Donna Summer is one of those vocalists that is aware of her gift but she wasn't conceited. She knew she was one of the greatest from her era and even beyond but she kept a humility about her that's just not common.
Well said, Donna was so humble grounded & I always feel she had a voice that could Segway to any genre . She had a gifted talent & a warm generous heart.
But I have to admit, I expected him to say something about loving her. Don’t jump me, because those are just my thoughts! I know it doesn’t mean he didn’t love her!!!😌
Donna summer and Whitney Houston have a special place in my heart. The Voice is velvety, haevenly tone voice , strong register, Master of technique and the charisma of a superstar . While Whitney "s voice deteririorated, Donna maintained her voice in her older years. RIP DIVAS. Forever will be missed.
It's funny that you mentioned these two in the same conversation, because I've thought this a few years ago. And thought about this last night, while watching a documentary on her via HBO, that her daughter put together. What made me think about them is because. Donna is underrated. Her vocal range was just as wide as Whitney. And probably wider. I could never get into Whitney's music. It was too pop for me. Not taking anything away from her talent. But Donna pulled you in. Examples. "On the radio" and " I feel love." Two different styles of music and singing. But both have the same and different affect on you.
Bruce is so great! He and Donna had such a long, wonderful life together, professionally and personally and they made it last. Awesome to hear him talk about Donna and their times together.
Bruce abused Donna. He admitted in documentary he threw pots and pans at her and scared the children. Why ? He never liked the Christianity born again stuff
I went to Donna's concert in 1979 at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens NY and The Brooklyn Dreams opened up for her, the night was magical. Her voice soared through the stadium, her voice was so powerful. Once in a while if I’m in queens I’ll pass by the stadium, I get such a heavy feeling in my heart, knowing that Donna was right there in that stadium and I was there too, I still miss her and at times cry. Donna touched my heart, that’s the only way I can describe it. Her voice was amazing and so was she.
I feel blessed to have lived through the Donna Summer Era. My dad took me and my younger brother to see Donna Summer perform at the Hollywood Bowl for her Bad Girls tour when I was in 8th grade. I was already in love with her but that just changed my life from that point on. May tHe Queen live on forever. Long live Donna Summer 💜👑💜👑💜👑💜
Hrd to believe it's been 11 years agao already since Donna passed away! Time flies, as they say. Had a big crush on Donna as a young guy in the late 70s/early 80s.
I was instantly attracted to Donna's music already as a pre-teen child. She was the first black female I had ever seen growing up in Germany & Austria. The fact she spoke the language fluently made me adore her even more. She will forever be missed, admired, and cherished musically for as long as human mankind will last, that's a given. May she rest and sing in heaven!!
I love Donna Summer and still cry over the loss of her. I pray for her husband and children all the time. Her VH1 performance of Master In The Storm brought me to God and I've never looked back. Yes, I still love her disco music but that performance for VH1 saved my life. Thank you Donna Summer Sadano and thank you God for sharing her with us. Cry😢
@@claudiaarmah2389hank you, he’s a widower. I just watched the Donna Summer documentary and loved it. She was a favorite of mine. She’s in that rare group of musicians that her music sounds fresh and new even today. She could release I Feel Love today and it would sound like a new song.
The only difference between Bruce and Ike Turner: Tina was abused and she eventually left Ike, rightfully so. Donna was abused by Bruce and she stayed in that marriage for 32 yrs. Physically & mentally abused Donna to the point that she wanted to take her life on numerous occasions....Not to mention her bruised face & broken ribs by his hands. If you consider that an amazing man, then I have to ask: what's so amazing bout him?
Thank you Bruce, how you talk about Donna, is just how I imagined she was. So humble, an amazing human being. When Donna sang, it was so effortless, someone that will never be forgotten. I so appreciate this. I'm so happy that you were able to spend the time with Donna and have such a wonderful family. She was a once in a lifetime. Love and respect to Donna's memory, and your entire family.
⭐Donna Summer⭐ is,was and will always be the most Versatile female singer that ever recorded music. No one sounds like her. I was listening to her CDs "Yes CDs" in the car yesterday and every time I listen to her music it just puts me in a very happy mood. Like I'm imagining seeing her in concert show after show. I was very fortunate to see her perform at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in 1979. Her electrifying performance of "Hot Stuff" when she was wearing a leopard dress was legendary and very iconic. I also was lucky to see her performance on The Dinah Shore show giving an effortless performance back in 1979. I truly miss her. ⭐Donna Summer⭐ is my most favorite female singer. Thanks Bruce Sudano for sharing.
Donna had the purest voice. Velvety smooth. One of the only singers who could sing live and sound PERFECT! She was heaven sent! SO, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Donna Summer is a wonderful person who spent a lot of time advocating for medical care for survivors of the twin towers Who got cancer or other illnesses from inhaling the debris. I'm so sorry she passed away too soon but I Still love her music today and she was one of the first people I introduced my son to when he asked me what music I like. Her voice is smooth and very powerful and there has never been anyone like her.
