Deep Groove Encyclopedia - Patrick Cowley

Patrick Cowley

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Click below for a Patrick Cowley sample:

Cowley will forever be known as the person who molded Sylvester's greatest records, but he also had the makings of an impressive solo career before his AIDS-related death. A student of sound engineering in San Francisco, Cowley was approached by Sylvester with ballad versions of "Dance Disco Heat" and "You Make Me Feel Mighty Real." Using his extensive knowledge of synthesizers, he single-handedly turned those records into two of the most enduring disco classics. With an expert blend of technological wizardry, soul, and gay spirit, Cowley was an American Giorgio Moroder, a huge influence on what was to be hi-nrg music. He launched his own career with "Menergy," a gay anthem from the pre-AIDS era, which preceded his founding of Megatone Records. It was hugely popular in clubs, yet his masterpiece was "Do You Wanna Funk," which was intended for his album but ended up credited to Sylvester. He continued releasing material under his own name and with singers like Paul Parker before falling ill. His death on November 12, 1982 came as he was branching out to more commercial acts, robbing the scene of an innovative talent.

Patrick Cowley's Deepest Grooves

"Menergy" b/w "I Wanna Take You Home" (Fusion, 1981)

Menergy Album (Fusion, 1981)

Megatron Man (Megatone, 1982)

Mind Warp (Megatone, 1982)

Ultimate Collection (Unidisc, 1990)
Dedicated to Cowley by Megatone partner Marty Blecman, this brings together just about every classic Cowley song save for his remix of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love." A testament to a visionary artist.