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{{Short description|French-Italian music executive (1948–1987)}}
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'''Jacques Fred Petrus''' ({{IPA|fr|ʒak fʁɛd pɛtrys}}; February 22, 1948 – June 8, 1987)<ref name="Bio"/> was a West Indian-born businessman and a pioneer of ] music. He spent much of his career in Italy and the United States.<ref name="Bio">{{cite web|title=Biography of Jacques Fred Petrus (1948-1987)|url=http://www.jacquespetrus.com/petrus.htm|accessdate=23 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="Interview">{{cite web|last1=Baroni|first1=Sandro|last2=Ticozzi|first2=Nicola|title=An interview with Jacques Fred Petrus|url=http://www.jacquespetrus.com/petrus_interview.htm|accessdate=23 September 2020}}</ref>
'''Jacques Fred Petrus''' (born February 22 1948 in ], ], died June 8 1987 in Sainte-Anne Guadeloupe, French West Indies) was a French-Italian businessman and a pioneer of Italian ] music.


==Early years== ==Early life==
He worked as a diesel-engine mechanic on a cargo ship aged only 15 before his early interest for ] and Soul music brought him to ] where he worked as a ] at different clubs, including the legendary jet-set nightclub "Club Saint-Hilaire". Born in ] in the ], Petrus worked as a diesel-engine mechanic on a cargo ship aged 15.<ref name="harrison"/> He subsequently travelled to Paris following his interest for ] and soul music, where he worked as a DJ at different clubs from 1968,<ref name="harrison"/> including the jet-set nightclub Club Saint-Hilaire.<ref name="Bio"/>


In the early 70s he moved to ], ] and continued his career as a DJ for several famous local clubs like "Good Mood". After a crucial meeting with music student ] (°1958) in Bologna, who became his working partner and main song writer and producer, they formed a disco production company called Goody Music Productions (GMP), invested in a recording studio in ] and created the Goody Music record label. In the early 1970s, he moved to ], ], and continued DJing at various clubs including Good Mood.<ref name="harrison"/> In Bologna he met music student ], who became his working partner and main songwriter and producer, and together they formed a disco production company called Goody Music Productions (GMP), established a recording studio in ], and created the ] label.<ref name="harrison"/><ref name="Bio"/>


==Career==
In 1978 the associates released their first studio project called ] which was followed by more or less commercially successful disco productions like Revanche and ]. But it wasn't until 1980, when their latest creation called ] was revealed, that Petrus and Malavasi established their own signature sound and reached their goal of world wide success. In 1979 Fred Petrus gathered his international music activities under the company name Little Macho Music.
⚫ In 1978 Petrus and Malavasi launched their first studio project called ]. There followed a series of releases under different names, including Elvin Shaad (1978), ] (1979), Revanche (1979), Rudy (an album featuring the Italian Goody Music collaborator Rudy Trevisi), Midnight Gang (1979), A.N.T.I. Rock (1980) (an Italian version of ]'s disco hit "]"), The Jumpers (1980), {{ill|Gianni Riso|it}} (1980) and ] (1980). In 1979 Petrus gathered his international music activities under the company name Little Macho Music,<ref name="Bio"/> opening an office in New York.<ref name="harrison"/>


⚫ In 1980, Petrus and Malavasi established their signature sound under the name ], a blend of ] and American R&B-flavoured disco inspired by ], releasing their debut album '']''. Petrus used two other Italian musicians on this album, bassist {{ill|Davide Romani|sv}} and guitarist {{ill|Paolo Gianolio|it}}. Romani wrote the number-one hits "]" and "The Glow of Love" (with vocals by ] and ]), and also arranged and conducted the entire set with Gianolio. "A Lover's Holiday" reached number one on Billboard's ] for nine weeks, and the album also received seven ] nominations.<ref name="Bio"/>
==Change - Petrus' biggest success==
⚫ When ] hit the market in 1980 with their debut album "The Glow of Love" Petrus and Malavasi didn't realise the magnitude of the success that was to come. Petrus used two other Italian musicians besides Malavasi on this album, bassist ] (°1959) and guitarist ]. Romani, who not only wrote the No 1 hits "A Lover's Holiday" and "The Glow of Love" (vocals by ], who was hired by Petrus to perform together with ]), but also arranged and conducted the entire set in conjunction with Gianolio. Besides "A Lover's Holiday" which reached the No 1 spot on Billboards Hot Dance Club Play for nine weeks the album also received 7 Grammy Award nominations.


