TTBA Replay 21AUG2026 Pt. 3

TTBA Replay 21AUG2026 Pt. 3

From Turn the Beat Around by JOY 94.9 - LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Podcasts for all our Rainbow Communities

August 24, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

This episode celebrates the Freestyle music genre that emerged in the 1980s, highlighting its distinctive sound and influential artists.

STYLIN’ In this episode of Turn The Beat Around we celebrate one of the most distinctive dance genres born in 1980s America: Freestyle — an electronic, Latin‑infused, synth‑driven sound that emerged from the club scenes of New York, Philadelphia and Miami. The genre took shape in the early 1980s, blending post‑disco, electro and hip‑hop influences, with Shannon’s Let the Music Play (1983) widely considered the first true Freestyle record. Miami quickly became a major hub, developing a brighter, glossy production style that helped propel acts like Exposé into national chart success. TTBA’s tribute leaned into an all‑female playlist honouring the genre’s emotional vocals, Latin percussion and shimmering synth hooks. TOGETHER FOREVER Lisette Melendez 1990 WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW Expose 1989 PROVE YOUR LOVE Taylor Dayne 1988 FASCINATED Company B 1986 CRUSH ON YOU The Jets 1986 THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE Janet Jackson 1987 Shep Pettibone 7″ Remix IF YOU LEAVE ME NOW Jaya 1989 OVER & OVER Pajama Party 1989 PICK UP THE PIECES (TO MY HEART) Cindy Valentine 1989 The post TTBA Replay 21AUG2026 Pt. 3 appeared first on Turn the Beat Around .

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Exposé

Books & works: Let the Music Play

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