Before his death from an AIDS-related brain tumor in March 1994, Hartman began recording a new album of contemporary pop and dance music.

He revealed in 1993, "So many things have changed in terms of social and political issues, as well as the need for love and personal relationships.

In a 1995 review of Keep the Fire Burnin', Greg Morago of the Hartford Courant wrote, "Hartman was preparing to reconquer the '90s dance floor with a pop-dance collection at the time of his death.

Aggressive, bouncy and up-front, the track - with additional smokin' vocals by diva Loleatta Holloway of "Love Sensation" fame - proves he never lost his touch.

"[4] Anthony Violanti of The Buffalo News stated, "Hartman doesn't waste time kicking out the jams on his new album.