May 17, 2022, is the 10th Anniversary of Donna Summer’s passing. She had a remarkable career as a singer-songwriter and actress. Some of her famous hits include She Works Hard for the Money, Bad Girls, Hot Stuff and many others. Some also say she impacted the music scene by transitioning from disco to funk. According to sources, the world dubbed Donna Summer the Queen of Disco.
Her voice was remarkable and bold. She had an impressive vocal range and a refined style. At times, she performed her songs with an edge and other times, she would sing with a lovely softness. I remember listening to some of her classic hits on the radio, such as Bad Girls and She Works Hard for the Money.
Before Donna Summer, LaDonna Adrian Gaines, Donna Summer’s birth name, grew up in Boston, Massachusetts December 31, 1948. She started singing in church and then in school musicals as a kid. Her first single was in 1968 with a German version of the song Aquarius, under Donna Gaines. Three years later, she had another single, a remake of Sally Go ‘Round the Roses, the Jaynetts’ 1963 hit. Her musical career as Donna Summer started in the 1970s.
Donna Summer’s contribution to music was impressive. Her first major hit was Love to Love Baby, which reached 2nd in the Billboard Hot 100. Her success officially started in 1974. The origin story of her stage name is an interesting one. According to various sources, it was an error on a record cover. Instead of Donna Somner, it said Donna Summer and the name stayed. As they say, the rest is history. Her musical career was impressive, with successful songs and albums over 40 years. She has won numerous awards, among them five Grammys, and is the only artist to have won awards in four different genres (R&B, Rock, Dance and Gospel).
Donna Summer is a legendary music icon whose songs are timeless. She got inducted posthumously to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. She leaves behind an incredible legacy.
Rest in Peace and Power, Donna Summer.
