Judy Cheeks: The Disco and Dance Music Powerhouse

Judy Cheeks is an American singer-songwriter whose powerful voice became a defining sound of the 1970s disco era and later the European dance music scene. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, she achieved international fame with her 1977 disco anthem "Mellow Lovin'" and later scored a massive European club hit with the 1994 dance track "Reach".

Early career

Born in 1948, Judy Cheeks began her professional journey in music after moving to New York City. Her early career involved session singing and Broadway, including a role in the musical "Hair", which honed her stage presence and vocal power.

She signed with RCA Records in the mid-1970s, releasing her self-titled debut album in 1976. This period established her within the thriving New York disco circuit, setting the stage for her breakthrough.

Breakthrough

Judy Cheeks' breakthrough arrived in 1977 with the single "Mellow Lovin'", featured on her second RCA album "Music Box". The song became a staple in discotheques across the United States and Europe, cementing her status as a disco diva.

Her career experienced a remarkable second wind in the 1990s within the European dance market. She signed with the German label Logic Records and released the album "Judy Cheeks" in 1994, which contained her biggest commercial hit.

Key tracks

Mellow Lovin' — This 1977 single is her signature disco hit, a club favorite that defined her early career.

Reach — The 1994 dance track became a pan-European smash, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and topping dance charts globally.

So in Love — A popular track from her 1994 album that further solidified her comeback in the dance genre.

Try My Love — Another strong single from her disco period on RCA that maintained her presence on the dancefloor.

Following the success of "Reach", Judy Cheeks remained a sought-after voice for dance music producers throughout the 1990s and 2000s. She collaborated with artists like Dr. Motte and Jam & Spoon, and her music was frequently remixed, keeping her sound relevant in clubs.

Her recording career, spanning decades and genres, showcases her vocal adaptability from soulful disco to high-energy house. While album certifications were elusive, the enduring popularity of "Reach" and "Mellow Lovin'" in club anthologies speaks to her lasting impact.

For fans of Judy Cheeks' blend of powerful vocals and danceable rhythms, similar artists include Donna Summer who also transitioned from disco to dance. Thelma Houston shares that same gospel-infused disco power. Amii Stewart delivered similar high-energy disco and later dance covers. C+C Music Factory featured the same kind of commanding vocal presence on 1990s dance records.