Donna Summer

Ashburn

Donna Summer's title as the "Queen of Disco" wasn't mere hype. Like many of her contemporaries, she was a talented vocalist trained as a powerful gospel belter, but she set herself apart with her songwriting ability, magnetic stage presence, and shrewd choice of studio collaborators, all of which resulted in sustained success. During the '70s alone, she topped the Billboard club chart 11 times with high-quality, often high-concept material that included the rapturous "Love to Love You Baby" (1975), the innovative "I Feel Love" (1977), a radically transformed "MacArthur Park" (1978), and one of her five Grammy-winning recordings, "Hot Stuff" (1979). These crossover hits embodied the disco era with audacious musicality and uninhibited eroticism. After her subgenre was declared dead, Summer was very much part of the evolution of dance music. Through the feminist anthem "She Works Hard for the Money" (1983), she became an MTV star, and she continued to top the club chart with disco-rooted house singles through 2010, 35 years after her breakthrough. Summer died from cancer in 2012 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the next year.

Summer was born LaDonna Andre Gaines on December 31, 1948, and grew up in Boston's Mission Hill section. Part of a religious family, she first sang in her church's gospel choir, and as a teenager performed with a rock group called the Crow. After high school, she moved to New York to sing and act in stage productions, and soon landed a role in a German production of Hair. She moved to Europe around 1968/1969, and spent a year in the German cast, after which she became part of the Hair company in Vienna. She joined the Viennese Folk Opera, and later returned to Germany, where she settled in Munich and met and married Helmut Sommer, adopting an Anglicized version of his last name. Summer performed in various stage musicals and worked as a studio vocalist in Munich, recording demos and background vocals. Her first solo recording was 1971's "Sally Go 'Round the Roses," but success would not come until 1974, when she met producers/songwriters <a href="spotify:artist:6jU2Tt13MmXYk0ZBv1KmfO">Giorgio Moroder</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:3Pgn49CnEKCcsc9FOQ5v9T">Pete Bellotte</a> while working on a <a href="spotify:artist:4FAEZeJcsYYBkNq2D3KGTV">Three Dog Night</a> record. The three teamed up for the single "The Hostage," which became a hit around Western Europe, and Summer released her first album, Lady of the Night, in Europe only. In 1975, the trio recorded "Love to Love You Baby," inspired by <a href="spotify:artist:01C9OoXDvCKkGcf735Tcfo">Serge Gainsbourg</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:4XYH5Be5pn1qkxhfaID3J5">Jane Birkin</a>'s lush, heavy-breathing opus "Je T'aime...Moi Non Plus." Powered by Summer's graphic moans, "Love to Love You Baby" became a massive hit in Europe, and drew the attention of <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Casablanca+Records%22">Casablanca Records</a>, which put the track out in America. A 17-minute, side-long epic on the LP of the same name, its single version topped the Billboard club chart and climbed to number two on the Hot 100. 

In the wake of "Love to Love You Baby," albums (as opposed to just singles) became an important forum for Summer and her producers. The 1976 follow-up Love Trilogy contained another side-long suite in "Try Me (I Know We Can Make It Work)," and demonstrated <a href="spotify:artist:6jU2Tt13MmXYk0ZBv1KmfO">Moroder</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:3Pgn49CnEKCcsc9FOQ5v9T">Bellotte</a>'s growing sophistication as arrangers with its lush, sweeping strings. Four Seasons of Love, released later in the year, was a concept album with one track dedicated to each season, and 1977's I Remember Yesterday featured a variety of genre exercises. Despite the album's title, it produced the most forward-looking single in Summer and <a href="spotify:artist:6jU2Tt13MmXYk0ZBv1KmfO">Moroder</a>'s catalog, the monumental "I Feel Love." Eschewing the strings and typical disco excess, "I Feel Love" was the first major pop hit recorded with an entirely synthesized backing track; its lean, sleek arrangement and driving, hypnotic pulse laid the groundwork not only for countless Euro-dance imitators, but also for the techno revolution of the '80s and '90s. It became Summer's second Top Ten hit in the U.S., and she followed it with Once Upon a Time, another concept album, this one retelling the story of Cinderella for the disco era.

