1. Reverberated vocals, many times with the melody supported by another instrument
2. Background of a padded electric piano or other full, rich synthetic sound, such as strings, reminiscent of the Big Band sound
3. Steady, pulsing dance beat
4. Syncopated bass, many times with the bass line doubled in octaves
5. Use of instrumental solos using orchestral instruments such as the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, violin or horn, as opposed to the lead guitar solo

The costs of producing the disco sound were relatively high due

1. The number of musicians needed to create the sound
2. The number of instruments needed, including classic solo instruments and electronic instruments
3. Most disco songs used 64 or more tracks mixed together to create one sound 

Disco indeed took the US by storm, especially because it has a great beat for dancing. In the 1970s, disco clubs opened in droves all across the United States. These clubs featured  large PA systems, special effects lighting, and a live DJ.

It wasn't long before dance schools began to offer instruction in popular disco moves such as The Hustle.

Another phenomena of the disco movement was the creation of the "12-inch single." Prior to the 1974, single songs were released only on 45rpm records, which could hold about 4-5 minutes worth of music, perfect for the standard 3-minute song. Disco songs were longer; therefore, a longer format was needed. American record producer and inventor of the so-called "re-mix" Tom Moulton (Born: 1940) came up with the idea of a 12-inch vinyl recording to hold a longer song. Many of the disco "singles" were released on the 12-inch vinyl format. 

Although seemingly lamented by many, the "death" of disco is consistent with the natural order of how quickly music styles come and go. It has also been suggested that the Baby Boomers, who made the disco style popular to begin with, were ready to settle down and have families.

Towards the end of the disco phase, a sort of counter-culture began to form with "Disco Sucks" as the mantra. This may have culminated on July 12, 1979 in Chicago. A large anti-disco demonstration was organized at Comiskey Park entitled "Disco Demolition Night." The event drew a crowd of over 75,000 people. The stadium was filled to more than capacity. Between ball games at the double-header, disco records were exploded on the field. A riot ensued, the police were called, the second game was forfeited, and the stadium suffered many dollars in damage.

For great pictures of this event:

http://www.outernetweb.com/focal/disco/photos/index1.html

• Big hair either long and straight or very tightly permed.
• Body glitter, fake eyelashes, blue eye shadow
• Loud clothing, synthetic fabrics, especially polyester and double-knit
• Sheer flowing dresses for ladies, leisure suits for men
• Pointed collars
• Velour jumpsuits
• Tight pants with flare at the ankle
• Platform shoes
• Men, unbuttoned shirts to expose chest hair
• Lots of costume jewelry, particular gold chains

LIST OF SOME POPULAR DISCO SONGS:

Boogie Fever
Boogie Nights
Copacabana
Dancing Queen
Disco Duck
Disco Inferno
Funkytown
Get Down Tonight
The Hustle
I Love the Nightlife
I Will Survive
Ring My Bell
Rock with You
Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)
Soul Makossa
Thank God It's Friday (song)
That's the Way (I Like It)
Turn the Beat Around
We Are Family
Young Hearts Run Free