Biography
Donnell Pitman, a soul/disco vocalist, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in rural Cairo, Illinois, at the state's extreme southern tip. He arrived in Chicago in 1967, where he formed his first group and began his music career during the vibrant disco era.[3] Known primarily for his infectious rarity 'Love Explosion,' released in 1980 on the Arpco label, Pitman became a Chicago star whose work has been championed in modern disco circles.[1][2][6]
Pitman's musical style is rooted in soul and post-disco, with his 7-inch single 'Love Explosion' emerging as one of the most coveted records across genres due to its rarity and appeal.[2][6] His career saw a revival through reissues on specialty labels, leading to performances like his return to Chicago's The Hideout for a disco-era revival event.[1] As a vocalist from the Chicago scene, his contributions highlight the city's rich party and dance music history.[3]
Though details on his full discography and later career are limited, Pitman's legacy endures among collectors and enthusiasts, with recent reissues keeping his ultra-high-frequency sound alive in contemporary sets.[1][6]
Fun Facts
- His 1980 single 'Love Explosion' on Arpco is considered one of the most coveted 7-inch records in history across any genre.[6]
- Pitman moved from rural Cairo, Illinois, to Chicago in 1967, marking the start of his music journey.[3]
- He performed at Chicago's The Hideout in a disco-era revival event after being revived by reissue labels.[1]
Musical Connections
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Brand New Funk | 2024-05-17 | Album |
| Brand New Funk (Deluxe Edition) | 2024-09-27 | Album |
| Joey Negro's 2019 Essentials | 2019-12-06 | Album |
| Under the Influence Vol.7 compiled by Winston | 2019-06-28 | Album |
| Under The Influence Vol.1 compiled By DJ Red Greg | 2011-10-17 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Burning Up ("Burning Up" b/w "A Taste of Honey")
- Love Explosion
- You Hurt Me
- Do You Wanna - Daphni Edit (Do You Wanna (Daphni Edit))
- Do You Wanna (Do You Wanna (Daphni Edit))
- A Taste of Honey ("Burning Up" b/w "A Taste of Honey")
- Tonight ft. Anda & Steve Dolfin (Brand New Funk)
- Do You Wanna - Daphni Edit (Brand New Funk (Deluxe Edition))
- Need My Love (Do You Wanna b/w Need My Love)
- Summertime Girls ft. Anda (Brand New Funk)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Donnell Pitman has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 13, 2025 | 20:14 | Burning Upfrom 45 single | Soul Powerw/ Soul Sister |