Donna Summer, born Ladonna Adrian Gaines on December 31, 1948, was an American singer, songwriter, and actress who became known as the “Queen of Disco” during the 1970s. With a powerful voice, incredible stage presence, and timeless hits, Summer quickly rose to fame, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Throughout her career, she sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of this iconic disco diva, exploring her early life, rise to stardom, iconic hits, awards and achievements, personal life, philanthropy, and her enduring legacy.
Early life and musical beginnings
Donna Summer was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in a loving, religious household. Her mother was a schoolteacher, and her father worked as a butcher. Summer was one of seven children, and from a young age, she...
Early life and musical beginnings
Donna Summer was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in a loving, religious household. Her mother was a schoolteacher, and her father worked as a butcher. Summer was one of seven children, and from a young age, she...
- 4/29/2023
- by Music Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Music
The risk when an immediate family member is involved in a tribute to an important figure from the pop-culture firmament is that the story they choose to tell might not be the one fans want to hear. That’s an issue — at least for this erstwhile disco baby — with HBO’s Love to Love You, Donna Summer. Directed by Roger Ross Williams with Summer’s daughter, Brooklyn Sudano, the doc is stuffed with great archive material. But it largely squanders an ideal platform through which to reaffirm the subject’s vital place in pop music history and reclaim disco as a genre whose influence has never waned.
Some of that is kinda, sorta here, but it’s so faint it’s almost apologetic. We’re constantly reminded that Summer was ambivalent about being crowned the Queen of Disco, because she felt it marginalized her vocal gifts for gospel, R&b and soul,...
Some of that is kinda, sorta here, but it’s so faint it’s almost apologetic. We’re constantly reminded that Summer was ambivalent about being crowned the Queen of Disco, because she felt it marginalized her vocal gifts for gospel, R&b and soul,...
- 2/21/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical will dance its last dance on Broadway Sunday, Dec. 30, producers announced today, but disco isn’t dead: A North American tour will kick off Sept. 30, 2019.
The jukebox bio-musical opened April 23 (after beginning previews March 28) at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and will have played 27 previews and 289 regular performances when it closes. The Broadway production stars Lachanze, Ariana DeBose and Storm Lever as the disco queen at three different points in her life.
Both Lachanze and DeBose were Tony-nominated for their performances.
Summer is the third Broadway production – after the struggling Head Over Heels and the acclaimed Once On This Island – to announce closing notices in the annual post-Thanksgiving end-of-year clearing.
The Summer musical, which opened to mixed-to-negative reviews, has been dragging its feet at the box office more than ever recently, grossing a small $462,727 over Thanksgiving week, just 32% of its potential.
The hit-packed musical might fare better on the road though,...
The jukebox bio-musical opened April 23 (after beginning previews March 28) at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and will have played 27 previews and 289 regular performances when it closes. The Broadway production stars Lachanze, Ariana DeBose and Storm Lever as the disco queen at three different points in her life.
Both Lachanze and DeBose were Tony-nominated for their performances.
Summer is the third Broadway production – after the struggling Head Over Heels and the acclaimed Once On This Island – to announce closing notices in the annual post-Thanksgiving end-of-year clearing.
The Summer musical, which opened to mixed-to-negative reviews, has been dragging its feet at the box office more than ever recently, grossing a small $462,727 over Thanksgiving week, just 32% of its potential.
The hit-packed musical might fare better on the road though,...
- 11/28/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child: Parts One and Two, Angels in America, the Denzel Washington-starrer The Iceman Cometh and the Tina Fey-penned Mean Girls were among the Broadway productions scoring nominations for this year’s New York Drama League awards.
The 2018 Broadway and Off-Broadway nominees were announced in the categories of Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, and the Distinguished Performance Award. The nominations were announced this morning by Tony Award winners Harriet Harris, Julie White and nominee Christopher Sieber.
The 84th Annual Drama League Awards, the oldest theatrical honors in America, will be held Friday, May 18, 11:30 am at the Marriott Marquis Times Square.
Here is the complete list of nominees:
Outstanding Production Of A Broadway Or Off-broadway Play
Animal
Written by Clare Lizzimore
Directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch
Atlantic Theater Company...
The 2018 Broadway and Off-Broadway nominees were announced in the categories of Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, and the Distinguished Performance Award. The nominations were announced this morning by Tony Award winners Harriet Harris, Julie White and nominee Christopher Sieber.
The 84th Annual Drama League Awards, the oldest theatrical honors in America, will be held Friday, May 18, 11:30 am at the Marriott Marquis Times Square.
Here is the complete list of nominees:
Outstanding Production Of A Broadway Or Off-broadway Play
Animal
Written by Clare Lizzimore
Directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch
Atlantic Theater Company...