⚫ After the success with Change, Petrus and Malavasi launched several new projects including The Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens band (]) in 1981, High Fashion (1982) (including the Romani/Malavasi composition "Feelin' lucky lately" which reached no.32 on Billboard's R&B chart), ''Silence'' (a pop album released in 1982) and {{ill|Zinc (group)|sv|Zinc|lt=Zinc}} (1982). Petrus and his group of Italian studio musicians and writers also co-wrote and produced parts of ]'s 1982 album ''{{ill|I'll do my Best|fr}}''. The title track, written by Malavasi, became a club hit. The ] was the most successful Petrus project after Change.<ref name="Bio"/> Their self-titled 1981 debut album included "On the Beat" (written by Malavasi and Slade), a dance track that reached no.8 on the Billboard black singles charts.
Although similarities with famous disco band ], which was a source of inspiration for Romani, Change had their own slick and sophisticated blend of Eurodisco and American Chic'esque R&B-disco. From 1980 to 1983 when Chic's fame was waning Change managed to climb higher on the charts each year, a rather satisfying and amusing fact for the founders Petrus, Malavasi, Romani and Gianolio. Although Jacques Fred Petrus released many other tracks with many other artists, none achieved the same fame and success as Change.


⚫ In the second half of the 1980s Petrus releases further albums by the B.B.& Q. Band (1985), Peter Jacques Band (1985) and Change (1985).<ref name="Interview"/> Less successful projects in 1984 and 1985 (often single releases) included Silence 2 feat. Gordon Grody (1984), Macho III (1984), Kevin Johnson (1984), Zinc feat. Sherwin (1984), M Like Moon (1984), Midnight Gang (1984), Tato (1985), Nobel (1985) and Persuader (1985). Due to tax problems in the United States, Petrus was forced to shut down Little Macho Music. In 1985 he started a new production company and record label called Renaissance International. Vedette International was the name of his new publishing company.<ref name="Bio"/>
==Other projects until 1986==
⚫ Early Petrus projects included Macho (1978), Elvin Shaad (1978), Peter Jacques Band (1979), Revanche (1979), Rudy (a solo album in 1979 of the Italian Goody Music collaborator Rudy Trevisi), Midnight Gang (1979), A.N.T.I. Rock (1980) (the Italian version of Ottawan's disco hit D.I.S.C.O.), The Jumpers (1980), Gianni Riso (1980) and Caprice (1980).


⚫ ==Death==
⚫ After the tremendous hype with Change Petrus and Malavasi launched several new projects like The Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens band (]) in 1981, High Fashion (1982) (including the Romani/Malavasi penned hit "Feelin' lucky lately" which reached the No 32 spot on Billboards R&B chart), Silence (a pop album released in 1982) and Zinc (1982). Petrus and his troupe of Italian studio musicians and writers also co-wrote and produced parts of The Ritchie Family's 1982 album "I'll do my Best". The title track became a club hit, and was penned by Malavasi. Of all these new projects the ] was by far the most successful concept. Their self-titled 1981 debut album included "On the Beat" (by Malavasi), a highly catchy and hypnotic dance floor filler with a powerful intro that rocketed to the No 8 spot on the Billboard black singles charts.
⚫ In 1986 the United States ] (IRS) accused Petrus of ].{{cn|date=May 2021}} Petrus put his music industry activities on hold and fled first to Italy,<ref name="harrison"/> then to Guadeloupe.


Petrus was murdered in the spring of 1987 in Guadeloupe at the age of 39.<ref name="harrison">{{cite news |last1=Harrison |first1=Angus |title=The Story of Italy's Biggest Disco Producer, His Ruthless Rise to the Top, and Eventual Assassination |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/vvn9p4/the-story-of-italys-biggest-disco-producer-his-ruthless-rise-to-the-top-and-eventual-assassination |access-date=25 May 2021 |work=Vice |date=10 August 2015}}</ref> French police reported that Petrus had been shot at home in the heights of Saint-Félix by a Swiss gunman, who had clashed with him earlier that night at L'Elysée Matignon club in ], which Petrus owned.<ref name="harrison"/>
⚫ During the second part of the 80's Petrus achieved success with album releases of B.B.&Q. Band (1985), Peter Jacques Band (1985) and Change (1985). In 1985 Jacques Fred Petrus started up a new production company and record label called Renaissance International. Vedette International was the name of his new publishing company. Less successful projects in 1984 and 1985 (often single releases) included Silence 2 feat. Gordon Grody (1984), Macho III (1984), Zinc feat. Sherwin (1984), M Like Moon (1984), Midnight Gang (1984), Tato (1985), Nobel (1985) and Persuader (1985).

