Remembering Donna Summer, 12 years after her death
It was 12 years ago this morning when TV viewers woke up to the breaking news that the 'Queen of Disco' was dead at 63 years old. What was shocking about her death was that no one knew she was diagnosed with lung cancer in August, 2011 as she kept her private life very private. Celebrities who were friends with her weren't aware of her illness, either - including record producer David Foster who was with her a few weeks earlier going over material for a new album. Barbra Streisand said she was shocked because she looked so 'vital' the last time she was with her in March at a friend's dinner party. Bruce Springsteen opened his concert in South America with a recording of Summer's 'Last Dance' and the appeared on stage teary eyed.
Summer won a collection of Grammys, had four #1 hits from 1978-79, and the only artist to score three #1 double albums consecutively. She set many records in her 35 year career, and was influential to a lot of female singers in the 80s - 20s.
| by Anonymous | reply 15 | May 17, 2024 11:52 PM
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I’ve always found the whole born-again story odd. Did she or did she not say those anti-gay things?
No, I didn’t, she said.
Yes, she did. I heard her, some say.
But she was riding high and suddenly just plummeted. Something had to have happened beyond music tastes changing.
| by Anonymous | reply 2 | May 17, 2024 12:17 PM
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I never believed the idea that she said the whole "Adam and Eve" thing but years after she died, Giorgio Moroder said she really was homophobic thanks to becoming Born Again. So now, I don't know.
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | May 17, 2024 1:24 PM
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She made great music. I could care less what her views are.
| by Anonymous | reply 4 | May 17, 2024 2:26 PM
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Well, I could not care less what her beliefs/opinions were. I liked her music
| by Anonymous | reply 6 | May 17, 2024 2:32 PM
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R2 She won the lawsuit against New York magazine. They had absolutely no proof nor evidence she said that, even though they reported it. I believe she gave her winnings to and AIDS charity.
| by Anonymous | reply 7 | May 17, 2024 10:39 PM
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Her most underrated song. IMHO
| by Anonymous | reply 9 | May 17, 2024 10:54 PM
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What gays complained about her besides Giorgio Moroder? I’ve read other accounts by gay men who found her to be kind and very professional - after she was born again.
| by Anonymous | reply 10 | May 17, 2024 11:02 PM
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R8 The libel lawsuit she filed against them in 1991. I should clarify that the publisher settled 'out of court' with Summer, as the reporter had zero proof that she said anything of the kind, but reported it as factual anyhow. If the reporter had anything - such as a recording or a witness - they would have gone to trial and proven their case.
| by Anonymous | reply 11 | May 17, 2024 11:04 PM
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She was great but we just had a discussion about her. I know I can just skip but I didn’t.
| by Anonymous | reply 12 | May 17, 2024 11:12 PM
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Remember the Christie's auction a few months ago ? Turns out one of the winning bidders was the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. They have acquired a few of her gowns and shoes. They are currently on display as part of their new "Dress Up" exhibit, which will be on display through Labor Day. If you're in Boston this summer - make a trip to see it. (The museum has a fine art collection).
| by Anonymous | reply 13 | May 17, 2024 11:22 PM
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For me, it damn well would have mattered what her views were, no matter how good her music. I wouldn’t give money to somebody preaching homophobia from the stage.
| by Anonymous | reply 14 | May 17, 2024 11:33 PM
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