Patrick Cowley

Bio

Patrick Cowley (1950–1982) was an American musician, composer, and producer whose pioneering work in electronic dance music helped shape the hi-NRG and post-disco sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born in Buffalo, New York, he moved to San Francisco in the mid-1970s, where he became a key figure in the city’s underground club scene. Cowley is best known for his synthesizer-driven productions and collaborations with Sylvester, including the hits “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” and “Do Ya Wanna Funk.” His solo albums, such as “Catholic” and the posthumously released “Mind Warp,” showcased his innovative use of analog synthesizers and drum machines, influencing countless producers in the emerging dance-music landscape. Tragically, Cowley died of AIDS-related illness in 1982 at the age of 32, leaving behind a brief but highly influential body of work that continues to be celebrated in dance-music history.