⚫ ==Death==
⚫ In the course of 1986 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the US federal government accused the Little Macho Music company of tax evasion. Fred Petrus was forced to put his music industry activities on hold and fled to his native island of Guadeloupe.
Petrus was murdered in the Spring of 1987 in Guadeloupe under mysterious circumstances. He was only 39 years old. The official version from the French police reported that there had been problems with a Swiss tourist who attended the club owned by Petrus. The club L'Elysée Matignon was situated in the tourist area of the Marina Bas-du-Fort in Le Gosier which is the main seaside resort of Guadeloupe and the heart of the island’s night life. The tourist was, for an unknown reason, refused entry to the club and a harsh argument seemed to have occurred between him and Petrus. Later on the same night the tourist decided to follow Petrus to his villa in Sainte-Anne where he shot the producer dead.


==Producer discography== ==Producer discography==
* A.N.T.I. Rock: single “D.I.S.C.O.”, Goody Music, 1980. * A.N.T.I. Rock: single "D.I.S.C.O.", Goody Music, 1980.
* B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD The Brooklyn, Bronx & Queens Band, EMI-Capitol, 1981 * B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD ''The Brooklyn, Bronx & Queens Band'', EMI-Capitol, 1981
singles: “On The Beat”, “Starlette”, “Time For Love”, "Mistakes". **Singles: "On the Beat", "Starlette", "Time for Love", "Mistakes".
* B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD All Night Long, EMI-Capitol, 1982 * B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD ''All Night Long'', EMI-Capitol, 1982
singles: “Imagination”, “All Night Long (She’s Got The Moves I Like)”. **Singles: "Imagination", "All Night Long (She’s Got the Moves I Like)".
* B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD Six Million Times, EMI-Capitol, 1983 * B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD ''Six Million Times'', EMI-Capitol, 1983
singles: “Keep It Hot”, “She’s A Woman”. **Singles: "Keep It Hot", "She's a Woman".
* B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD Genie, Cooltempo/Break/Zyx/Mega, 1985 * B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD ''Genie'', Cooltempo/Break/Zyx/Mega, 1985
singles: “Genie”, “Dreamer”, “On The Shelf”, “Riccochet”, "Minutes Away", "Main Attraction". **Singles: "Genie", "Dreamer", "On the Shelf", "Riccochet", "Minutes Away", "Main Attraction".
* B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD The Best Of B.B.& Q. Band, Italo Heat, 1988. * B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD ''The Best of B.B.& Q. Band'', Italo Heat, 1988.
* B.B.& Q. Band, The: CD Final Collection, Fonte, 2008. * B.B.& Q. Band, The: CD ''Final Collection'', Fonte, 2008.
* B.B.& Q. Band, The: CD Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks, Fonte, 2009. * B.B.& Q. Band, The: CD ''Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks'', Fonte, 2009.
* Caprice: LP Russia, Goody Music, 1980. * Caprice: LP ''Russia'', Goody Music, 1980.
singles: "Russia", "Stay Tonight". **Singles: "Russia", "Stay Tonight".
* Change: LP/CD The Glow Of Love, Goody Music/RFC-Warner Bros., 1980 * Change: LP/CD ''The Glow of Love'', Goody Music/RFC-Warner Bros., 1980
singles: “A Lover’s Holiday”, “The Glow Of Love”, “Searching”, "Angel In My Pocket". **Singles: "A Lover's Holiday", "The Glow of Love", "Searching", "Angel in My Pocket".
* Change: LP/CD Miracles, Goody Music/RFC-Atlantic, 1981 * Change: LP/CD ''Miracles'', Goody Music/RFC-Atlantic, 1981
singles: “Paradise”, “Hold Tight”, “Miracles”, "Stop For Love", "Heaven Of My Life". **Singles: "Paradise", "Hold Tight", "Miracles", "Stop for Love", "Heaven of My Life".
* Change: LP/CD Sharing Your Love, Memory/RFC-Atlantic, 1982 * Change: LP/CD ''Sharing Your Love'', Memory/RFC-Atlantic, 1982