Summer's albums were selling well, bolstered by her popularity in the dance clubs, and she was poised to become a major pop hitmaker as well. Her acting turn in the 1978 disco-themed comedy Thank God It's Friday produced another hit in "Last Dance," which won her a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal (as well as an Oscar for songwriter <a href="spotify:artist:5Zuc5RoEtjXHvWXO3h4A79">Paul Jabara</a>). Doubtlessly benefiting from the added exposure, the double-LP set Live and More became Summer's first number one album later that year. It featured one side of new studio material, including a disco cover of the psychedelic pop epic "MacArthur Park" that became her first number one pop single early the next year. Her 1979 double-LP Bad Girls featured more of her songwriting contributions than ever, and went straight to number one, as did the lusty singles "Bad Girls" -- co-written with husband <a href="spotify:artist:603Q8uOwTjPYqTTBfwF8pZ">Bruce Sudano</a> -- and "Hot Stuff," which made Summer the first female artist ever to score three number one singles in the same calendar year. ("Hot Stuff" also won that year's Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female.) Her greatest-hits package On the Radio topped the Billboard 200, the first time any artist had ever hit number one with three consecutive double LPs; the newly recorded title track became another hit, and Summer's duet with <a href="spotify:artist:7jmTilWYlKOuavFfmQAcu6">Barbra Streisand</a>, "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)," became her fourth number one single.

At the peak of her success, Summer decided to leave <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Casablanca%22">Casablanca</a>, and became the first artist signed to the new <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Geffen%22">Geffen</a> label. Sensing that the disco era was coming to a close, Summer modified her style to include more R&B and pop/rock on her first <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Geffen%22">Geffen</a> album, 1980's The Wanderer; the album and its title track were both hits. Not wanting to alienate her core audience, Summer returned to pure dance music on an attempted follow-up; however, <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Geffen%22">Geffen</a> deemed I'm a Rainbow not worthy of release (it was finally issued in 1996). Instead, Summer ended her collaboration with <a href="spotify:artist:6jU2Tt13MmXYk0ZBv1KmfO">Moroder</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:3Pgn49CnEKCcsc9FOQ5v9T">Bellotte</a> and teamed up with <a href="spotify:artist:3rxIQc9kWT6Ueg4BhnOwRK">Quincy Jones</a> for 1982's Donna Summer. "Love Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)" was a significant hit. With producer <a href="spotify:artist:7nI3WkJ9XmtzjVZHwllf8n">Michael Omartian</a>, Summer moved back into post-disco dance music and contemporary R&B with 1983's She Works Hard for the Money. Its title track was another crossover smash, given an extra boost by its highly choreographed video, and was nominated for multiple MTV Video Awards. At the same time, Summer had success with faith-based material; "He's a Rebel," also off She Works Hard for the Money, and "Forgive Me," off 1984's Cats Without Claws, made Summer a back-to-back winner of the Grammy award for Best Inspirational Performance. 

After the 1987 effort All Systems Go, Summer hired the British production team of <a href="spotify:artist:50BrFLpdOH9fSZt35pM46K">Stock, Aitken & Waterman</a> and scored her last major mainstream hit with the 1989 Top Ten single "This Time I Know It's for Real," from the album Another Place & Time. She released only one proper album the following decade, 1991's Mistaken Identity, but she did make some noise in clubs with "Melody of Love," from the 1994 retrospective Endless Summer, and reunited with <a href="spotify:artist:6jU2Tt13MmXYk0ZBv1KmfO">Moroder</a> for the 1997 non-LP single "Carry On," which won the inaugural Grammy for Best Dance Recording. 

Summer subsequently signed a deal with <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Sony%22">Sony</a>, which primed her for re-establishment with 1999's VH1 Presents: Live and More Encore!, a recording that featured the new song "I Will Go with You (Con Te Partiro)," another number one club hit. After a couple additional non-album singles, she released the energetic and eclectic Crayons. Four of its singles scaled to the top of the dance chart. Summer remained intermittently active with concert and TV appearances during the next several years, and released "To Paris with Love," her final chart-topping single, in 2010. Summer died from lung cancer on May 17, 2012. The following April, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ~ Steve Huey, Rovi

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Donna Summer: GREATEST HITS

The complete discography of Donna Summer, including previosuly unreleased mixes from Another Place &amp; Time (Deluxe) - Out Now! For Donna Summer's biggest hits check out the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7kMTqYqk0dDpGwv1AYIIKf?si=046cdd27ba144447">Top Tracks</a> playlist.

