“What seems to be about to happen is what LeRoi Jones called Unity Music in 1966. It will include the entire range of black music, maybe in one long performance, but pivoting on the drums.”

Chandler has taken advantage of disco’s democratic playlist — which has given everyone from Cher to Cab Calloway another shot at the charts — but his second taste of success is tinged with bitterness.

Through his gospel classics like “Peace Be Still,” Cleveland retells a biblical love story for the plain purpose of reconciling people to God and one another.

"Whether it's called rock, soul, funk, blues, salsa, gos­pel, jazz, or reggae, it's all about the same thing. Black mu­sic."