singles: “The Very Best In You”, “Hard Times (It’s Gonna Be Alright)”, “Oh What A Night”, “Keep On It”, "Sharing Your Love". **Singles: "The Very Best in You", "Hard Times (It's Gonna Be Alright)", "Oh What a Night", "Keep on It", "Sharing Your Love".
* Change: LP/CD This Is Your Time, Memory/RFC-Atlantic, 1983 * Change: LP/CD ''This Is Your Time'', Memory/RFC-Atlantic, 1983
singles: “Got To Get Up”, “This Is Your Time”, “Don’t Wait Another Night”, “Magical Night”. **Singles: "Got to Get Up", "This Is Your Time", "Don’t Wait Another Night", "Magical Night".
* Change: LP/CD Change Of Heart, Five/RFC-Atlantic, 1984 * Change: LP/CD ''Change of Heart'', Five/RFC-Atlantic, 1984
singles: “Change Of Heart”, “You Are My Melody”, "Say You Love Me Again", “It Burns Me Up”. **Singles: "Change of Heart", "You Are My Melody", "Say You Love Me Again", "It Burns Me Up".
* Change: LP Greatest Hits, Renaissance International, 1985. * Change: LP ''Greatest Hits'', Renaissance International, 1985.
* Change: LP/CD Turn On Your Radio, Renaissance International/RFC-Atlantic, 1985 * Change: LP/CD ''Turn on Your Radio'', Renaissance International/RFC-Atlantic, 1985
singles: “Let’s Go Together”, “Oh What A Feeling”, “Mutual Attraction”, "Examination", "Turn On Your Radio". **Singles: "Let’s Go Together", "Oh What a Feeling", "Mutual Attraction", "Examination", "Turn on Your Radio".
* Change: CD The Very Best Of Change, Rhino-Atlantic, 1998. * Change: CD ''The Very Best of Change'', Rhino-Atlantic, 1998.
* Change: 2CD The Best Of Change, Warner Music, 2003. * Change: 2CD ''The Best of Change,'' Warner Music, 2003.
* Change: 2CD The Final Collection, Fonte, 2007. * Change: 2CD ''The Final Collection'', Fonte, 2007.
* Change: 2CD Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks, Fonte, 2009. * Change: 2CD ''Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks'', Fonte, 2009.
* Elvin Shaad: LP Live For Love, Goody Music, 1978 * Elvin Shaad: LP ''Live for Love'', Goody Music, 1978
**Single: "Live for Love".
single: “Live For Love”.
* Goody Music Orchestra, The: LP Hits Of The World Vol. 1 - Best Of Goody, Goody Music, 1980. * Goody Music Orchestra, The: LP ''Hits of the World Vol. 1 - Best of Goody'', Goody Music, 1980.
* High Fashion: LP/CD Feelin’ Lucky, EMI-Capitol, 1982 * High Fashion: LP/CD ''Feelin' Lucky'', EMI-Capitol, 1982
singles: “Feelin’ Lucky Lately”, "You're The Winner", “Hold On”. **Singles: "Feelin' Lucky Lately", "You're the Winner", "Hold On".
* High Fashion: LP/CD Make Up Your Mind, EMI-Capitol, 1983 * High Fashion: LP/CD ''Make Up Your Mind'', EMI-Capitol, 1983
single: “Break Up”, "Make Up Your Mind". **Single: "Break Up", "Make Up Your Mind".
* Gianni Riso: single “Disco Shy”, Goody Music, 1980. * Gianni Riso: single "Disco Shy", Goody Music, 1980.
* Jumpers, The: single “Coke And Roll”, Goody Music, 1980. * Jumpers, The: single "Coke and Roll", Goody Music, 1980.
* Kevin Johnson: single "Video Night / Child of Tomorrow" Speed/Sneak Preview, 1984.
* M Like Moon: single “Sunlight”, Flarenasch/Ariola, 1984 / Renaissance International 1985. * M Like Moon: single "Sunlight", Flarenasch/Ariola, 1984 / Renaissance International, 1985.
* Macho: LP/CD I’m A Man, Goody Music/Prelude, 1978 * Macho: LP/CD ''I'm a Man'', Goody Music/Prelude, 1978
singles: “I’m A Man”, “Hear Me Calling”.
**Singles: "I’m a Man", "Hear Me Calling".
* Macho (II): LP/CD Roll, Goody Music, 1980 * Macho (II): LP/CD ''Roll'', Goody Music, 1980
singles: “Roll”, “Mothers Love”, "Not Tonight".
**Singles: "Roll", "Mothers Love", "Not Tonight".
* Macho III: single “Kalimba De Luna”, Flarenasch/Five, 1984. * Macho III: single “Kalimba De Luna”, Flarenasch/Five, 1984.
* Midnight Gang: LP Love Is Magic, Goody Music, 1979 * Midnight Gang: LP ''Love Is Magic'', Goody Music, 1979
**Singles: "Love Is Magic", "Midnight Game".
singles: “Love Is Magic”, “Midnight Game”.
