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Friday, May 18, 2012

Love. Influence and Magic. Donna Summer.











It was sad news to read Donna Summer has passed away. She is one of my music inspirations. As a dancer on Soul Train as a teen - I was there when she made her debut and subsequent return. All of the dancers were excited to see this new mysterious singer the sexy persona and music that made us really work the dance-floor even harder. When her songs played on set or in the clubs you could feel the extra enthusiasm and passion. 



(That's me dancing to Donna's music on Soul Train in silver lame shorts!)


(Dancing to 'The Queen' in white skinny jeans!)

I understand the "Queen of Disco" label however I feel it marginalizes her place in music history. Not simply "Disco" Donna Summer also ruled "Pop" Music radio and charts for a time. She also brought elements into the mainstream fusing Rock (Hot Stuff) with dance, not to mention pushing the sexual envelope at the time though she quickly determined she didn't want to get stuck in that box. Summer really worked all genres and was such an inspiration. Being paired with Barbara Streisand for "Enough Is Enough" had to also be one of the first mega-watt pairings of two music superstars. Donna Summer continued to intrigue with a host of iconic images to match the music.

Donna Summer's double albums were and are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre - her releases for me were events.  I couldn't wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music. "Four Seasons Of Love" is one of my favorite albums. With the freestyle dance "Waacking", a lot of us were hitting those Giorgio Moroder Donna Summer beats. This continues for the new young global set of kids learning and doing the dance - Donna Summer's music is a must. From my point of view she was an underrated singer and songwriter in the midst of her legendary career.




When I signed my solo deal with MCA, Jheryl Busby the executive who signed me, had worked with Donna Summer in promotions during her Casablanca years. When I started telling him my ideas and concepts, Jheryl totally understood and supported my vision. Why? In part because of his history with Donna and Casablanca. When he revealed his work with her, it made me feel at ease with him. In essence, she was indirectly a part of my decision to sign with MCA. We were connected through him.


Donna Summer's music is a part of the soundtrack of my life along with millions of other's around the world.  As a fellow veteran artist in this business and continued fan of her work I know that she continued to create quality music up through her last full length 'Crayons' and single 'To Paris With Love' a couple of years ago. 


The current dominance of dance music that young artists have jumped on is rooted in disco. Electro / techno roots is simply another extension of the form and so I hope they know she's another artist whose shoulders they stand on. As Brian Eno told David Bowie upon hearing "I Feel Love" in Berlin- "I have heard the sound of the future.."



My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I will continue to celebrate the amazing magic, connection and joy from her music legacy and life.


Thank you Donna Summer. Rest in Peace.



New York Times: "The Queen of Disco Who Transcended and Era":

9 comments:

leopichara said...

SUch a beautiful hommage to the Queen!! Thank you Jody for sharing with us!

Leo Pichara
from Brazil.

Sandro CS said...

Jody, I love Donna and so I do for you as well. It's so warm to read your great words about her. She's na legend now! Love.

lee said...

jody ,you can tell you understood donna as the artist she was, many didnt and brushed her off with the disco tag which is a shame as they missed out on so much.if you get a chance look for a clip on youtube called "i will live for love" where she sang with the nashville symphony orchestra.it was a dance song from one of her last hits compilations.it was a new song but at this benefit show in nashville she sang it as a ballad with the orchestra and just turned that song around. beautiful and heartbreaking.... i hope when you are in the uk next for a show you can hopefully include a donna tribute,tho from such a back catalogue what to sing? im guessin you could do "spring affair" somethin retro and cool like that would suit you perfectly :) thanks again for such a fitting tribute :)

Dan Orozco said...

Beautiful.

Cultureshockart said...

Excellent post. Loved the Eno quote, spot on!

Rob said...

..LOVIN' YOU for this, Miss Watley!

When I heard of her passing, the ONLY quotes I wanted to hear was from Giorgio, Barbra, and YOU!

I read somewhere once Donna was "probably the most underrated soul singer ever"....then someone said the EXACT same thing years later about YOU!

You BOTH in my eyes have been kindred spirits...rooted in Dance, but had something to SAY...you both produce,write, managed yourselves sometime in your careers..you both wanted to EVOLVE!

BLESS you Miss Watley...I truly hope you are revered in the now, as much as Donna is....and will be, for the MUSIC and STYLE that both of you have given us throughout the years!

Thanks for the tribute (and the clips!)

Joe said...

Jody,

That was just an amazing tribute. I remember when a new double album was being released, my excitement to get it and listen to it. I still can't believe she is gone.

Steve Fuller said...

Wow Jody, your remarks really affirm the adoration, admiration, and love Donna Summer fans have felt. It feels as though I have lost a family member, since I have followed her career since 1975. Donna's talents were under-rated and pigeon-holed as disco, but she transcended that label! I can smile now that, even in death, Donna is receiving the accolades, credit, and acknowledgements she so richly deserves! I appreciate you for publicly recognizing her talents, gifts, and contributions!

Tom Ragú said...

Jody, I saw you @ The Beacon Theatre in NYC way back in ... it had to be 1988-1989. Your energy & beautiful aura reminded me so much of Donna Summer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Donna Summer's music was the soundtrack of my life, as well. I marked time by Donna Summer songs. The Summer of '77 was the best for me. Coney Island. Nathan's hot dogs. The Cyclone. And I Feel Love playing in the car and all over the radio.
Thank you so much, Jody ...
Hasta La Vista - Baby!