She really did work hard for her money.

Donna Summer, dubbed by many as the “Disco Queen” was more than just a disco icon, and fought hard to not be cast into that mold alone.

She told CNN in 2008, “I don’t like to be categorized because I think that I am an instrument, and if you play me, I’ll make whatever particular sound is supposed to come out for that color. And so, in the overall spectrum of things, I’m just trying to be true to my — what I feel my mission is.”

She crossed many musical genres other than the one she is most often remembered for. Yes, she helped define the disco era and became one of its leading voices, but she had successful R&B, rock, inspirational, and dance hits as well.

She was raised on gospel music but also said she grew up on rock and roll and once remarked, “I like the Moody Blues, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones as well as Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, the Supremes and Temptations. I didn’t know many white kids who didn’t know the Supremes; I don’t know many black kids who don’t know the Moody Blues.”

Summer first sprang to fame with the release of her hit “Love to Love You Baby” in which she sang in a whispered hush amongst orgasmic cries and groans, simulating climax (according to a famous BBC count, 23 times).Continue Reading

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