Donna Summer - A Tribute

by Andrew Roberts

I’m sure every one of us has a music artist who we truly regard as our favourite one, even though we say many are. For me there’s a choice of two and sadly one of them has just passed away, Donna Summer.

Donna Summer’s story is similar to many singers of her time, raised close to the church and finding their voices through singing with the choir there. Donna went on to work in musical theatre and her move to Germany with a touring production led her to meeting the music producer Giorgio Moroder. It was with him that she made her greatest songs and in my opinion some of the best music you will hear.

It started with “Love to Love You Baby” in 1975, feeling the song wasn’t quite right at around four minutes, it was decided to extend it to close to 17 minutes. With this “extended mix” the 12” single was born. The song created much controversy due to its “graphic content” and was banned by many radio stations, but it was a big hit with the disco crowd.

In 1977, Donna and Giorgio revolutionised music again by making a synthesised disco record, “I Feel Love”. I’ve always upheld the belief that, now in a modern club, the song would not sound like it is over 30 years old and is possibly one of my favourite records ever.

Hits followed such as "Hot Stuff", "Bad Girls", "Last Dance" and her massive diva duet with Barbra Streisand "Enough is Enough". Donna worked with Stock Aitken & Waterman in the late 80s and continued to make music up until her death.

I could dissect every single Donna Summer song at length and pick at her private and public life. Yes, there are issues surrounding her comments made in the 80s but I don’t want to go into that, because I’d like to remember her music rather than her personality.

I’m truly saddened by her passing and rather than ramble on, I’ll just leave you with one of the undisputed Queen of Disco’s greatest songs.