* Midnight Gang: single "Holliwood City", Speed, 1984. * Midnight Gang: single "Holliwood City", Speed, 1984.
* Nobel: single “Turn On Your Radio”, Renaissance International, 1985. * Nobel: single "Turn on Your Radio", Renaissance International, 1985.
* Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD Fire Night Dance, Goody Music/Prelude, 1979 * Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD ''Fire Night Dance'', Goody Music/Prelude, 1979
singles: “Walking On Music”, “Fire Night Dance”, “Devil’s Run”, “Fly With The Wind”. **Singles: "Walking on Music", "Fire Night Dance", "Devil's Run", "Fly with the Wind".
* Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD Welcome Back, Goody Music, 1980 * Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD ''Welcome Back'', Goody Music, 1980
singles: “Is It It”, “Counting On Love (One-Two-Three)”, “The Louder”, “Mighty Fine”. **Singles: "Is It It", "Counting on Love (One-Two-Three)", "The Louder", "Mighty Fine".
* Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD Dancing In The Street, Renaissance International/Polydor, 1985 * Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD ''Dancing in the Street'', Renaissance International/Polydor, 1985
singles: “Going Dancin’ Down The Street”, “Mexico”, “Drive Me Crazy”, "This Night". **Singles: "Going Dancin' Down the Street", "Mexico", "Drive Me Crazy", "This Night".
* Peter Jacques Band: CD The Very Best Of Peter Jacques Band, Fonte, 2006. * Peter Jacques Band: CD ''The Very Best of Peter Jacques Band'', Fonte, 2006.
* Peter Jacques Band: CD Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks, Fonte, 2009. * Peter Jacques Band: CD ''Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks'', Fonte, 2009.
* Persuader: single "So Decide", Renaissance International, 1985. * Persuader: single "So Decide", Renaissance International, 1985.
* Revanche: LP/CD Music Man, Goody Music/Atlantic, 1979 * Revanche: LP/CD ''Music Man'', Goody Music/Atlantic, 1979
singles: “Music Man”, “Revenge”, “You Get High In N.Y.C.”, “1979 It’s Dancing Time”. **Singles: "Music Man", "Revenge", "You Get High in N.Y.C.", "1979 It's Dancing Time".
* Ritchie Family, The: LP/CD I’ll Do My Best, RCA, 1982 * Ritchie Family, The: LP/CD ''I'll Do My Best'', RCA, 1982
singles: "I’ll Do My Best (For You Baby)", “Walk With Me”, “Alright On The Night”. **Singles: "I'll Do My Best (For You Baby)", "Walk with Me", "Alright on the Night".
* Rudy: LP/CD Just Take My Body, Goody Music/Polydor, 1979 * Rudy: LP/CD ''Just Take My Body'', Goody Music/Polydor, 1979
singles: “White Room”, “Just Take My Body”, “Thank You Baby”. **Singles: "White Room", "Just Take My Body", "Thank You Baby".
* Sherwin: single "State of the Nation", Speed, 1984.
* Silence: LP Goodtime Baby, Memory, 1982 * Silence: LP ''Goodtime Baby'', Memory, 1982
singles: “Midnight Visitors”, “No Way”.
**Singles: "Midnight Visitors", "No Way".
* Silence 2: LP The Beast In Me, Flarenasch/Five, 1984
single: "The Beast In Me". * Silence 2: LP ''The Beast in Me'', Flarenasch/Five, 1984
**Single: "The Beast in Me".
* Tato: single "Crazy Boy", Renaissance International, 1985. * Tato: single "Crazy Boy", Renaissance International, 1985.
* Zinc: LP/CD Street Level, Memory/Jive, 1982 * Zinc: LP/CD ''Street Level'', Memory/Jive, 1982
singles: “Street Level”, “Punkulation”, "Amazon", "I'll Never Stop". **Singles: "Street Level", "Punkulation", "Amazon", "I'll Never Stop".
* Zinc: single “I’m Livin' A Life Of Love”, Jive, 1983. * Zinc: single "I’m Livin' a Life of Love", Jive, 1983.
* Zinc feat. Sherwin: single "Hollywood City", Sneak Preview, 1984. * Zinc feat. Sherwin: single "Hollywood City", Sneak Preview, 1984.
* Zinc feat. Sherwin: single "State Of The Nation", Sneak Preview, 1984. * Zinc feat. Sherwin: single "State of the Nation", Sneak Preview, 1984.
<ref name="Bio"/>