Donna Summer: COMPLETE

The ultimate Donna Summer playlist featuring; I Feel Love,  State Of Independence, Love To Love You Baby, This Time I Know It's For Real, Hot Stuff, On The Radio, MacArthur Park, Dinner With Gershwin, Bad Girls, She Works Hard For The Money, Romeo and Last Dance. 

Welcome to the official YouTube channel for the queen of disco, Donna Summer. Featuring HD music videos, live performances and more. 🪩 


Enjoy The Best of Donna Summer in this official artist playlist! #DonnaSummer

The Official Donna Summer Playlist • The Best of Donna Summer

Watch and enjoy these iconic Donna Summer live performances!

Donna Summer • Live Performances

Watch and enjoy the official music videos of Donna Summer in this playlist!

Donna Summer • Official Music Videos

Classic TOTP performance of 'This Time I Know It's For Real', by Donna Summer

Originally performed on Top of the Pops, this has been newly restored to HD.

Watch more videos by Donna Summer:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dX999wO3gBsS1qzm4I-KA

Listen to more by Donna Summer:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eogQKWWoohI3BSnoG7E2U?si=_huuKOxQRR26o8AAhrZ9Yg
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.co.uk/music/player/artists/B001E3SY0U/donna-summer
Apple - https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/donna-summer/49155
YouTube Music - https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCyRT5w65wAC7kwih0xaTo0w

Follow Donna Summer:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DonnaSummer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/oaodonnasummer
Tik-Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@donnasummer?lang=en

Lyrics:

… What would I have to do
To get you to notice me too
Do I, stand in line
One of a million admiring eyes
… Walk a tightrope way up high
Write your name, across the sky

… I'm going crazy just to let you know
You'd be amazed how much I love you so, oh baby
When I get my hands on you, I won't let go
This time I know it's for real

… Should I write or call your home
Shout it out with a megaphone
Radio, TV news, Got to find a way to get the message to you

… To say I love you with a neon sign
Anything, to make you mine

… I'm going crazy just to let you know
If I wait too long for you I might explode, oh baby
I've been around the block enough to know
This time I know it's for real

… Oh baby
This time, this time, this time, this time
Oh babe
This time, this time, oh babe

… Walk a tightrope way up high
Write your name across the sky

… I'm going crazy just to let you know
You'd be amazed how much I love you so, oh baby
When I get my hands on you I won't let go
This time I know it's for real

… I'm going crazy just to let you know
If I wait too long for you I might explode, oh baby
I've been around the block enough to know
This time I know it's for real

#donnasummer #thistimeiknowitsforreal #topofthepops

Donna Summer - This Time I Know It's for Real (Top of the Pops 09/03/1989) [TOTP HD]

Before diving deeper into the making of the Donna “Summer Time” boxset, a few words from Michael on how he first got introduced to Donna's music! Tell us, what was the first Donna Summer song you listened to? 

Pre-order here: https://dsummer.lnk.to/summertime

#DonnaSummer #Disco #CDs #Boxset #PopMusic

Donna Summer "Summer Time" box set - Get to know Michael

72 singles across 40 CDs, housed in a beautiful box set and featuring singles covers from around the world, the Summer Time boxset is out in a few weeks! Make sure to get yours before they’re all gone!  

Pre-order here: https://dsummer.lnk.to/summertime

#Disco #PopMusic #DiscoMusic

Donna Summer - "Summer Time - The Singles Collection 1974-2010"

Michael & Mark, who oversee Donna Summer's catalogue on the label side, discuss how the “Summer Time” boxset came to be, what is included, and how they became lifelong fans of Donna. Stay tuned for more!

Pre-order here: https://dsummer.lnk.to/summertime

#DonnaSummer #Disco #CDs #Boxset #PopMusic

Donna Summer "Summer Time" boxset overview

We might be in the middle of winter, but summer time isn't far off, with the release of Donna Summer's "Summer Time - The CD Singles Box Set" at the end of the month! Have you ordered yours yet?

