David Todd was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania. He began his career in the music industry at a small retail record store in New York around 1970.

History

Because of his discriminating ear and extensive knowledge of dance music, he was invited to DJ at Fire Island's prestigious Ice Palace in 1971.[1] David continued to parlay his musical expertise and became the first working DJ to take a promotions and A&R role at a label for RCA Records.[2]

While at RCA, Todd introduced the Latin Hustle to Van McCoy, inspiring McCoy to record "The Hustle."[3] Some of David's remixes for the RCA label include "Shame" by Evelyn "Champagne" King, "Stubborn Kind of Fella" for Buffalo Smoke, and “Keep it Confidential” by former Labelle member, Nona Hendryx.

In the early 80's Todd returned to Philadelphia and served as the resident DJ for The Catacombs. During that time, David partnered with local DJ turned A&R man Nick Martinelli to form one of Philadelphia's most notable remix and productions teams since Gamble and Huff.[4] David Todd's contributions to the music industry generated millions of dollars in sales revenue and helped redefine the house music subgenre named "Philly Classics".

Production credits

Artist Song Title Label / Catalog Number Year
Faith Hope & Charity Life Goes On RCA Victor Records – PD-10950 1976
Ralph Graham What Am I To Do RCA Records – JD-11038 1977
State Department Slow Love RCA Records – JD-11095 1977
Buffalo Smoke Stubborn Kind of Fella RCA Records – JD-11368 1977
New York Community Choir Express Yourself / Have A Good Time RCA Records – PD-11006 1977
Evelyn "Champagne" King Shame RCA Records PD-11213 1977
The Choice Four Come Down To Earth / Two Different Worlds RCA Victor – PD-11094 1977
The Skyliners The Love Bug (Done Bit Me Again) Tortoise International – YD-11345 1978
Dee Dee Sharp Gamble Breaking and Entering Philadelphia International Records – AS 918 1980
William DeVaughn Be Thankful For What You Got TEC Records – PR 102 1980
Rose Royce New Love Montage Records – MS 620 1981
Keni Burke Let Somebody Love You RCA Records – JD-1229 1981
Brandi Wells Watch Out (Club Version) WMOT Records – 1340 1981
The Funk Fusion Band Can You Feel It WMOT Records – 4W9 02416 1981
Chris Thomas Celebrity Funk DOC International Records – DC-101 1982
Tavares Got To Find My Way Back To You RCA Victor – PD-13434 1982
Stone Girl I Like The Way You Move West End Records – WES 22147(A) 1982
Raw Silk Do It To The Music West End Records – WES 22148 1982
(B. T.) Brenda Taylor You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat it Too West End Records – WES 22149 1982
Mahogany Ride On The Rhythm West End Records – WES 22150 1982
Major Harris I Want Your Love Buzz International – VIBE 1 T 1983
Major Harris All My Life London Records – 810 276-1 1983
Rocket Here Comes My Love Quality Records – QUS 033 1983
Fredi Grace & Rhinestone Head Over Heels RCA Records – PB 3498 1983
Evelyn "Champagne" King Action RCA Records – PC-3683 1983
Nona Hendryx Keep It Confidential RCA Victor – PD-13438 1983
Sunfire Video Queen Warner Brothers – 0-20150 1983
Shirley Lites Heat You Up (Melt You Down) West End Records – WES 22155A 1983
Raw Silk Just In Time West End Records – WES 22159 1983
Sybil Thomas Rescue Me West End Records – WES 22160 1983
Bonnie Pointer Premonition Private I Records – 311118 1984
La Toya Jackson Hot Potato Private I Records – 4Z9 05074 1984
Mikki featuring Starz Dance Lover Rams Horn Records – RHR 3412 1985
Evelyn "Champagne" King High Horse RCA Records – PW 13409 1985
Kim Wilde Say You Really Want Me MCA Records – MCA-23678(B) 1986
Janice McClain Passion and Pain MCA Records, Ltd. – MC 1109 1986
Fat Larry's Band Sunrise Sunset Omni Records/Atlantic DMD 956 1986
Fat Larry's Band Teach Me (There is Something About Love) Omni Records/Atlantic - DMD 991 1986
Regina Belle You've Got The Love CBS Records (Canada) – REBE T1 1987
Regina Belle How Could You Do It To Me? Columbia Records – 38-07735 1987
Tracie Spencer Symptoms of True Love Capitol Records – 12CLX 490(B) 1988
Rick James Sexual Luv Affair Reprise Records – 0-21036 1988
George Benson Let's Do It Again Warner Brothers Records - 0-21071 1988

References

  1. Google Books - Lawrence, T. (2003. Love saves the day: a history of American dance music culture, 1970-1979. Raleigh: Duke University Press
  2. DiscoMusic.com Archived 2013-01-22 at archive.today, David Todd Profile
  3. Moulton, T. (2011, September 20). Remembering David Todd Tribute. (C. Burnette, Interviewer)
  4. Discogs.com - David Todd Artist Profile
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