Saw Donna in concert in Atlantic City. I also saw her in an art gallery early in her art career. She was very pretty. Not a lot of make up and it looked like her own hair. Taller than I thought she was & had delicate features. Her kids looked like 10-12 years old and gorgeous like Donna. She was genuinely nice to everyone. Oh that voice, like no other. Godspeed Donna. Fly high Queen.
Bruce, Im so sorry, bro...Ive always wanted to say that. the world lost a musical giant, in my opinion...but it sounds like you lost your right hand. I mean, you dont get inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF, with an empty basket. Donna had credentials...and a LOT of them. I dont like comparing 'divas'..that type of stuff is so rampant on RUclips. But of all the divas that are mentioned the most, your wife among them, Donna is the most versatile..and its not even close. She could sing ANYTHING. Im an Aretha fan, like most folk. I love Patti LaBelle and Chaka Khan..and I still listen to Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks and Pat Benatar. But when it comes to being versatile and moving thru various music genres, in a seamless fashion...Donna had no peer.
When he said Harold Faltermeyer, my brain went straight to one of my favorites. The underrated 1987 album "All Systems Go". I don't care what anyone says, and they may be right, but I think this album was overlooked. I think Donna was so pigeon-holed at that point, no one respected the album. If she were brand new at that time, I think that album would have still been a good showcase of her talent. My favorite is the duet with Micky Thomas, followed by "Jeremy". Other standouts for me are "Bad Reputation", "Love Shock", "Fascination", and "Dinner with Gershwin". Versatile album. Many seem to argue that point. But if all other points fail, if you're a fan of "Nothing's gonna stop us now" by Starship, there's no reason not to like "Only the Fool Survives". I was also blown away years later when Donna's "Endless Summer" compilation came out and it had a brand new song, a BALLAD (which Donna was not know for, and SHOULD have been). "Any Way At All" remains a favorite of mine, as does "Christmas Spirit". Yes, I do believe Donna is the queen of disco. But to say she "dabbled" in other genres would be totally unfair. She was outstanding at everything she did. Any criticism should only be that she was deserving of better material at times. (An entire Stock-Aitken-Waterman album was probably not the way to go in 1989). With a voice and spirit like hers, we'll never know how many more great things were to come. RIP Donna Summer, there will never be anyone like you!
agreed many good songs on there. It seems as if Geffen sought to wreck her career by picking the "worst" song as lead for each of the records she did for that company.
@@ewalker3 hmm, that is an interesting theory! So funny because when I saw your response I had to look back at my own comment. Wow, I really went off on a tangent that day! LOL. Would you believe that I only own "all systems go" on cassette after all these years. I really need to upgrade to a CD
Dinner With Gershwin is one of my favorite songs of all time. It is unique and mesmerizing to listen to. Truly an underrated and overlooked gem. Rest in peace Donna. God bless your soul.
Her live performances showcase her powerful voice. Too bad she didn't act on Broadway or record a gospel album. There are many greatest hits compilations available, but the estate needs to collect all of her single releases world-wide, with the b-side, and release these to her very loyal fan base.
I remember the magic of the bad girls tour.. getting on the off ramp of lankershim and seeing the universal amphitheater saying tonight Donna Summer... And all the scalpers along the off ramp offering tickets for outrageous prices.. the show started with once upon a Time and as she walked up the stairs she honestly cast a spell on me and a lot of us.. so big an impact that the next day I drove back to Los Angeles again (60 mile drive) 16 years old and I had no ticket BUT I paid the parking and walked with the rest of the concert goers but when they walked in the amphitheater I went up a little dirt Hill with bushes that outline the amphitheater which was outdoors at the time.. and I just listened to her.. the whole concert.of course I've seen her a lot since and even got to tell her I loved her in person.. but there will always be magic when I hear the words Donna Summer
Donna and Bruce were an amazing team ! Donna always gives so MUCH credit to God and Bruce. Donna voice could even go opera level. Gone too soon. But her songs live on.
I was fortunate to finally see Donna in concert in 1999, and of course, she was amazing. One of my all time artists ever. Thank you Bruce for sharing this. RIP Donna. And Thank You for all the beautiful, timeless, classic music you gave the world.....you are missed dearly.
I'd like to thank you for continuing to share Donna with us. I appreciate the way that you and the girls continue her legacy with class. She deserves no less. What a talent and the continued loyalty of her family and friends ,(fans,) show that in addition to be the most talented women of last century that she was a high quality spouse, parent, sibling and artist. On a personal level. I feel "the spirit" only and EVERYTIME I hear "that voice". On her birthday I'd like to say how much I love her and always will.
