The Ritchie Family was the name of an American vocal group who achieved several hits during the 1970s disco era. The three original members were not related and the group was created by Jacques Morali who soon after created Village People. The group took its name from record producer Ritchie Rome , and consisted of singers Cheryl Jacks , Cassandra Wooten , and Gwen Oliver .
Their first hit single, a reworking of the 1930s song "Brazil" reached the Top 20 in the United States in 1975, and the album, also titled Brazil sold well. The following year they released the album Arabian Nights and with it the single "The Best Disco In Town". The song was essentially a medley of recent disco songs linked together with an original chorus, and it became a worldwide hit.
Their follow up albums Life is Music, which followed a 1930s theme, and African Queens were only mediocre successes. Each of these four albums was a concept album featuring songs of a similar theme as suggested by each album title. Each album also featured a long medley, usually running from 15 to 20 minutes.
By 1978 the three members had been replaced by Jaqui Smith , Dodie Draher , and Vera Brown . Their 1978 album American Generation was a slight departure from disco and more in the style of europop, although one of the singles from it was called "I Feel Disco Good". The group abandoned the exotic and highly kitsch costumes of their earlier incarnation in favour of a more contemporary, sexually provocative style. This album was followed by a self titled album, which proved to be their last.
In 1980 they joined Village People for the movie Can't Stop the Music . The film was a resounding failure and still appears on many critics "worst ever" lists; however the soundtrack album sold well in some parts of the world and their two songs marked the end of their career. By this time disco music was losing its appeal throughout the world, and the group became one of many who had enjoyed a brief success, but were unable to continue.