- 4/18/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Tickets are now on sale for Summer The Donna Summer Musical on Broadway through Ticketmaster.com. Summer features a book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff, with songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Jabara and others and will be directed by Des McAnuff and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, with music supervised by Ron Melrose and scenic design by Robert Brill, costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Gareth Owen and projections by Sean Nieuwenhuis.
- 1/8/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Summer The Donna Summer Musical featuring a book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff, with songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Jabara and others, will be directed by Des McAnuff and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, with music supervised by Ron Melrose and scenic design by Robert Brill, costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Gareth Owen and projections by Sean Nieuwenhuis.
- 12/19/2017
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
(source)
The Grammys are just a week away, and I feel that justifies an exploration of one of my favorite topics: wonderful music from god-awful movies. Here are my 10 favorite tunes specifically produced for the soundtracks of wretched movies.
10. Michelle Pfeiffer, "Cool Rider" from Grease 2
Grease 2 is a confounding mess from start to finish, but it's a complete blast if you're into campy singalong experiences. The movie's best tune is undoubtedly the brassy, kicky "Cool Rider" where The Greatest Catwoman croons like Benatar over a rip-roaring pop hook. It's damn replayable, which is something not often said about Grease 2.
9. Alanis Morissette, "Uninvited" from City of Angels
City of Angels is one of those infuriating movies that dares to take its ridiculous melodrama seriously. It's a feature-length Creed video. Thankfully its soundtrack was a rightful blockbuster featuring original tracks by U2 and -- perhaps most famously -- the Goo Goo Dolls,...
The Grammys are just a week away, and I feel that justifies an exploration of one of my favorite topics: wonderful music from god-awful movies. Here are my 10 favorite tunes specifically produced for the soundtracks of wretched movies.
10. Michelle Pfeiffer, "Cool Rider" from Grease 2
Grease 2 is a confounding mess from start to finish, but it's a complete blast if you're into campy singalong experiences. The movie's best tune is undoubtedly the brassy, kicky "Cool Rider" where The Greatest Catwoman croons like Benatar over a rip-roaring pop hook. It's damn replayable, which is something not often said about Grease 2.
9. Alanis Morissette, "Uninvited" from City of Angels
City of Angels is one of those infuriating movies that dares to take its ridiculous melodrama seriously. It's a feature-length Creed video. Thankfully its soundtrack was a rightful blockbuster featuring original tracks by U2 and -- perhaps most famously -- the Goo Goo Dolls,...
- 2/4/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director, in association with Robert D. Wachs producer of the hit films Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop 2, Coming to America, will mount a lab workshop of the new disco revue-sical, Last Dance featuring the music of legendary pop master Paul Jabara Enough is Enough, Its Raining Men, Last Dance, and more with book by Shaun McKenna Lord of the Rings, The Musical. Last Dance will play 5 performances tonight, September 20 23, 2012 at at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.
- 9/20/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director, in association with Robert D. Wachs producer of the hit films Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop 2, Coming to America, present the developmental lab of the new disco musical, Last Dance, featuring songs by the legendary Academy, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning pop master Paul Jabara Enough is Enough, Its Raining Men, Last Dance, and more with book by Shaun McKenna Lord of the Rings, The Musical.
- 9/19/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Today we are focusing a super-special spotlight on one of the Falls most intriguing musical entries trying out in New York, the York Theatre Companys lab mounting of the new Paul Jabara jukebox musical Last Dance, by talking to the shows lead, recognizable TV and film star Rob Morrow, and the shows lead producer, noted comedic shepherd and filmmaker Robert D. Wachs, whom filled me in on all aspects of the show in a comprehensive chat late last week just prior to this weeks start of rehearsals. In this all-encompassing conversation, Morrow, Wachs and I discuss the genesis of the new disco-themed musical celebrating the life and career of Jabara, the accomplished Emmy, Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Broadway shows Rachael Lily Rosenbloom And Dont You Ever Forget It, movie songs Last Dance from Thank God Its Friday the titular The Main Event and numerous poprockdisco hits, such as...
- 9/1/2012
- by Pat Cerasaro
- BroadwayWorld.com
The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director, in association with Robert D. Wachs producer of the hit films Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop 2, Coming to America, presents the developmental lab production of the new disco musical, Last Dance, featuring songs by the legendary Academy, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning pop master Paul Jabara Enough is Enough, Its Raining Men, Last Dance, and more with book by Shaun McKenna Lord of the Rings, The Musical. Under the direction of Philip Wm. McKinley Spiderman Turn Off the Dark, The Boy from Oz, and with choreography by Carol Schuberg Meet Me in St. Louis and musical direction by Wendy Cavett Mamma Mia, the five-member cast also features Katrina Lenk Spider-man Turn Off the Dark, Anastacia McClesky Priscilla, Queen of the Desert EmmyAward nominee Rob Morrow Northern Exposure, Numb3rs, Jack Noseworthy Jerome Robbins Broadway and Jill Shackner Les Miserables. Last Dance will play 5 performances only,...