Pre-order here: https://dsummer.lnk.to/summertime

#Disco #PopMusic #DiscoMusic

Donna Summer - "Summer Time - The Singles Collection 1974-2010" box set

Classic TOTP performance of 'State of Independence', by Donna Summer

Newly restored to HD

Watch more videos by Donna Summer:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dX999wO3gBsS1qzm4I-KA

Listen to more by Donna Summer:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eogQKWWoohI3BSnoG7E2U?si=_huuKOxQRR26o8AAhrZ9Yg
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.co.uk/music/player/artists/B001E3SY0U/donna-summer
Apple - https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/donna-summer/49155
YouTube Music - https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCyRT5w65wAC7kwih0xaTo0w

Follow Donna Summer:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DonnaSummer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/oaodonnasummer
Tik-Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@donnasummer?lang=en

Lyrics

Sounds like a signal from you
Bring me to meet your sound
And I will bring you to my heart

Love, like a signal you call
Touching my body
My soul
Bring to me
You to meet me here

Home
Be the temple of your heart
Home
Be the body of your love
Just like holy water to my lips
Hey, hey

Yes
I do know how I survive
Yes
I do know why I'm alive
To love and be with you
Day by day, by day, by day

Time, time again
It is said
We will hear
We will see
See it all in His wisdom hear

His truth will abound the land
This truth will abound the land

This state of independence shall be
This state of independence shall be

Say
Yeah-e-yay
Yeah-e-yo
Yeah-e-yay
Yeah-e-yo

Be the sound of higher love today
Yeah-e-yeah
(Hey, hey)

Time, time again
It is said
We will hear
We will see
See it all in His wisdom hear

His truth will abound the land
This truth will abound the land

This state of independence shall be
This state of independence shall be

This state of independence shall be

#Donna #LiveMusic #PopMusic

Donna Summer - State Of Independence (Top of the Pops 11/11/1982) [TOTP HD]

Take a trip back to 1987, with the performance of "Dinner With Gershwin" on Top Of The Pops, now restored to HD and live over on Donna Summer's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/XHajJcV3WlM

Donna Summer sings "Dinner With Gershwin" on TOTP (1987)

#Donna #LiveMusic #PopMusic 

Official video for 'Dinner With Gershwin', by Donna Summer

Newly restored to HD

Watch more videos by Donna Summer:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dX999wO3gBsS1qzm4I-KA

Listen to more by Donna Summer:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eogQKWWoohI3BSnoG7E2U?si=_huuKOxQRR26o8AAhrZ9Yg
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.co.uk/music/player/artists/B001E3SY0U/donna-summer
Apple - https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/donna-summer/49155
YouTube Music - https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCyRT5w65wAC7kwih0xaTo0w

Follow Donna Summer:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DonnaSummer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/oaodonnasummer
Tik-Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@donnasummer?lang=en

Lyrics:

I want to have dinner with Gershwin
I want to watch Rembrandt sketch
I want to talk theory with Curie
Impossible I guess

I want to talk moods with Picasso
On a rendezvous
I want to fly double with Earhart
I want to get next to you
Next to you

So close
Just as close as I can get
The rain of your worry
Can't effect
What I feel is what I feel
One touch
Of your greatness
Is what I need
My circle of fantasy
Would be complete

I want to sing hymns with Mahalia
When the day is through
I want to tell you about it
I want to get next to you
Next to you

So close
Just as close as I can get
The rain of your worry
Can't effect
What I feel is what I feel
One touch
Of your greatness
Is what I need
My circle of fantasy
Would be complete

So close
Just as close as I can get
The rain of your worries
Can't effect
What I feel is what I feel
One touch
Of your greatness
Is what I need
My circle of fantasy
Would be complete

I want to have dinner with Gershwin
I want to watch Rembrandt sketch
I want to talk theory with Curie
I want to get next to you
next to you

Donna Summer - Dinner With Gershwin (Top of The Pops 19/11/1987) [TOTP HD]

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of @RealDonnaSummer 'Cats Without Claws', the album has received a re-awakening, with five tracks being remixed for this milestone release. Listen/Order 'Cats Without Claws (40th anniversary)' here: https://dsummer.lnk.to/catsclaws

0:00 - Supernatural Love
03:35 - It's Not The Way
07:59 - There Goes My Baby
12:08 - Suzanna16:38 - Cats Without Claws
21:03 - Oh Billy, Please
25:59 - Eyes
30:46 - Maybe It's Over
35:31 - I’m Free
40:01 - Forgive Me
44:31 - Forgive Me [Steve Anderson Remix]
49:11 - Supernatural Love [ShyBoy Remix]
53:53 - I’m Free [7th Heaven Club Mix]
59:43 - Oh Billy, Please [Ladies On Mars Remix]
1:03:46 - Face The Music
1:08:02 - Suzanna [Ladies On Mars Remix]
1:12:34 - Eyes [Extended Mix]
1:19:32 - I’m Free [7th Heaven Radio Edit]
1:23:24 - Forgive Me [Steve Anderson Extended Disco Mix]

Enjoy iconic Donna Summer's tracks, remixed by Steve Anderson, 7th Heaven, Ladies On Mars and ShyBoy, which all add a special spark and contemporary gloss to half of the Album.