Thanks Bruce for sharing part of your thoughts about Donna! The fact that you guys were together so long speaks volumes about both of you! I was fortunate to see both of you twice at Viejas Casino near San Diego circa 2006-2008! I wish you the best of happiness in the future!
The only thing I did not like about Donna's career was not her in particular it was the people that were behind her. They could have done a much better job of promoting her. As big as she was she could have been just that much bigger had the right people been in her corner promoting her.
Back when I was in high school, I heard that Donna went back to visit her high school, in Roxbury, MA. I'm in Mass and my fav song of hers is Unconditional Love.
Growing up I was obsessed with Donna Summer. So glad she found true love with Bruce Sudano . My heart is still broken that she is no longer with us physically but her spirit and music will live on forever
Donna gave me my best years on the dance floor in the 70’s when I came out as a gay teenager. She was the true queen of disco and unapologetic about it.
She was amazing. I was Mgr of Studio one in los Angeles. She was with Casablanca records. We played many of her disco songs. I feel love still is the best disco song ever.
Unlike the singing artists of the collective behavioral and style of music of today, it seems that Donna Summer had her own individualized behavior and style in that then collective genre disco.
Donna touch so many life’s she was a angel so Bruce you were bless to have her in your life is a great story we the world love what you guys did together I know she always by your side
Donna Summer always gave credit and much-respect to her extraordinary, supportive and handsome husband--as well. They were blessed to have each other. Ms. M. Moore 🇺🇸
Donna Summer was a beautiful and soulful singer that I have always thought was one of the greatest that ever lived. I still sing Last Dance for karaoke in her honor!
The LEGENDARY, LATE/GREAT Donna Summer, decades later, could still sing all her hit songs in the original key. The power in her voice was effortless. She could sing any genre of music.
I'm still on the fence about her involvement with David Geffen. Disco had "died", whether we agree on the reasons why or not. It's odd that Donna became yesterday's news (Hard For The Money notwithstanding) while Kool & The Gang and Michael Jackson continued unscathed. I guess her message got eclipsed as she entered motherhood again, and a new generation of kids found their voices through Punk and Rock acts like Blondie and Pat Benatar. In a flash. Donna was replaced by Irene Cara and Laura Branigan, and in the clubs by singers like Miquel Brown. The Gay Community had issues with her by the Mercury album - I remember a gay mag (Mandate) having an op ed and a pic of a big leather bodybuilder ripping a Donna poster of the Quincy Jones album art apart, writing about the dismay of her embrace of her religion and inferred supposed anti-gay position. I found it difficult as a young gay man finding my identity and quickly learning that the music I loved that had a strong gay identity as part of it was rapidly disappearing... I was 17 in 1982 and the whole community was quick to decide that yes, dance music was what was to continue playing in gay discos while the str8 world moved on to the new 80's sounds of Punk/Rock/New Wave. It would be a couple of years before Madonna brought the two worlds back together with her first two albums. 1980 - 1985 was a very interesting period in pop culture and gay identity!
I agree with you about her Geffen Records phase. I was dancing to all her Casablanca hits in the late '70s (I have an awesome memory of hearing "I Feel Love" for the first time in a gay disco full of young men; it was ELECTRIC!). I hung in there with Donna in her post-disco career and bought certain of those album and single releases ("State of Independence" is a favorite). I disagree with your statement that the gay community "kept playing dance music while the straight world moved on to the '80s sound of Punk/Rock/New Wave". My experience was that the gay community very much embraced New Wave. I went to a huge and popular gay disco in Hollywood and other gay clubs and it was a great time of dancing to the B-52s, A Flock of Seagulls, Romeo Void, Pet Shop Boys, Thompson Twins, Depeche Mode, etc. In L.A. it was the K-ROQ era and we gay guys were into it big time. After trying on several styles of sophisticated pop-rock with Geffen and Mercury Donna soared once more into the dance music stratosphere when she signed with Atlantic with one of the best tracks of her career, "This Time I Know It's For Real". The exact circumstances of her supposed rejection of disco music and overtly sexy lyrics due to her renewed interest in evangelical Christianity was rather vague and sounded like street gossip or someone taking her statements out of context. I didn't buy into this drama as a young gay man. We knew very well that most of those female disco singers in the '70s were church girls so a lot of them just went back to their roots after the hits stopped coming. Look at the post-disco album releases of many of the other disco divas and you will find.... a gospel or contemporary Christian album! It's all about roots. Maybe she just sensed that the partying got a bit extreme by the late '70s. After all, the CEO of her record label Casablanca essentially died in his thirties from too much cocaine! A lot of us did go bonkers with the drugs and sex thing back then (as did many straights), and what was to come next was ...a monstrosity. Nevertheless the disco era was pure magic ; am so glad I got to experience it. ~~ Once upon a time...there was.. a girl...
