Walter Murphy

Disco producer (including Uncle Louie and others on the Marlin label) released solo albums in the 1970's. With his "Big Apple Band" (whose members included Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic) he released the international smash single "A fifth of Beethoven" in 1976 which went on to further fame a year later in "Saturday Night Fever".

Walter specialised in converting classical music into disco tracks - listen for "Flight '76" and "Rhapsody in Blue", with their wah-wah and piano combinations. Also listen for "California strut" and "Uptown serenade" - a typical "latin hustle". More funky tracks from his first album include "Get a little lovin'" and "Midnight express". And for connoisseurs, try "Fish legs"...

"Rhapsody in blue" was the first 12" on the Private Stock label ("A fifth of Beethoven" was actually the b-side). There is also a UK-only 12" of "Toccata and funk in 'D' minor".

Walter switched to the New York International label in 1979.

  • Rhapsody in blue / A fifth of Beethoven (Private Stock 12" PS 5100, 1976)
  • Gentle explosion / Dance your face off (Private Stock 12" PS 5106, 1978)
  • Mostly Mozart (New York International 12" 11774, 1979)

  • Toccata and funk in 'D' minor / Dance your face off (Private Stock [UK] 12" PVTS 160, 1978)

  • Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band (Private stock LP, 1976)
  • Rhapsody in blue (Private stock LP, 1977)
  • Phantom of the opera (Private stock LP, 1978)