Chicago got a little hotter this past month when famed singer/songwriter and the undisputed “Queen of Disco,” Donna Summer (born LaDonna Adrian Gaines) came into town. The crowd comprised of all races, genders, and sexual orientation was electric and eager to listen to legendary music store owner, Dedry Jones interview Ms. Summer for The Music Experience. Best known for a series of number one dance hit singles in the late 1970s, the "Queen of Disco" is one of the few disco-based artists to have longevity in the recording industry after years after the disco’s height of popularity.
While still looking good in a flattering two-piece and dark sunglasses, Ms. Summer was witty, funny, and surprising inspirational. Singing back-up for groups such as Three Dog Night, touring in Germany and being married twice has brought her more than her fair share of lessons. “I believe that everything happens for a reason and God has definitely looked out for me during my lifetime,” admonishes Ms. Summer. Early in her career she met producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte. With these producers, Summer signed a contract in the Netherlands and issued her first album, Lady of the Night, which included the European hit, "The Hostage". The single made #1 in France and Belgium, and #2 in the Netherlands. Its follow-up, the title track of the album, also gained some degree of European success.But Chicagoans and Donna Summer fans can never forget the entrancing hit, "Love To Love You Baby." That was Summer’s first big hit in America, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in early 1976 (the year I was born and is STILL hot!) and becoming her first Number-One Hot Dance Club Play chart hit.
Some other of Donna Summer’s achievements include five Grammy Awards including one in a rock category, as winner of the first ever Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1980 for her single "Hot Stuff". Also, she’s had fourteen Top 10 US pop singles, 19 number-one singles, and became the first female artist to score three consecutive number-one double albums and have three number-one pop singles in the same year. “I absolutely love Chicago,” exclaimed Donna Summer. “Its such a beautiful city, with beautiful people and great places to each and shop. I absolutely love coming here.”
On May 20, 2008, Summer released her first album of totally new songs in 17 years, Crayons, in Chicago and worldwide on Sony BMG affiliate Burgundy Records. She continued to wow audiences by performing on the season finale of "American Idol.” With the release of Crayons, Summer reached her highest debut on the U.S charts and her first top 20 album since She Works Hard For The Money in 1983. Summer has become the first artist ever to have a #1 hit on the U.S. club charts in each of the past four decades. Watch out…it’s going to be a long Summer. Enjoy!