I think what Tom was trying to explain to Bruce is that the quality of popular music has diminished in recent decades compared to the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's. Today's music is almost pornography and they may not be using spaceships yet to make pop music but they are using bugs and cicadas to make hi-hat noises and it sounds dreadful! You can't beat the sound of a real drum kit. This is why I hated the ''Crayons'' album from Donna Summer in 2008. It was like listening to a Rihanna or Beyonce record with no meat in it. By the way i'm a big Donna Summer fan but I hated the last record she made before she died, definitely the worst one.
I never had the opportunity of ever seen Donna Summers I did had the great opportunity to see her shopping at a very expensive store in New York City I didn't go up to Pryor into her life and I still remember RIP Donna.
I miss her so much Bruce.. years ago when i lived in Nashville i was standing in line at a Starbucks in green hills and she was behind me in line ...OMG
I would like you to know 💕 l LOVE Donna Summer so much she'll always be my angel and my everything ❤️ I would love someone to make a long movie of her love life release all of her songs with love to you and your family I love DONNA SUMMER so much 💖
How lovely.Donna was a beautiful person with a wonderful voice.She was super lucky to find a man who truly loves her and was not afraid of her success.Many famous woman are not so lucky.Many men are intimidated by female success especially their partners.
DONNA Summers was UNDERRATED by the African American music scene, in my opinion. Back in those days, she was MUCH MORE appreciated and celebrated by Whites than by Blacks.
I always liked the way Donna Summer interprets a song. She gave the song what it needed. Never tried to prove she could "sang". She put the song first.
My son brought me to see Donna in 2000, my 40th birthday at Mohegan Sun in CT. It was incredible!!! I was so sorry to hear about her passing, but happy I was able to see her performance.
Donna Summer, an underrated highly gifted, emotional song writer and singer, and a very warm and witty personality. What a lucky man who had the luck to share his personal life with such a great woman. But I am sure, he must have been similar to her too
Donna Summer is one of those vocalists that is aware of her gift but she wasn't conceited. She knew she was one of the greatest from her era and even beyond but she kept a humility about her that's just not common.
Well said, Donna was so humble grounded & I always feel she had a voice that could Segway to any genre . She had a gifted talent & a warm generous heart.
Think she fought hard to get there, and she never forgot that
ABSOLUTELY
Very true!
But I have to admit, I expected him to say something about loving her. Don’t jump me, because those are just my thoughts! I know it doesn’t mean he didn’t love her!!!😌
Donna summer and Whitney Houston have a special place in my heart. The Voice is velvety, haevenly tone voice , strong register, Master of technique and the charisma of a superstar . While Whitney "s voice deteririorated, Donna maintained her voice in her older years. RIP DIVAS. Forever will be missed.
It's funny that you mentioned these two in the same conversation, because I've thought this a few years ago. And thought about this last night, while watching a documentary on her via HBO, that her daughter put together. What made me think about them is because. Donna is underrated. Her vocal range was just as wide as Whitney. And probably wider. I could never get into Whitney's music. It was too pop for me. Not taking anything away from her talent. But Donna pulled you in. Examples. "On the radio" and " I feel love." Two different styles of music and singing. But both have the same and different affect on you.
Whitney e Donna são as maiores cantoras que esse mundo teve, voz perfeita.
Whitney só decaiu pelo abuso das drogas, mas sempre será A Voz!
...and Whitney and Donna passed in the same year2012.. months apart😢🕊🤍💔
Donna my favorite Whitney my second favorite.
Bruce is so great! He and Donna had such a long, wonderful life together, professionally and personally and they made it last. Awesome to hear him talk about Donna and their times together.
I can hear the love and the pain he felt/ feels in losing her !
Beautiful family...we represent their daughter as a model!
Bruce abused Donna. He admitted in documentary he threw pots and pans at her and scared the children. Why ? He never liked the Christianity born again stuff
She was a beautiful and talented woman. May she continue to rest in peace. 👏🏽🥀🙏🏽
Donna had the best voice ever simply the best
❤️✨💯
Yep
My favorite song from Donna Summer is I feel love.
I went to Donna's concert in 1979 at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens NY and The Brooklyn Dreams opened up for her, the night was magical. Her voice soared through the stadium, her voice was so powerful. Once in a while if I’m in queens I’ll pass by the stadium, I get such a heavy feeling in my heart, knowing that Donna was right there in that stadium and I was there too, I still miss her and at times cry. Donna touched my heart, that’s the only way I can describe it. Her voice was amazing and so was she.
I was there as well. My first concert ever. 7/28/79 was the date- Sat night
@@richardwilson828 That's so cool! I'm sure you will never ever forget it!
@@richardwilson828 Wow you were there too? So many good memories of Donna Summer.
I can hear her voice soaring as your words described..beautifully said.❤
Next time I got to Forrest Hills stadium I’m gonna imagine what you heard. Amazing
Nice to hear a man tell about all the things he learned from his wife.
He still has his wedding ring on 😰😚😇
Bruce remarried in February of 2020. Fyi.
