Burning The Ground Exclusive
This post kicks off our Mirrorball Memories series, where we’ll be spotlighting Disco and Hi-NRG singles that made dance floors light up. Think of it as the spiritual successor to Disco Friday, bringing vintage grooves and 12″ classics to the spotlight, one post at a time.
As the 1980s dawned, disco was evolving, and electronic dance music was taking over the clubs. Out of San Francisco emerged Frank Loverde—known professionally as Loverde—whose energetic Hi-NRG tracks captured the spirit of the era. One track that stands out is his electrifying rendition of “Iko Iko”, a classic reimagined for the dance floor.
A Classic Reimagined
Originally written by James “Sugar Boy” Crawford in 1953 as “Jock-A-Mo,” “Iko Iko” tells the playful tale of a Mardi Gras Indian confrontation. The Dixie Cups’ 1965 version turned it into a national hit, but Loverde’s take, produced by Patrick Cowley, brought it into the Hi-NRG era. Pulsing synthesizers and a driving beat transform the New Orleans classic into a dancefloor-ready anthem that still thrills DJs and collectors today.
Loverde and Hi-NRG Magic
Hi-NRG music—fast, energetic, and synth-driven—was booming in early ’80s clubs, and Loverde excelled in the style. His soaring vocals combined with Cowley’s electronic production gave “Iko Iko” a unique edge, perfectly bridging the gap between traditional rhythms and modern dance music. While it didn’t dominate mainstream charts, it became a beloved gem among club-goers.
Remembering Frank Loverde
Frank Loverde (1947–1990) made a lasting mark on San Francisco’s music scene, most notably with the 1982 Hi-NRG classic “Die Hard Lover.” Tragically, he contracted AIDS in the late 1980s, a disease that devastated the city’s music community. Loverde passed away on December 20, 1990, at age 43, with his family by his side. His music, however, continues to shine, keeping his legacy alive on dance floors and in Hi-NRG collections worldwide.
Why “Iko Iko” Matters
Loverde’s “Iko Iko” is a perfect example of how classic songs can be reinterpreted for new audiences without losing their original charm. It’s joyful, infectious, and full of energy—a reminder of why Hi-NRG and disco will always have a special place in music history.
SIDE A:
Iko Iko 7:01
Producer – Jeffrey Cohen, Megatron*
Synthesizer [Uncredited] – Patrick Cowley
SIDE B:
San Francisco Serenade 5:04
Arranged By – Frank Loverde, Mike Finden*
Producer – Don Miley, Jeffrey Cohen
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Prism – PDS 406 RE
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: Funk / Soul
Style: Disco
NOTES:
GIANT SINGLE
Track Side B (P) 1979
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
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-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
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Thanks PaulT, for today’s musical education.
Thank you Paul – I only know the Belle Stars’ version and, to be honest, thought they wrote it. 😀
xxx
Haha, you’re not alone there—so many people first discovered it through The Belle Stars! Their version was everywhere thanks to Rain Man. Glad I could share Loverde’s take and give a little more background on the song’s long journey. xxx
I love the new Mirrorball Memories series! As it will be more expansive to the 80s Hi-NRG and (fingers crossed) more remixes for the dance floors by Louil Silas, Jr.! Thank you for bringing this one back into the spotlight. I wasn’t familiar with it and it’s nice to fill in the gaps of what inspired Cyndi Lauper’s and The Belle Stars’ versions. I hope you’re all having a glittery weekend!
Thanks so much, Retro Hound! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the new Mirrorball Memories series—it gives me a chance to dig deeper into both disco and Hi-NRG treasures. Louil Silas, Jr. definitely worked magic on those extended mixes, so you may just see some of his gems pop up here. I love that this track helped fill in some of the history leading up to Lauper’s and The Belle Stars’ takes. Wishing you a glittery weekend too—mirrorball spinning all the way!
Thank you, Paul, for another track related to Patrick Cowley. I love his works. Please keep them coming. I really like the new “Mirrorball Memories” series concept too. I enjoy all the wonderful music you send our way. Have a great weekend!
Thank you, David. Have a great weekend!
WOW wow WOW!!!! Thank you so much for this fantastic Hi-NRG version! I love the new “Mirrorball Memories” idea, combining 70s and 80s Disco. I missed out on the original Hi-NRG era, mainly cause I was too young to hear them in the clubs; and these songs were obviously not played on the radio. I have since come to love this sub-genre (and all other forms of proto-techno). I’m excited that this song features Patrick Cowley, who was clearly the king of that genre. Too bad, he was one of the earliest victims of AIDS!
hank you, Axel! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the new Mirrorball Memories series—it felt like the right way to keep the disco and Hi-NRG spirit alive here. You’re absolutely right about Hi-NRG not getting the radio love it deserved, which is why these 12″ gems feel extra special to share now. Patrick Cowley was truly ahead of his time, and his fingerprints on tracks like this show just how much he shaped the sound of an entire genre. It’s heartbreaking that we lost him—and so many others—far too soon, but the music is still here to celebrate and keep their… Read more »
Yeah, just imagine what kind of gems he would have produced, if he hadn’t died so early!
Axel,
Have a fantastic weekend! I’m so glad you liked it! I love having kindred spirits on Burning The Ground!!
All the very best!
Jeff
Thank you! Same to you!
Oh My Gosh, Paul!! This is a musical wet dream come true for me!! I have been coveting this single for years! I only heard it, like maybe twice, and did purchase the record, but it’s been so many years since I’ve heard it. I don’t have the record anymore, due to downsizing possessions, but the memory has never left me. This was the version of the song I heard first. I hadn’t heard the Dixie Cups’ version until years later. I know that Cyndi Lauper did a cover of it on her “True Colors” album. Then, of course, who… Read more »
Jeff, your comment absolutely made my day! I love hearing how much this one means to you, especially since it was your first exposure to the song. It’s amazing how music can stay with us for years, even if the records themselves don’t. You’re so right—Patrick Cowley’s keyboards really do add that mystical, otherworldly touch that takes it to another level. I’m thrilled I could bring it back to your ears after all this time. Big hug right back, and thank YOU for sharing your story. Wishing you an incredible weekend too, my friend!