Donna Summer, Dead at 63

The main theme of this year seems to tinge on inexplicable loss especially in the music industry. First Whitney Houston’s tragic passing back in February, then a few weeks ago we said a tearful goodbye to Beastie Boys main MC, Adam Yauch, and now we are confronted with another reason to bid adieu to another immeasurable talent who was a legend in her own right.

The woman who re-defined the disco era to such an extent that she had to be knighted the Queen of Disco, has died. Donna Summer who  waged a long battle with lung cancer was 63 years old.

Summer entranced the 70’s with her vibrancy, sensually fluid vocals and dynamic melodies that were peppered with flecks of eroticism which sometimes caused flashes of controversy. Her 1975 hit Love to Love You Baby fell into the category when radio stations were hesitant to give it any air play. But it ended up becoming an endearing classic that can still rev up discotheques decades later. There are so many other classics that provide the perfect soundtrack to an era that had more than its share of one hit wonders. MacArthur Park, Last Dance, I feel Love, Bad Girls, Hot Stuff, the list goes on.

After a life predictably filled with ups and downs, as she battled anxiety, depression and addiction while all the while embracing her meteoritic rise to fame, she found her solace in religion and became a born-again Christian in the late 70’s.

As the years rolled by she still remained active, and released her final album Crayons in 2008.

Her death is a huge blow to her legion of fans that devoutly followed her through out the years.

She is survived by her husband, three children and four grandchildren.

For more on this breaking story, visit Billboard.com