To who ?
I am glad to hear she had a good life, and a loving husband.
🎼
It is charming how Bruce removes his name from the important names of her collaborations. He let Donna rock. So important to the story.
I feel blessed to have lived through the Donna Summer Era. My dad took me and my younger brother to see Donna Summer perform at the Hollywood Bowl for her Bad Girls tour when I was in 8th grade. I was already in love with her but that just changed my life from that point on. May tHe Queen live on forever. Long live Donna Summer 💜👑💜👑💜👑💜
You have an awesome dad
I love and appreciate whenever Donna's family shares their memories of her with the fans. Thanks for posting!
It can't be more touching than this!!! Thank you Bruce for ALWAYS being there for Donna!!!
Man nothing will never top the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s for music
You know that right
As a super fan of Donna I have tears in my eyes listening to her husband speak so adoringly of her. I’m glad she found her true love in life.
Hrd to believe it's been 11 years agao already since Donna passed away! Time flies, as they say. Had a big crush on Donna as a young guy in the late 70s/early 80s.
I was born on 75 and her music lives on. Love her and her music. 💯♥️
I was instantly attracted to Donna's music already as a pre-teen child. She was the first black female I had ever seen growing up in Germany & Austria. The fact she spoke the language fluently made me adore her even more. She will forever be missed, admired, and cherished musically for as long as human mankind will last, that's a given. May she rest and sing in heaven!!
I love Donna Summer and still cry over the loss of her. I pray for her husband and children all the time. Her VH1 performance of Master In The Storm brought me to God and I've never looked back. Yes, I still love her disco music but that performance for VH1 saved my life. Thank you Donna Summer Sadano and thank you God for sharing her with us. Cry😢
Your wife was fantastic.
I have always love the strength of her voice. AND SHE DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE STUCK UP ABOUT HER TALENT.
What a great tribute to his former wife. Saw Donna perform live and she was just awesome. Still listen and love her voice and music. Miss her.
Former wife? Late wife
I think they divorced at some point.
No, they were married when she passed. No divorce. Donna was his late wife.
@@claudiaarmah2389hank you, he’s a widower. I just watched the Donna Summer documentary and loved it. She was a favorite of mine. She’s in that rare group of musicians that her music sounds fresh and new even today. She could release I Feel Love today and it would sound like a new song.
@@claudiaarmah2389 Lol I did a double take at that
Love hearing these stories Bruce, Donna was an amazing person and so are you!! I listen to Donna everyday, I pray for her too.
The only difference between Bruce and Ike Turner: Tina was abused and she eventually left Ike, rightfully so. Donna was abused by Bruce and she stayed in that marriage for 32 yrs. Physically & mentally abused Donna to the point that she wanted to take her life on numerous occasions....Not to mention her bruised face & broken ribs by his hands. If you consider that an amazing man, then I have to ask: what's so amazing bout him?
spring affair is one of my favorites. the strings, the bass, her voice. . .never will stop playing it. so analog too.
Thank you Bruce, how you talk about Donna, is just how I imagined she was. So humble, an amazing human being. When Donna sang, it was so effortless, someone that will never be forgotten. I so appreciate this. I'm so happy that you were able to spend the time with Donna and have such a wonderful family. She was a once in a lifetime. Love and respect to Donna's memory, and your entire family.
⭐Donna Summer⭐ is,was and will always be the most Versatile female singer that ever recorded music. No one sounds like her.
I was listening to her CDs
"Yes CDs" in the car yesterday and every time I listen to her music it just puts me in a very happy mood. Like I'm imagining seeing her in concert show after show. I was very fortunate to see her perform at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in 1979. Her electrifying performance of "Hot Stuff" when she was wearing a leopard dress was legendary and very iconic.
I also was lucky to see her performance on The Dinah Shore show giving an effortless performance back in 1979.
I truly miss her. ⭐Donna Summer⭐ is my most favorite female singer.
Thanks Bruce Sudano for sharing.
Donna had the purest voice. Velvety smooth. One of the only singers who could sing live and sound PERFECT! She was heaven sent!
SO, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Donna Summer is a wonderful person who spent a lot of time advocating for medical care for survivors of the twin towers Who got cancer or other illnesses from inhaling the debris. I'm so sorry she passed away too soon but I Still love her music today and she was one of the first people I introduced my son to when he asked me what music I like. Her voice is smooth and very powerful and there has never been anyone like her.
She was Lovely all around, Singing, Pretty, Beautiful, Strong, Intelligent, Dancing. Just seemed like a really UNIQUE, Lovely, Beautiful Person.
How lovely he must have beautiful memories of her bless him an his family xxxxmuch love
Saw Donna in concert in Atlantic City. I also saw her in an art gallery early in her art career. She was very pretty. Not a lot of make up and it looked like her own hair. Taller than I thought she was & had delicate features. Her kids looked like 10-12 years old and gorgeous like Donna. She was genuinely nice to everyone. Oh that voice, like no other. Godspeed Donna. Fly high Queen.
