Cynthia Manley brought Diana Ross’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” onto the dance floors in 1980. Not an easy tune to cover, but Manley pulled it off with her own vocal style and flair. The group Boystown Gang was part of the disco resurgence of the early ’80s.

After the backlash of disco music in 1979, and following the last dying notes of dance hits like “Funkytown,” this dance music revival was quite an event. If the straight clubs were tired of dancing to disco music, the gay culture was not yet ready to let go. After all, disco music was based on celebration and unity. It had been played out by all the major record labels and looked at as “gay” music – its demise was evident.

Bill Motley was a producer from San Francisco with enough proof that the gay community was not done dancing. He formulated a label with hints of gay culture – appropriately naming it Moby Dick Records. This was a time when only major labels were breaking in top dance songs. Fortunately, he hired the band that was connected to the right vocals – Cynthia Manley.

Manley was hired to record the vocals for a disco medley, which featured Diana Ross’ hits “Remember Me” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” It was in the gay and underground dance establishments where this formula was born in the early and mid ’70s. It was a fabulous idea to weave together remakes of hit songs and add the dance formula to give it flair.

The medley was welcomed like water in a blazing “disco inferno” – ironically not dousing the flames, but igniting another burning trend of dance music.

It took the power of Cynthia Manley’s vocals to pull off what had been attempted in the past but failed every time. Dancers and record executives took immediate notice. Manley was offered the position as lead vocalist of the Boystown Gang, but refused. She was from the live band circuit and wanted to use her vocals to sing with a live band rather than pre-recorded tracks.

In 1982 she received offers from Atlantic Records to record another cover of The Supremes’ classic “Back In My Arms Again.” This was done with flawless execution. At this time a huge selection of dance music was flooding the clubs again. Manley’s remake was an instant follow-up hit. In reviewing Manley’s execution of the cover, it was obvious she was not shy of power and form. Her driving vocals were the main force of its success.

The millennium approached and dance music morphed into several dance floor applications, from house to techno and club music. Manley was involved throughout the ’80s on several mediocre projects that only received minimal recognition. These projects did not lack her appeal, but were overlooked. Later she formed The Cynthia Manley Band, and remained active throughout the mid ’90s performing in clubs and venues throughout Southern California. She also traveled to Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Korea and Iraq to entertain American troops.

This year Manley has released her Italian high-energy music CD Everybody Dance. This is a collection of four self-penned tunes that clamor for adoration on the dance floor. With Manley’s persuasive vocals and wonderful physical energy, these tunes soar.

The undercurrent of Everybody Dance holds true with today’s circuit club track elements, but with a bit more soul and self-identity. As our gay community prepares for our annual Pride celebration, Everybody Dance outlines the cause for rejoice. It is truly music that commands the spirit of happiness and freedom. Manley will be performing her new and classic disco hits live at Flicks on Sunday, July 31, at 11:30 p.m. Flicks is located at 1017 University Ave. Call (619) 297-2056 for more information.