- 8/28/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director, in association with Robert D. Wachs has announced final casting with the addition of Katrina Lenk Spider-man Turn Off the Dark and Anastacia McClesky Priscilla, Queen of the Desert to the cast of the developmental lab of the new disco musical, Last Dance, featuring songs by the legendary Academy, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning pop master Paul Jabara Enough is Enough, Its Raining Men, Last Dance, and more with book by Shaun McKenna Lord of the Rings, The Musical.
- 8/27/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director, in association with Robert D. Wachs producer of the hit films Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop 2, Coming to America, will mount a lab workshop of the new disco revue-sical, Last Dance featuring the music of legendary pop master Paul Jabara Enough is Enough, Its Raining Men, Last Dance, and more with book by Shaun McKenna Lord of the Rings, The Musical. Last Dance will play 5 performances, September 20 23, 2012 at at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.
- 7/18/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
In 1979, Donna Summer -- who died May 17 of cancer at age 63 -- and Barbra Streisand were two of the biggest singing stars on the business. Their music played across the globe. Summer was with Casablanca Records and Streisand with Columbia. But despite their stature and the layers of execs behind their careers, getting the two women to duet together on the chart-topping single "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" happened in one whirlwind week, according to Summer's longtime friend, songwriter Bruce Roberts. Photos: Donna Summer's Life and Career Roberts and his partner on the single, songwriter Paul Jabara,
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- 5/19/2012
- by Degen Pener
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Goodbye to disco queen Donna Summer who died yesterday at 63 of cancer. She was one of the rare through lines in popular music of the 70s and 80s -- doesn't it seem like disco had its inordinate share of one hit wonders? But not Donna. Hit after hit and her voice defined the era: I Feel Love, Macarthur Park, Love to Love Ya Baby, No More Tears (Enough is Enough) and so on...
Donna was a "special guest star" in the movie, but promoted to top billed for the DVD release despite her small role.
Donna wrote or co-wrote some of her hits but not "Last Dance", the Oscar-winning one. Still, you can bet her indelible vocals helped win songwriter Paul Jabara that naked gold man. As you can see in the image up top Donna became the film's most important selling point retroactively on DVD but in the original poster,...
Donna was a "special guest star" in the movie, but promoted to top billed for the DVD release despite her small role.
Donna wrote or co-wrote some of her hits but not "Last Dance", the Oscar-winning one. Still, you can bet her indelible vocals helped win songwriter Paul Jabara that naked gold man. As you can see in the image up top Donna became the film's most important selling point retroactively on DVD but in the original poster,...
- 5/18/2012
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Singer Donna Summer, who died of cancer at age 63 earlier today, was featured in only one movie: Robert Klane’s Thank God It’s Friday. The unpretentious 1978 disco comedy musical is chiefly notable for the Paul Jabara-written song "Last Dance" — one of Summer’s biggest hits — which earned the Best Original Song Academy Award. Donna Summer songs, however, have been featured in a number of movies, ranging from Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle to Ron Howard’s Oscar-nominated Frost/Nixon. Among Summer’s best-known songs are "MacArthur’s Park," "On the Radio," "She Works Hard for the Money," and "Bad Girls." The lesser known "Down Deep Inside," which Summer co-wrote with John Barry, was a Golden Globe nominee in 1977, as it was featured in Peter Yates’ box-office hit The Deep. Donna Summer’s stardom faded in the ’80s, following the demise of the disco vogue and reports that the...
- 5/17/2012
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The chance to spend a Sunday morning amidst barechested hunks is just one of the many perks of being Martha Wash.
The 58-year-old Wash and her herd of oiled-up, sinewy stallions have touched down at Manhattan's Eagle Nest Studio, where they will be shot by celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz just in time for the 30th anniversary re-release of "It's Raining Men," the 1982 smash that the dance diva recorded as one half of pop duo The Weather Girls. Ruiz's slick images will feature Wash, clad in a deep purple gown and jewel-studded belt, making like a Greek goddess as she rises from a huddle of glistening muscle.
The shots will no doubt please Wash's legions of gay fans, some of whom probably weren't even alive when the song first had the clubs thumping from dusk until dawn. Yet the success of "It's Raining Men," which was written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer,...
The 58-year-old Wash and her herd of oiled-up, sinewy stallions have touched down at Manhattan's Eagle Nest Studio, where they will be shot by celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz just in time for the 30th anniversary re-release of "It's Raining Men," the 1982 smash that the dance diva recorded as one half of pop duo The Weather Girls. Ruiz's slick images will feature Wash, clad in a deep purple gown and jewel-studded belt, making like a Greek goddess as she rises from a huddle of glistening muscle.
The shots will no doubt please Wash's legions of gay fans, some of whom probably weren't even alive when the song first had the clubs thumping from dusk until dawn. Yet the success of "It's Raining Men," which was written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer,...
- 5/11/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
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