I'm Coming Out

I'm Coming Out is a song by American singer Diana Ross, released in August 1980, and written and produced by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of the band Chic. The song was a major hit for Diana Ross, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. It was also a hit in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Patty LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner.

Background

The song was written and produced by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, who were inspired by the New York City nightlife scene, particularly the Studio 54 club, where they would often see people from different backgrounds and identities coming together to express themselves. The song's lyrics were also influenced by the LGBTQ+ rights movement, with Diana Ross later stating that she was aware of the song's potential to become an anthem for the community. The song's creation involved a collaboration between Diana Ross, Bernard Edwards, and Nile Rodgers, with contributions from other notable musicians, including Tony Thompson and Raymond Jones of Chic, as well as Luther Vandross and Alfa Anderson.

Composition

The song's composition is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and distinctive guitar riffs, which were played by Nile Rodgers. The song's lyrics, written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, are about self-empowerment and embracing one's true identity, with Diana Ross delivering a powerful and soulful vocal performance. The song's arrangement also features a prominent bass line, played by Bernard Edwards, and a driving drum beat, played by Tony Thompson. The song's production involved a range of influences, including Funk, Soul, and Disco, with contributions from other notable producers, including Giorgio Moroder and Patrick Adams.

Release_and_Reception

The song was released in August 1980 as the second single from Diana Ross's self-titled album, Diana, which was also produced by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. The song was a major commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also reached number 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and number 5 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. The song received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Diana Ross's vocal performance and the song's catchy melody. The song has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone, VH1, and BBC Radio 2.

Impact_and_Legacy

The song has had a significant impact on popular culture, with its influence extending beyond the music industry to the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the Feminist movement. The song has been covered by many artists, including Patty LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner, and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, including The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and American Idol. The song has also been named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone, VH1, and BBC Radio 2, and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song's legacy continues to be celebrated, with Diana Ross performing the song at numerous concerts and events, including her 2019 residency at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Cultural_Significance

The song's cultural significance extends beyond its commercial success, with its impact on the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the Feminist movement being particularly notable. The song's lyrics, which celebrate self-empowerment and individuality, have resonated with people from all over the world, including Martha Wash, Sylvester James, and Harvey Fierstein. The song has also been featured in numerous films, television shows, and documentaries, including Paris is Burning, The Celluloid Closet, and When We Rise. The song's influence can also be seen in the work of other artists, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé, who have all cited Diana Ross and Chic as inspirations. The song's cultural significance continues to be celebrated, with Diana Ross being named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2007 and Chic being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Category:1980 singles