Van McCoy was an accomplished American musician, record producer, arranger, and songwriter, best known for his 1975 disco hit, "The Hustle". He was instrumental in shaping the soul and disco genres during the 1970s, working with artists like Gladys Knight and The Stylistics. McCoy's style was marked by lush orchestrations and intricate melodies, often incorporating elements of R&B, pop, and gospel. Despite his untimely death in 1979, his musical legacy continues to influence contemporary disco and soul music.