Karen Young (American singer)
| Karen Young | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Karen Young |
| Born |
March 23, 1951 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | January 26, 1991 (aged 39) |
| Genres | Disco |
| Years active | 1970–1991 |
| Labels | Altra Moda Music |
| Associated acts | Sandd |
Karen Young (March 23, 1951 — January 26, 1991) was an American disco-era singer known for her 1978 hit record "Hot Shot".
Young grew up in a Northeast Philadelphia rowhouse. She began as a singer of jingles and background vocals for Philadelphia-based production companies. In the early 1970s, Young performed with the group Sandd, featuring Frank Gilckin (lead guitar), George Emertz (rhythm guitar), Frank Ferraro (bass guitar), and Dennis Westman (drums).
In 1978, Young released the single "Hot Shot", written and produced by Andy Kahn and Kurt Borusiewicz. The song spent two weeks at number 1 on Billboard' magazine's disco chart and eventually peaked at number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. An album, also titled Hot Shot, was then released by West End Records of New York City. The song propelled Young to international fame. By 1979, the disco fad dissipated, and Young was unable to duplicate her success. Young continued her singing career as a local performer in the Philadelphia area, and the song "Hot Shot" became a one-hit wonder.
Young died of a possible bleeding ulcer in January 1991, at age 39.
"Hot Shot" was featured in the 1990 film Reversal of Fortune. The song was later used as a sample in Daft Punk's song "Indo Silver Club" on their album Homework. The song was also used by the BBC in the mid-1980s during its coverage of the World Snooker Championship for "hot shots" compilations during the tournament. Various "Hot Shot" remixes were released in 2007. "Hot Shot" made three separate appearances in the UK Singles Chart in 1978, 1979, and 1997. The highest placing was number 34.
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