A few years ago on our Disco program Open House Radio we had the pleasure of interviewing one of the early stars of Disco, Leroy Gomez. His project Santa Esmeralda with friends Nicolas Skorsky and Jean Manuel de Scarano, songwriters who had launched their own label was the collaboration that led to the worldwide hit Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, with Gómez on lead vocals, and debuted on the independent French labels, Fauves Puma ( To date selling more than 25 million units ) The track ( written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, and Sol Marcus for the jazz singer Nina Simone, who first recorded it in 1964)added disco arrangements infused with elements derived from flamenco and other Latin styles with a European flair and opened the door for other Disco projects to explore and derive from other genres. He remained with Santa Esmeralda until the fourth release in late 1978, Beauty.He was on the Phillips as well as the famed Casablanca Record label. Aside from his work with Esmeralda, Leroy released ” Get up and Boogie” in 1979 a dancefloor sizzler that was well received by club DJs of the time. His ” You’re My Everything” remains one of the most beautiful ballads written to date ( sampled by Rap Group Dead Prez in 2000). He continues to tour and record. Check out our Interview below.
DJ Alex Gutierrez
Open House Radio Leroy Gomez Santa Esmeralda Exclusive Interview by Open House Radio on Mixcloud