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| D.C. LaRue |
| Why would a successful graphic design artist who had won "The Paul Revere" award for his graphic design on the Janis Ian "Aftertones" album cover as well as worked for such superstars as: Queen, Jim Croce, Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon.....suddenly turn around and try his hand, voice, and ear at songwriting and tinkling the ivorys? His answer...."I was getting restless...I wanted the change".
And that's exactly what David Charles L'Heureux did! With the release of his first album, on Pyramid Records, D.C. proved he could write, sing, produce and perform like a true veteran. "Cathedrals" released in 1976 caused an immediate sensation in the clubs. D.C. found his celebrity status opened many doors and attracted the respect of many fellow artists. In six short months he was nominated for two awards at The Second Annual Disco Convention and presented awards alongside Dionne Warwick, Barry White and Bob Crewe. All without the benefit of a single public performance. In less than a year work began, and finished, on his second album. 1976's "The Tea Dance" featured such notable background singers as Lani Groves and Sharon Redd. It also included a duet with legendary 1960's icon Lou Christie. The stand out cuts were the 12" of "Face Of Love" and "The Overture." The album itself was a concept idea capturing the essence and feel of a Broadway show. Although "Cathedrals" sold over 100,000 copies in it's first three weeks, "The Tea Dance" more than doubled it's sales over the course of it's life and became a bigger hit. 1977 brought personal appearances, and much writing and experimenting for D.C. As well as inking deals for a movie role and putting the finishing touches on several tracks for a new album. He changed labels through a distribution deal between Pyramid and Casablanca Records. As part of the deal he was asked to provide a track for their new movie. 1978 began with the release of the soundtrack to "Thank God It's Friday" which included D.C.'s track "Do You Want The Real Thing." That summer brought his biggest success ever with the release of "Confessions." Although only one 12" was released from it, the 12" single "Let Them Dance," would propell the album to Gold status and garner him numerous awards. His movie debut was actually a bit part in the turkey of all movies, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Perhaps it was fate that he was not given a larger role as the movie seems to have hurt more careers than it helped. Another movie part in "Can't Stop The Music" seems to prove that acting was not in the cards for Mr. LaRue In 1979 he released "Forces Of the Night." It featured the 12" single "Hot Jungle Drums And Voodoo Rhythm" as well as duets with Rita Moreno (Hollywood actress/Broadway hoofer) on "Have A Good Time" and Michelle Aller (the beautiful voice on Cerrone's "Call Me Tonight") on "On With The Dance." As the decade ended D.C. released his final vinyl output. 1980's "Star Baby" lacked the spark and ingenuity that had been prevailent in his earlier releases. It did however feature yet another duet with Lou Christie ("Into The Ozone") and the 12" release of "So Much For L.A." garnered some club reaction. I however played the flipside, "Boys Can't Fake It." As the disco-era ended D.C. turned to other interests. Most notably his love of photography and graphic designing. The 'other' career he had always had. When starting this website his was one of the first biographys I wrote. He was the very first artist to respond to my site. I am very happy to report that not only is he alive, well and still very good looking. But he is still very active recording and with his photographic art. Click on the pic below and check him out....tell him I sent you and just how much we love him! Thanks D.C.! |
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