Daniel Vangarde, born Daniel Bangalter in 1947 in Paris, France, is a renowned French songwriter and producer. He is best known for his influential work in the music industry during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the genres of disco and Europop. Vangarde co-wrote and produced several hit records, including "D.I.S.C.O." by Ottawan, "Cuba" by the Gibson Brothers, and "Aie a Mwana," which was popularized by Black Blood and later covered by Bananarama.

Vangarde's early life was steeped in music, with a family background that included regular exposure to classical music. As a teenager, he was inspired by The Beatles, particularly Paul McCartney. Before embarking on his musical career, he traveled extensively, including a stint in Mexico. He chose the professional surname "Vangarde" after the Vickers Vanguard aircraft, as "Morane" was already taken.

In collaboration with Belgian producer Jean Kluger, Vangarde created the dance song "Yamasuki" in 1971, leading to the album "Le Monde Fabuleux Des Yamasuki." He founded the record label Zagora in 1975, further cementing his influence in the music industry. Vangarde's work extended to producing tracks for various artists, often under different aliases.

In the 1990s, Vangarde was involved in efforts to restore royalties to Jewish composers affected during the Nazi occupation of France. After retiring from music, he moved to Brazil, where he engaged in local business ventures. In 2022, he released a compilation album titled "The Vaults of Zagora Records Mastermind (1971-1984)" through Because Music.

Vangarde is also recognized as the father of Thomas Bangalter, a member of the iconic electronic music duo Daft Punk, and is credited with supporting the duo in their early career. Vangarde's legacy in the music world is marked by his innovative contributions to disco and his lasting influence on the genre.