Van McCoy

About

Grammy Award-winning record producer, singer, and songwriter most famous for his internationally successful #1 hit song, "The Hustle," which sold over 1 million copies worldwide. He also gained substantial fame for albums such as, "The Real McCoy" and singles including, "Change with the Times" and "The Shuffle." He has producer credits on over 700 songs by massively famous recording artists including The Stylistics and Peaches & Herb.

Before Fame

He learned to play the piano as a child and sang with the Metropolitan Baptist Church choir. He began writing songs and performing with his older brother when he was 12 years old. They formed a doo-wop combo called The Starlighters as teens. After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School, he attended Howard University for two years to study psychology. However, he dropped out to form the record company Rockin' Records.

Trivia

Tuesday, April 27, 1976, was celebrated throughout Washington, D.C. as Van McCoy Day in recognition for the massive impact he had made in disco. The day included a lavish disco party at the Sagittarius restaurant, celebrations held at various record stores, and interviews on numerous radio and television stations.

Family Life

He was the son of Norman S. McCoy, Sr. and Lillian Ray. His grandmother was named Mary Lindsay Ray. He had a brother named Norman, Jr. and a sister named Mattie Taylor. He was in a relationship with soul singer Kendra Spotswood beginning in 1961. However, his career pursuits interfered with their wedding plans, and the pair split in 1966. He was a loving uncle of four nieces and nephews. 

Associated With

Some of the leading singers he worked with as a producer included Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Roberta Flack, and Vikki Carr, among many others.