Inner Michael

Donna Summer, Queen of Disco and seventies singing maven passed into the light on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Donna Summer was another of those musical iconic images that defined the music of the twentieth century and in particular, the seventies.

Disco was happy music and it made you move; dance became an artform in the seventies. THe most recognized of Donna Summer’s hits are:
Last Dance- 1978 – The Best of Donna Summer: Live & More
She Works Hard for the Money- 1983: Blue Live Lady
Love to Love You Baby- 1975
Bad Girls- 1977- Greatest Hits, Vol. II
Hot Stuff- 1977-Greatest Hits, Vol. II
I Feel Love- 1977: I Remember Yesterday

These songs defined a decade and “She Works Hard for the Money” became an anthem for working women and feminists who wanted equal pay for equal work of their male counterparts.

Summer remained relevant after the disco craze crashed as suddently as it rose. Her roots were rock- inspired and she returned to those roots winning yet another Grammy for a total of 5 during her career.

A mezzo-soprano, she experimented with sounds like Michael Jackon and recorded while lying on the floor in the dark and using her imagination to create the vocals that came through on her steamy record “Love to Love You Baby.” She knew Michael Jackson and she commented on his passing:

Bling, glitter and glam was not exclusive to Michael- Summer was a trend setter and fashion icon who gave credence to the anthem of the sixties that spread through the world in the seventies: “Black is Beautiful.” She was a singer, songwriter and actress who began her career singing in her church. From the moment, she heard her own voice, she knew she would be famous.

Donna Summer was also no stranger to controversy. She too was a black artist with a mystique struggling to be relevant; She was married to a white man and was targeted for things that she said that were misunderstood and repeated in the press. She attracted blonde white men and gay women. Donna’s life also was work and creativity and she had insomnia. She felt too that God had placed her on the planet and given her fame for a reason. No wonder she and Michael Jackson were friends. It’s been reported there is a duet being rehearsed as we speak. Rest well, Donna; thank you for the memories.