`THE HUSTLE' HIT NO. 1 25 YEARS AGO (JULY 26)

`THE HUSTLE' HIT NO. 1 25 YEARS AGO (JULY 26)

NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) -- Tomorrow (July 26) marks a moving anniversary for disco freaks: The 25th anniversary of the day "The Hustle" hit No. 1. On July 26, 1975, Van McCoy hit No. 1 with "The Hustle" -- an amazing feat considering the song almost didn't get recorded at all. McCoy was inspired to create the song after watching folks in New York City discos dance the Hustle. He wrote the ditty in the last few minutes of a recording session. At first, McCoy was thrilled to have a hit but soon felt typecast with the disco tag. Sadly, he was never able to top "The Hustle" before dying of a heart attack in 1979 at the age 35. McCoy may be dead but the dance step is alive and kicking, according to Hustle historian "Disco Dave" Sarul, who says many of the folks who took up swing dancing two years have switched to the Hustle. Disco Dave says today's Hustlers don't just Hustle to "The Hustle" and claims "Bailamos" by Enrique Iglesias is the best Hustle song these days.