence dance music across subsequent eras.

In 1982, KC and the Sunshine Band had another hit with 'Give It Up,' but by 1984, Casey decided to step away from the limelight due to industry fatigue and took time off to recharge. However, that hiatus didn't last forever. Resuming touring in the late '80s, originally with backup singers in dance clubs, Casey gradually reestablished his connection with fans and returned to the road full-time following an invitation from Arsenio Hall for a reunion performance.

While disco has experienced its share of critics over the years, there is a renewed and widespread appreciation for the genre's hallmark artists. Casey notes this acceptance and occasionally encounters confusion between his music and that of groups like Kool & the Gang, with whom he has toured. He also shared anecdotes from the road, such as a curfew mishap during a performance in Chastain Park and enjoyable moments like touring with the B-52s.

KC and the Sunshine Band Performance Details

When: 7:30 p.m. December 30

Where: Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Tickets: Starting at $59

disco, music, concert