1984’s “Cats Without Claws” is  ⁨Donna Summer 's third album released for Geffen Records, which was produced by Michael Omartian, who also worked on “She Works Hard For The Money” a year earlier. 
He gave the album a mid-’80s dance/pop themed sound, which showcased Donna’s talents yet again. The album includes the singles ‘Supernatural Love’, ‘There Goes My Baby’ and ‘Eyes’.
The Album reached the Top 30 in several countries across Europe and became a Top 40 album in the USA and Japan. Donna also won a Grammy Award, for Best Inspirational Performance for the album’s final track, ‘Forgive Me’.

Watch more videos by Donna Summer:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dX999wO3gBsS1qzm4I-KA

Follow Donna Summer:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DonnaSummer
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/officialdonnasummer
Tik-Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@donnasummer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/oaodonnasummer

Listen to Donna Summer:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eogQKWWoohI3BSnoG7E2U?si=_huuKOxQRR26o8AAhrZ9Yg
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.co.uk/music/player/artists/B001E3SY0U/donna-summer
Apple - https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/donna-summer/49155
YouTube Music - https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCyRT5w65wAC7kwih0xaTo0w

#DonnaSummer #PopMusic #80sMusic

Cats Without Claws (40th Anniversary) [Full Album]

Official video for 'Supernatural Love', by Donna Summer

Newly restored to HD

Watch more videos by Donna Summer:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dX999wO3gBsS1qzm4I-KA

Listen to more by Donna Summer:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2eogQKWWoohI3BSnoG7E2U?si=_huuKOxQRR26o8AAhrZ9Yg
Amazon Music - https://www.amazon.co.uk/music/player/artists/B001E3SY0U/donna-summer
Apple - https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/donna-summer/49155
YouTube Music - https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCyRT5w65wAC7kwih0xaTo0w

Follow Donna Summer:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DonnaSummer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/oaodonnasummer
Tik-Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@donnasummer?lang=en

Lyrics:

We were strangers
Who once were lovers
We've been everlasting friends

I was shattered
When you walked out, boy
I was walking off the edge

Friends, said I looked so down-hearted
When you left
Now my broken heart is stable
I'm starting to mend
Got you back and I'm living again

Oh, this must be love
That sets my soul on fire
A supernatural love
(this must be)
That makes my flame burn higher
A supernatural love

Life was only tear drops falling down
From my eyes
Now my broken heart is stable
Oh, I'm coming alive
I can't fight what I'm feeling inside

This must be love
That sets my soul on fire
A supernatural love
(oh, this must be)
That makes my flame burn higher
A supernatural love
That gets me so excited
A supernatural love
(oh, this must be)
That makes us true survivors
A supernatural love

Friends, said I looked so down-hearted
When, when you left
Now, my broken heart is stable
I'm starting to mend
Got you back and I'm living again

Oh, this must be love
That sets my soul on fire
A supernatural love
(oh, this must be)
That makes my flame burn higher
A supernatural love
That gets me so excited
A supernatural love
(oh, this must be)
That makes us true survivors
A supernatural love

Donna Summer

Cats Without Claws (40th Anniversary)

Another Place & Time (Deluxe)

She Works Hard For The Money (Deluxe Edition)

Donna Summer (40th Anniversary Edition)

I'm a Rainbow: Recovered & Recoloured

The Wanderer (40th Anniversary)

Love To Love You Donna

Donna Summer

Crayons

VH1 Presents Live & More Encore!

RUN (Disco)

RUN (Ibiza)

RUN (Lollapalooza)

RUN (Tomorrowland)

RUN (Piano Diaries)

Oh Billy, Please (Ladies on Mars Remix)

Supernatural Love (Shyboy Remix)

Forgive Me (Steve Anderson Extended Disco Mix)

Forgive Me (Steve Anderson Remix)

Black Power / Minotti On The Run

ドライブが楽しくなる洋楽ヒッツ！80年代 HITS

Charlie's Angels (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Casablanca Records Greatest Hits

Disco Party 2021

This Is Donna Summer

Donna Summer Radio

80s Party

All Out 70s