Did you know Motown had alternative genre labels for Latin, Rock, Jazz and so on, including shortlived Gaiee Records, that released in 1975 Valentino's I was born this way , an openly gay anthem - way before Village People and others? This was the very first gay related release by a major record label anywhere. Actually it took the writer four years to find someone not only to publish and promote it, but also to record it. It was an instant hit. Valentino's version was a #1 in UK Disco charts, while Bean's #15 in the US Club charts. It was remixed by Shep Pettibone in 1986 as Better Days mix and other remixes came by Next Plateau record in 1995, Pet Shop Boys in 2005, Jimmy Somerville, DJ Gomi .... And I certain Lady Gaga got heavily " inspired " by it ..... never though admitting it really. Magnus Carlsson released the song as well in 2008. Charles Valentino Harris, a dancer actor singer poet songwriter pretty much disappeared from the spotligh...
