Patrick Hernandez

Born in 1949 in Le Blanc‑Mesnil, Seine‑Saint‑Denis, Patrick Hernandez became part of the European disco wave of the late 1970s with an English‑language repertoire focused on danceable rhythms, direct melodic lines and production close to euro‑disco. After beginning his career in dance bands in southern France, Hernandez met Hervé Tholance; they formed a duo and backed artists such as Francis Cabrel, Laurent Voulzy and Gold. In 1978 his collaboration with Belgian producer Jean Vanloo took him to Waterloo, Belgium, where 'Born to Be Alive' took shape; the track was released at the end of the year and received international exposure in 1979. The song firmly established Patrick Hernandez's name in disco history, preceding the 1979 album Born to Be Alive. His subsequent discography includes Crazy Day's Mystery Night's (1980) and Good Bye (1981), which continue the dancefloor energy while maintaining a straightforward, effective pop songwriting. Over the years Hernandez also recorded tracks with Hervé Tholance and Jorge Ben, and he continues to perform a repertoire associated with retro, disco and variety circuits.