I love Donna Summer!!! R.I.P. sweet lady!!!
Bruce, Im so sorry, bro...Ive always wanted to say that. the world lost a musical giant, in my opinion...but it sounds like you lost your right hand. I mean, you dont get inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF, with an empty basket. Donna had credentials...and a LOT of them. I dont like comparing 'divas'..that type of stuff is so rampant on RUclips. But of all the divas that are mentioned the most, your wife among them, Donna is the most versatile..and its not even close. She could sing ANYTHING. Im an Aretha fan, like most folk. I love Patti LaBelle and Chaka Khan..and I still listen to Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks and Pat Benatar. But when it comes to being versatile and moving thru various music genres, in a seamless fashion...Donna had no peer.
When he said Harold Faltermeyer, my brain went straight to one of my favorites. The underrated 1987 album "All Systems Go". I don't care what anyone says, and they may be right, but I think this album was overlooked. I think Donna was so pigeon-holed at that point, no one respected the album. If she were brand new at that time, I think that album would have still been a good showcase of her talent. My favorite is the duet with Micky Thomas, followed by "Jeremy". Other standouts for me are "Bad Reputation", "Love Shock", "Fascination", and "Dinner with Gershwin". Versatile album. Many seem to argue that point. But if all other points fail, if you're a fan of "Nothing's gonna stop us now" by Starship, there's no reason not to like "Only the Fool Survives". I was also blown away years later when Donna's "Endless Summer" compilation came out and it had a brand new song, a BALLAD (which Donna was not know for, and SHOULD have been). "Any Way At All" remains a favorite of mine, as does "Christmas Spirit". Yes, I do believe Donna is the queen of disco. But to say she "dabbled" in other genres would be totally unfair. She was outstanding at everything she did. Any criticism should only be that she was deserving of better material at times. (An entire Stock-Aitken-Waterman album was probably not the way to go in 1989). With a voice and spirit like hers, we'll never know how many more great things were to come. RIP Donna Summer, there will never be anyone like you!
agreed many good songs on there. It seems as if Geffen sought to wreck her career by picking the "worst" song as lead for each of the records she did for that company.
@@ewalker3 hmm, that is an interesting theory! So funny because when I saw your response I had to look back at my own comment. Wow, I really went off on a tangent that day! LOL. Would you believe that I only own "all systems go" on cassette after all these years. I really need to upgrade to a CD
Dinner With Gershwin is one of my favorite songs of all time. It is unique and mesmerizing to listen to. Truly an underrated and overlooked gem. Rest in peace Donna. God bless your soul.
She had some beautiful ballads .The one that comes to mind is A MAN LIKE YOU,from the ONCE UPON A TIME album.
Once Upon a Time, On the Radio, McArthur Park , Our Love and Last Dance arent ballads?
You could still see the pain in Bruce’s eyes when he speaks of his beloved wife.
I love the song I'm a rainbow.
Her live performances showcase her powerful voice. Too bad she didn't act on Broadway or record a gospel album. There are many greatest hits compilations available, but the estate needs to collect all of her single releases world-wide, with the b-side, and release these to her very loyal fan base.
I remember the magic of the bad girls tour.. getting on the off ramp of lankershim and seeing the universal amphitheater saying tonight Donna Summer... And all the scalpers along the off ramp offering tickets for outrageous prices.. the show started with once upon a Time and as she walked up the stairs she honestly cast a spell on me and a lot of us.. so big an impact that the next day I drove back to Los Angeles again (60 mile drive) 16 years old and I had no ticket BUT I paid the parking and walked with the rest of the concert goers but when they walked in the amphitheater I went up a little dirt Hill with bushes that outline the amphitheater which was outdoors at the time.. and I just listened to her.. the whole concert.of course I've seen her a lot since and even got to tell her I loved her in person.. but there will always be magic when I hear the words Donna Summer
I was at the universal Amphitheater show in 1978 when she recorded the Live and More album
Donna and Bruce were an amazing team ! Donna always gives so MUCH credit to God and Bruce. Donna voice could even go opera level. Gone too soon. But her songs live on.
I was fortunate to finally see Donna in concert in 1999, and of course, she was amazing. One of my all time artists ever. Thank you Bruce for sharing this. RIP Donna. And Thank You for all the beautiful, timeless, classic music you gave the world.....you are missed dearly.
I'd like to thank you for continuing to share Donna with us. I appreciate the way that you and the girls continue her legacy with class. She deserves no less. What a talent and the continued loyalty of her family and friends ,(fans,) show that in addition to be the most talented women of last century that she was a high quality spouse, parent, sibling and artist. On a personal level. I feel "the spirit" only and EVERYTIME I hear "that voice". On her birthday I'd like to say how much I love her and always will.
