Van Allen Clinton McCoy (January 6, 1940 – July 6, 1979) professionally known as Van McCoy. was an accomplished musician, record producer, arranger, songwriter and orchestra conductor. He is known best for his 1975 internationally successful song "The Hustle". He has approximately 700 song copyrights to his credit, and is also noted for producing songs for such recording artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Stylistics, Aretha Franklin, Brenda & The Tabulations, David Ruffin, Peaches & Herb and Stacy Lattisaw.