
Monti Rock III
American singer and entertainer
- Lifespan
- May 29, 1939 – February 23, 2026May 29, 1939 – Feb 23, 2026
- Location
- Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Las Vegas, NV, U.S.

American singer and entertainer
Monti Rock III, the flamboyant American singer and entertainer who became a fixture on television and a pioneer of the disco era, passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 86. Born Joseph Montanez Jr. in The Bronx, New York City, on May 29, 1939, Rock captivated audiences with his unique charisma and theatrical flair. He was known for his vibrant personality, which transcended various entertainment mediums throughout his extensive career.
Rock first gained national recognition in the 1960s through his memorable appearances on popular talk shows such as The Merv Griffin Show and The Tonight Show. His engaging presence and outlandish comedy quickly made him a beloved figure, leading to numerous guest spots where he often had little to promote beyond his captivating persona.
The mid-1970s saw Monti Rock III rise to prominence in the burgeoning disco scene. Under the moniker Disco-Tex, he fronted Disco-Tex and His Sex-O-Lettes, releasing the influential album "Disco-Tex & His Sex-O-Lettes Review" in February 1975. The album spawned two major hit singles, "Get Dancin'" and "I Wanna Dance Wit' Choo (Doo Dat Dance)," which became staples in clubs and on the charts, solidifying his status as one of the first disco artists to achieve mainstream success.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Rock made a notable appearance as the DJ in the iconic 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever," further cementing his place in pop culture history. He was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, with reports varying from 36 to 84 appearances, showcasing his enduring appeal to a wide audience.
In his later years, Monti Rock III resided and performed in Las Vegas, where he continued to entertain and reinvent himself, even becoming an ordained minister. He passed away at his home in Las Vegas from complications of COPD, leaving behind a legacy as a multifaceted entertainer who left an indelible mark on American show business.
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One of the most hilarious acts of all time. I probably saw all his visits on the Carson show and you could tell Johnny enjoyed having him on. I was fortunate to see him sing and perform at the Country Store in Mtn. View CA. I went with a couple friends and we were able to pull up a few fold up metal chairs and sit in the front row!! After many requests he finished with a polished version of "Ain't It Peculiar." I will never forget!! RIP Monty... ❤️
Monti was a great friend, I knew him for 20 some years and I produced a small documentary for him as well, he would give out cards to you, like a birthday card to you but when you opened it it was a old card given to him in the past from someone else then he would write over that your message your happy birthday, it was so funny, he would give t-shirts the same way, get ones from good will or seconds then paint his name logo over that right over the vans logo or what ever was on the shirt, he was so personal, loving and of course wacky, did his monkey bite Steven Tyler? just crazy stories he had, RIP Monti Rock from Mike Michaels in vegas.

Monty befriended me here in Vegas. He knew what it was like. He was abandoned by his parents when he was only 13 years old, but yet always took care of them. I have many photos and pictures of his life that Monty wanted me to have. I don't know what I would have done with out meeting Monty or his encouragement. He knew only a very little bit about what I going through. I am a jazz vocalist here, have lived in Las Vegas 22 years and met Monty very early on here in Vegas. There will neve, never r be another Monty Rock. I have been remembering him, and thinking of him since his death, talking with my son and daughter about how unique and great he was. I've shed a few tears and feel he is close. He was eternally optimistic and never gave up. He so was gregarious and fun loving. He loved singing and he sang his heart out. He was one of the most colorful human beings on the planet. His discography and IMDB are filled with all the movies, records and things he did in his lifetime. He will be dearly missed by me and every one who knew him in Las Vegas.
i remember the song, get dancing. it was a hit. i haven't heard it in years. i hope it's on you tube.
Sir Monti Rock was a legend. Rest in peace forever <3

Dear Monti- one of a kind even if you were "Monti Rock lll"! The Heavens are gonna get dancin' now that you're comin' on over! We love you, we love you, we love you. The Kleibers: Ken, Elaine and Barry
One of the most hilarious acts of all time. I probably saw all his visits on the Carson show and you could tell Johnny enjoyed having him on. I was fortunate to see him sing and perform at the Country Store in Mtn. View CA. I went with a couple friends and we were able to pull up a few fold up metal chairs and sit in the front row!! After many requests he finished with a polished version of "Ain't It Peculiar." I will never forget!! RIP Monty... ❤️
Monti was a great friend, I knew him for 20 some years and I produced a small documentary for him as well, he would give out cards to you, like a birthday card to you but when you opened it it was a old card given to him in the past from someone else then he would write over that your message your happy birthday, it was so funny, he would give t-shirts the same way, get ones from good will or seconds then paint his name logo over that right over the vans logo or what ever was on the shirt, he was so personal, loving and of course wacky, did his monkey bite Steven Tyler? just crazy stories he had, RIP Monti Rock from Mike Michaels in vegas.

Monty befriended me here in Vegas. He knew what it was like. He was abandoned by his parents when he was only 13 years old, but yet always took care of them. I have many photos and pictures of his life that Monty wanted me to have. I don't know what I would have done with out meeting Monty or his encouragement. He knew only a very little bit about what I going through. I am a jazz vocalist here, have lived in Las Vegas 22 years and met Monty very early on here in Vegas. There will neve, never r be another Monty Rock. I have been remembering him, and thinking of him since his death, talking with my son and daughter about how unique and great he was. I've shed a few tears and feel he is close. He was eternally optimistic and never gave up. He so was gregarious and fun loving. He loved singing and he sang his heart out. He was one of the most colorful human beings on the planet. His discography and IMDB are filled with all the movies, records and things he did in his lifetime. He will be dearly missed by me and every one who knew him in Las Vegas.
i remember the song, get dancing. it was a hit. i haven't heard it in years. i hope it's on you tube.
Sir Monti Rock was a legend. Rest in peace forever <3

Dear Monti- one of a kind even if you were "Monti Rock lll"! The Heavens are gonna get dancin' now that you're comin' on over! We love you, we love you, we love you. The Kleibers: Ken, Elaine and Barry