Farewell to disco and soul legend Judy Cheeks (71)

Well, this is one of those posts that makes you stand back for a moment, even here at Michelle's Midnight Melodies. We must say goodbye to a true legend, a voice that made generations groove and reflect. Judy Cheeks, the queen who captured both soul and dance floor, has stepped off the stage at the age of 71. And believe us, the heavenly record label has an absolute G.O.A.T. in it. Her influence on the R&B, soul and dance scene is simply indelible.

Judy was no one-hit wonder; she was a musical chameleon who remained relevant for decades. You could say that musical talent was instilled in her from the very beginning. The daughter of gospel singer Reverend Julius Cheeks, a man who rocked the pews, her path to the spotlight was almost predestined. She began her career in the 1970s, a time when soul music was thriving and disco was slowly conquering the scene. And Judy? Who embraced it all with open arms and a voice that could be both powerful and vulnerable.

Who doesn't remember her catchy ‘Mellow Lovin”’ from 1978? A track you simply could not let sit still. It was the kind of song that perfectly bridged the gap between the smooth soul of the time and the emerging, pulsating disco beats. But it was in the 1990s that Judy Cheeks experienced a true renaissance, especially on the European club circuit. She knew exactly how to use her voice to set the dance floor ablaze.

With tracks like 1995‘s ’Respect‘ and 1996’s equally energetic ‘Reach,’ she transformed into an absolute dance icon. These tracks were not just any tracks; they were anthems that defined the club culture of the time and still regularly blast through the speakers at the better retro parties. She worked with talented producers, such as Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy, and proved time and again that a rock-solid voice, combined with the right groove, is timeless. Her music was often laced with uplifting and empowering messages, something we can use today more than ever.

We at Michelle's Midnight Melodies are convinced that Judy Cheeks leaves behind a hole that will be difficult to fill. Her legacy lives on in every beat she dropped, every note she hit, and every dance floor she exploded. It's a sad moment, but let's remember her as the shining star she was, an artist who knew how to touch us time and time again. What is your favorite Judy Cheeks track? Let us know as we dance with heavy hearts, but full of respect, in honor of this unforgettable diva.

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