== References == ==References==
{{Reflist}}
* Jacques Fred Petrus biography
* http://jacquesfredpetrusmauromalavasi.blogspot.com/2009/10/jacques-fred-petrus-mauro-malavasi_17.html Jacques Fred Petrus & Mauro Malavasi: The perfect Italian Disco chemistry


{{Authority control}}
==External links==
* Jacques Fred Petrus biography
* http://jacquesfredpetrusmauromalavasi.blogspot.com/2009/10/jacques-fred-petrus-mauro-malavasi_17.html Jacques Fred Petrus & Mauro Malavasi: The perfect Italian Disco chemistry
* http://www.facebook.com/pages/GOODY-MUSIC-LITTLE-MACHO-MUSIC/125608788463 Goody Music & Little Macho Music



{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
| NAME = Petrus, Jacques Fred
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1949
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH = June 8, 1987
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Petrus, Jacques Fred}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Petrus, Jacques Fred}}
]
] ]
] ]
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Latest revision as of 12:16, 22 August 2024

French-Italian music executive (1948–1987)

Jacques Fred Petrus (French pronunciation: [ʒak fʁɛd pɛtrys]; February 22, 1948 – June 8, 1987) was a West Indian-born businessman and a pioneer of post-disco music. He spent much of his career in Italy and the United States.

Early life

Born in Guadeloupe in the French West Indies, Petrus worked as a diesel-engine mechanic on a cargo ship aged 15. He subsequently travelled to Paris following his interest for R&B and soul music, where he worked as a DJ at different clubs from 1968, including the jet-set nightclub Club Saint-Hilaire.

In the early 1970s, he moved to Milan, Italy, and continued DJing at various clubs including Good Mood. In Bologna he met music student Mauro Malavasi, who became his working partner and main songwriter and producer, and together they formed a disco production company called Goody Music Productions (GMP), established a recording studio in Bologna, and created the Goody Music Records label.

Career

In 1978 Petrus and Malavasi launched their first studio project called Macho. There followed a series of releases under different names, including Elvin Shaad (1978), Peter Jacques band (1979), Revanche (1979), Rudy (an album featuring the Italian Goody Music collaborator Rudy Trevisi), Midnight Gang (1979), A.N.T.I. Rock (1980) (an Italian version of Ottawan's disco hit "D.I.S.C.O."), The Jumpers (1980), Gianni Riso [it] (1980) and Caprice (1980). In 1979 Petrus gathered his international music activities under the company name Little Macho Music, opening an office in New York.

In 1980, Petrus and Malavasi established their signature sound under the name Change, a blend of eurodisco and American R&B-flavoured disco inspired by Chic, releasing their debut album The Glow of Love. Petrus used two other Italian musicians on this album, bassist Davide Romani [sv] and guitarist Paolo Gianolio [it]. Romani wrote the number-one hits "A Lover's Holiday" and "The Glow of Love" (with vocals by Luther Vandross and Jocelyn Brown), and also arranged and conducted the entire set with Gianolio. "A Lover's Holiday" reached number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play for nine weeks, and the album also received seven Grammy Award nominations.