Thanks Bruce, I appreciate you sharing those memories with the fan base
Thanks Bruce for sharing part of your thoughts about Donna! The fact that you guys were together so long speaks volumes about both of you! I was fortunate to see both of you twice at Viejas Casino near San Diego circa 2006-2008! I wish you the best of happiness in the future!
Not a Princess not a Queen but more a Queen of Queen's a Pharaoh of Disco music!
No match yet! In a class of her own!
🌹💕🙏
The only thing I did not like about Donna's career was not her in particular it was the people that were behind her. They could have done a much better job of promoting her. As big as she was she could have been just that much bigger had the right people been in her corner promoting her.
Loved Donna summers my favorite was Try Me, Mcarthur Park, Bad Girls,
I feel Love, On the Radio.....😂can you smell my cooking.
Back when I was in high school, I heard that Donna went back to visit her high school, in Roxbury, MA. I'm in Mass and my fav song of hers is Unconditional Love.
Donna Summer was my favorite singer. She reminds me of my late mom.
Donna Was Goddess❤ Miss You Dear* One Of A Kind❤
I bought Donna Summer's 1975 'Lady of the night' I was struck by the power in her voice few can compare...
Growing up I was obsessed with Donna Summer. So glad she found true love with Bruce Sudano . My heart is still broken that she is no longer with us physically but her spirit and music will live on forever
Thanks Tom. You got through it without breaking down. Donna Summer was so underappreciated.
Donna gave me my best years on the dance floor in the 70’s when I came out as a gay teenager. She was the true queen of disco and unapologetic about it.
She and LaBelle , danced so many nights🫠😃away in NY .I followed dj mike stone , lots of parties , the buttermilk bottom was my spot
I’m so glad that they met.
Love you Bruce, and miss Donna immensely; hope to see her again on the other side.
❤ WAOUH @! You met her in 1977 ! So young !! Great fact !
She was amazing. I was Mgr of Studio one in los Angeles. She was with Casablanca records. We played many of her disco songs. I feel love still is the best disco song ever.
yes, Donna Summer -I Feel Love -forever
Unlike the singing artists of the collective behavioral and style of music of today, it seems that Donna Summer had her own individualized behavior and style in that then collective genre disco.
Donna touch so many life’s she was a angel so Bruce you were bless to have her in your life is a great story we the world love what you guys did together I know she always by your side
Donna Summer always gave credit and much-respect to her extraordinary, supportive and handsome husband--as well. They were blessed to have each other.
Ms. M. Moore
🇺🇸
Donna forever !!! I love disco !!!
LOVED DONNA SUMMER SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BLACK WOMAN AND SUPERRR TALENTED
God bless you Bruce. She was one of the greatest!
Donna Summer was a beautiful and soulful singer that I have always thought was one of the greatest that ever lived. I still sing Last Dance for karaoke in her honor!
The LEGENDARY, LATE/GREAT Donna Summer, decades later, could still sing all her hit songs in the original key. The power in her voice was effortless. She could sing any genre of music.
Donna Summer, the real
Queen of Disco 🪩!
I grew up on Donna Sommers. My grandma had all her albums. I never realized until I got older how many songs of hers I knew word for word.
Rip my beautiful beloved disco 💃 Queen Donn. Amen 🙏. Amen 🙏.🇺🇸🇵🇷🇺🇸🇵🇷🇩🇴💃🇩🇴💃🙏
I listen to Donna's music in a daily basis 💗💗💗💗💗
Wow, I didn’t know he was the 👮♂️
I'm still on the fence about her involvement with David Geffen. Disco had "died", whether we agree on the reasons why or not. It's odd that Donna became yesterday's news (Hard For The Money notwithstanding) while Kool & The Gang and Michael Jackson continued unscathed. I guess her message got eclipsed as she entered motherhood again, and a new generation of kids found their voices through Punk and Rock acts like Blondie and Pat Benatar. In a flash. Donna was replaced by Irene Cara and Laura Branigan, and in the clubs by singers like Miquel Brown.
The Gay Community had issues with her by the Mercury album - I remember a gay mag (Mandate) having an op ed and a pic of a big leather bodybuilder ripping a Donna poster of the Quincy Jones album art apart, writing about the dismay of her embrace of her religion and inferred supposed anti-gay position. I found it difficult as a young gay man finding my identity and quickly learning that the music I loved that had a strong gay identity as part of it was rapidly disappearing... I was 17 in 1982 and the whole community was quick to decide that yes, dance music was what was to continue playing in gay discos while the str8 world moved on to the new 80's sounds of Punk/Rock/New Wave. It would be a couple of years before Madonna brought the two worlds back together with her first two albums. 1980 - 1985 was a very interesting period in pop culture and gay identity!
