While it's Divine's movies that have become most associated with his legacy, one aspect of the subversive star's showbiz career often goes forgotten — his sideline in music. It all began when his agent, Bernard Jay, encouraged him to supplement his income by performing in nightclubs. The success of those shows led him to begin recording several of his own disco singles. Among these were "I'm So Beautiful," "You Think You're a Man," "Love Reaction," and "Native Love (Step by Step)," all of which showcase how Divine's gravelly voice could be complemented by thudding disco beats.
As Jay wrote in his book "Not Simply Divine," Divine's music career took some time to get established. For one thing, his music was more popular in Britain than it was in the U.S. In fact, although the single, "Love Reaction," hit No. 65 on a British magazine's dance charts, but immediately vanished. However, another track proved to be the breakthrough they'd been looking for, with Jay writing, "'You Think You're a Man' was an instant hit; far greater than Divine's previous records ... the record climbed to number 16."
Later, as he became a household name, Divine became known for his extravagant performances at Peter Stringfellow's Hippodrome Club. During one show, he brought Independence Day celebrations to Britain, with a stage show that included fireworks, lasers, and a bevy of male bodybuilders. In another, he was accompanied by a dancing baby elephant — and as ever, not without controversy.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7XCpKCsr5mbwW%2BvzqZma2tma4Bye9OhnGatnqm8rbCMramurJhivKd5w6KtoqaVZA%3D%3D