After the success with Change, Petrus and Malavasi launched several new projects including The Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens band (B. B. & Q. band) in 1981, High Fashion (1982) (including the Romani/Malavasi composition "Feelin' lucky lately" which reached no.32 on Billboard's R&B chart), Silence (a pop album released in 1982) and Zinc [sv] (1982). Petrus and his group of Italian studio musicians and writers also co-wrote and produced parts of The Ritchie Family's 1982 album I'll do my Best [fr]. The title track, written by Malavasi, became a club hit. The B. B. & Q. band was the most successful Petrus project after Change. Their self-titled 1981 debut album included "On the Beat" (written by Malavasi and Slade), a dance track that reached no.8 on the Billboard black singles charts.

In the second half of the 1980s Petrus releases further albums by the B.B.& Q. Band (1985), Peter Jacques Band (1985) and Change (1985). Less successful projects in 1984 and 1985 (often single releases) included Silence 2 feat. Gordon Grody (1984), Macho III (1984), Kevin Johnson (1984), Zinc feat. Sherwin (1984), M Like Moon (1984), Midnight Gang (1984), Tato (1985), Nobel (1985) and Persuader (1985). Due to tax problems in the United States, Petrus was forced to shut down Little Macho Music. In 1985 he started a new production company and record label called Renaissance International. Vedette International was the name of his new publishing company.

Death

In 1986 the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accused Petrus of tax evasion. Petrus put his music industry activities on hold and fled first to Italy, then to Guadeloupe.

Petrus was murdered in the spring of 1987 in Guadeloupe at the age of 39. French police reported that Petrus had been shot at home in the heights of Saint-Félix by a Swiss gunman, who had clashed with him earlier that night at L'Elysée Matignon club in Le Gosier, which Petrus owned.

