Known for singing the infectiously catchy disco hit “Disco Inferno,” The Trammps singer James T. “Jimmy” Ellis passed away on Thursday in a nursing home in Rock Hill, S.C. Cause of death is not known at this time.

Ellis sang lead vocals on what would become the defining song from The Trammps during their career. The disco hit released in 1976 appeared in the movie Saturday Night Fever as well as on the soundtrack, which won the Grammy for Best Album in 1978 and made the single a dance staple.

With the catchy refrain “Burn, baby, burn,” the phrase is still widely played over the loud speakers at sporting events around the country.

David Turner of Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home said a memorial service for Ellis will be held on Friday in Charlotte, N.C.

Take a moment to remember Jimmy Ellis by watching the video for The Trammps’ breakout hit “Disco Inferno.”

[Source: Spinner]