Producer discography

  • A.N.T.I. Rock: single "D.I.S.C.O.", Goody Music, 1980.
  • B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD The Brooklyn, Bronx & Queens Band, EMI-Capitol, 1981
    • Singles: "On the Beat", "Starlette", "Time for Love", "Mistakes".
  • B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD All Night Long, EMI-Capitol, 1982
    • Singles: "Imagination", "All Night Long (She’s Got the Moves I Like)".
  • B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD Six Million Times, EMI-Capitol, 1983
    • Singles: "Keep It Hot", "She's a Woman".
  • B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD Genie, Cooltempo/Break/Zyx/Mega, 1985
    • Singles: "Genie", "Dreamer", "On the Shelf", "Riccochet", "Minutes Away", "Main Attraction".
  • B.B.& Q. Band, The: LP/CD The Best of B.B.& Q. Band, Italo Heat, 1988.
  • B.B.& Q. Band, The: CD Final Collection, Fonte, 2008.
  • B.B.& Q. Band, The: CD Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks, Fonte, 2009.
  • Caprice: LP Russia, Goody Music, 1980.
    • Singles: "Russia", "Stay Tonight".
  • Change: LP/CD The Glow of Love, Goody Music/RFC-Warner Bros., 1980
    • Singles: "A Lover's Holiday", "The Glow of Love", "Searching", "Angel in My Pocket".
  • Change: LP/CD Miracles, Goody Music/RFC-Atlantic, 1981
    • Singles: "Paradise", "Hold Tight", "Miracles", "Stop for Love", "Heaven of My Life".
  • Change: LP/CD Sharing Your Love, Memory/RFC-Atlantic, 1982
    • Singles: "The Very Best in You", "Hard Times (It's Gonna Be Alright)", "Oh What a Night", "Keep on It", "Sharing Your Love".
  • Change: LP/CD This Is Your Time, Memory/RFC-Atlantic, 1983
    • Singles: "Got to Get Up", "This Is Your Time", "Don’t Wait Another Night", "Magical Night".
  • Change: LP/CD Change of Heart, Five/RFC-Atlantic, 1984
    • Singles: "Change of Heart", "You Are My Melody", "Say You Love Me Again", "It Burns Me Up".
  • Change: LP Greatest Hits, Renaissance International, 1985.
  • Change: LP/CD Turn on Your Radio, Renaissance International/RFC-Atlantic, 1985
    • Singles: "Let’s Go Together", "Oh What a Feeling", "Mutual Attraction", "Examination", "Turn on Your Radio".
  • Change: CD The Very Best of Change, Rhino-Atlantic, 1998.
  • Change: 2CD The Best of Change, Warner Music, 2003.
  • Change: 2CD The Final Collection, Fonte, 2007.
  • Change: 2CD Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks, Fonte, 2009.
  • Elvin Shaad: LP Live for Love, Goody Music, 1978
    • Single: "Live for Love".
  • Goody Music Orchestra, The: LP Hits of the World Vol. 1 - Best of Goody, Goody Music, 1980.
  • High Fashion: LP/CD Feelin' Lucky, EMI-Capitol, 1982
    • Singles: "Feelin' Lucky Lately", "You're the Winner", "Hold On".
  • High Fashion: LP/CD Make Up Your Mind, EMI-Capitol, 1983
    • Single: "Break Up", "Make Up Your Mind".
  • Gianni Riso: single "Disco Shy", Goody Music, 1980.
  • Jumpers, The: single "Coke and Roll", Goody Music, 1980.
  • Kevin Johnson: single "Video Night / Child of Tomorrow" Speed/Sneak Preview, 1984.
  • M Like Moon: single "Sunlight", Flarenasch/Ariola, 1984 / Renaissance International, 1985.
  • Macho: LP/CD I'm a Man, Goody Music/Prelude, 1978
    • Singles: "I’m a Man", "Hear Me Calling".
  • Macho (II): LP/CD Roll, Goody Music, 1980
    • Singles: "Roll", "Mothers Love", "Not Tonight".
  • Macho III: single “Kalimba De Luna”, Flarenasch/Five, 1984.
  • Midnight Gang: LP Love Is Magic, Goody Music, 1979
    • Singles: "Love Is Magic", "Midnight Game".
  • Midnight Gang: single "Holliwood City", Speed, 1984.
  • Nobel: single "Turn on Your Radio", Renaissance International, 1985.
  • Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD Fire Night Dance, Goody Music/Prelude, 1979
    • Singles: "Walking on Music", "Fire Night Dance", "Devil's Run", "Fly with the Wind".
  • Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD Welcome Back, Goody Music, 1980
    • Singles: "Is It It", "Counting on Love (One-Two-Three)", "The Louder", "Mighty Fine".
  • Peter Jacques Band: LP/CD Dancing in the Street, Renaissance International/Polydor, 1985
    • Singles: "Going Dancin' Down the Street", "Mexico", "Drive Me Crazy", "This Night".
  • Peter Jacques Band: CD The Very Best of Peter Jacques Band, Fonte, 2006.
  • Peter Jacques Band: CD Greatest Hits & Essential Tracks, Fonte, 2009.
  • Persuader: single "So Decide", Renaissance International, 1985.
  • Revanche: LP/CD Music Man, Goody Music/Atlantic, 1979
    • Singles: "Music Man", "Revenge", "You Get High in N.Y.C.", "1979 It's Dancing Time".
  • Ritchie Family, The: LP/CD I'll Do My Best, RCA, 1982
    • Singles: "I'll Do My Best (For You Baby)", "Walk with Me", "Alright on the Night".
  • Rudy: LP/CD Just Take My Body, Goody Music/Polydor, 1979
    • Singles: "White Room", "Just Take My Body", "Thank You Baby".
  • Sherwin: single "State of the Nation", Speed, 1984.
  • Silence: LP Goodtime Baby, Memory, 1982
    • Singles: "Midnight Visitors", "No Way".
  • Silence 2: LP The Beast in Me, Flarenasch/Five, 1984
    • Single: "The Beast in Me".
  • Tato: single "Crazy Boy", Renaissance International, 1985.
  • Zinc: LP/CD Street Level, Memory/Jive, 1982
    • Singles: "Street Level", "Punkulation", "Amazon", "I'll Never Stop".
  • Zinc: single "I’m Livin' a Life of Love", Jive, 1983.
  • Zinc feat. Sherwin: single "Hollywood City", Sneak Preview, 1984.
  • Zinc feat. Sherwin: single "State of the Nation", Sneak Preview, 1984.

References

  1. ^ "Biography of Jacques Fred Petrus (1948-1987)". Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  2. ^ Baroni, Sandro; Ticozzi, Nicola. "An interview with Jacques Fred Petrus". Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  3. ^ Harrison, Angus (10 August 2015). "The Story of Italy's Biggest Disco Producer, His Ruthless Rise to the Top, and Eventual Assassination". Vice. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
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