I agree with you about her Geffen Records phase. I was dancing to all her Casablanca hits in the late '70s (I have an awesome memory of hearing "I Feel Love" for the first time in a gay disco full of young men; it was ELECTRIC!). I hung in there with Donna in her post-disco career and bought certain of those album and single releases ("State of Independence" is a favorite). I disagree with your statement that the gay community "kept playing dance music while the straight world moved on to the '80s sound of Punk/Rock/New Wave". My experience was that the gay community very much embraced New Wave. I went to a huge and popular gay disco in Hollywood and other gay clubs and it was a great time of dancing to the B-52s, A Flock of Seagulls, Romeo Void, Pet Shop Boys, Thompson Twins, Depeche Mode, etc. In L.A. it was the K-ROQ era and we gay guys were into it big time. After trying on several styles of sophisticated pop-rock with Geffen and Mercury Donna soared once more into the dance music stratosphere when she signed with Atlantic with one of the best tracks of her career, "This Time I Know It's For Real". The exact circumstances of her supposed rejection of disco music and overtly sexy lyrics due to her renewed interest in evangelical Christianity was rather vague and sounded like street gossip or someone taking her statements out of context. I didn't buy into this drama as a young gay man. We knew very well that most of those female disco singers in the '70s were church girls so a lot of them just went back to their roots after the hits stopped coming. Look at the post-disco album releases of many of the other disco divas and you will find.... a gospel or contemporary Christian album! It's all about roots. Maybe she just sensed that the partying got a bit extreme by the late '70s. After all, the CEO of her record label Casablanca essentially died in his thirties from too much cocaine! A lot of us did go bonkers with the drugs and sex thing back then (as did many straights), and what was to come next was ...a monstrosity. Nevertheless the disco era was pure magic ; am so glad I got to experience it. ~~ Once upon a time...there was.. a girl...
She is deceased….. there is no fence to be on.
What a lucky man Bruce is!!!
I think what Tom was trying to explain to Bruce is that the quality of popular music has diminished in recent decades compared to the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's. Today's music is almost pornography and they may not be using spaceships yet to make pop music but they are using bugs and cicadas to make hi-hat noises and it sounds dreadful! You can't beat the sound of a real drum kit. This is why I hated the ''Crayons'' album from Donna Summer in 2008. It was like listening to a Rihanna or Beyonce record with no meat in it. By the way i'm a big Donna Summer fan but I hated the last record she made before she died, definitely the worst one.
I never had the opportunity of ever seen Donna Summers I did had the great opportunity to see her shopping at a very expensive store in New York City I didn't go up to Pryor into her life and I still remember RIP Donna.
God bless sir, she ved you, hr fall very much, sh always talked about her husband, daughters, and her Italian other in law.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
It was Bruce that was in the police officer's uniform on the Donna Summer's "Bad Girls"album cover.When he was a young man.
Thank GOD dona became a born again Christian
Beautiful person with such an awesome Beautiful and strong voice. She was so beautiful
I miss her so much Bruce.. years ago when i lived in Nashville i was standing in line at a Starbucks in green hills and she was behind me in line ...OMG
No kidding, I lived in Nashville for yrs, and I heard she's buried there. Would love to go back and pay my respects
That's cool! Did you get up the nerve to say hello to her?
I would like you to know 💕 l LOVE Donna Summer so much she'll always be my angel and my everything ❤️ I would love someone to make a long movie of her love life release all of her songs with love to you and your family I love DONNA SUMMER so much 💖
Wow Donna amazing lady! Check out her daughter AMANDA SUDANO she has an amazing voice!! JohnnySwim
Bruce I was in love with Donna like millions of men back in the 70’s. Bruce she is missed by all. Stay well.
Donna Was the Queen. Fabulous voice. Missed.
How lovely.Donna was a beautiful person with a wonderful voice.She was super lucky to find a man who truly loves her and was not afraid of her success.Many famous woman are not so lucky.Many men are intimidated by female success especially their partners.
He did outlive wife,Donna at this writing by about 11 years.She died at age 63.Said that he is now 70something years young.
One of my ex co workers Angela Paterno was Bruce’s cousin and she actually met Donna. I really miss her.
Miss her. Sad loss.
Donna was beautiful ❤️
DONNA Summers was UNDERRATED by the African American
music scene, in my opinion.
Back in those days, she was MUCH MORE appreciated and
celebrated by Whites than by Blacks.
I met her on a street corner in nyc in 1981, ill never forget her. Signed an autograph for me.
24,11.2020 my birthday 39 i would like have a woman like Donna Summer
I always liked the way Donna Summer interprets a song. She gave the song what it needed. Never tried to prove she could "sang". She put the song first.
She was a beautiful woman and a amazing voice
Respect to Bruce and Donna musically was a beast. The truth. Respect
I love Donna Summer ❤
Donna Summer came into my heart when I was 7 and will stay forever.
Merci pour tout le bonheur
My son brought me to see Donna in 2000, my 40th birthday at Mohegan Sun in CT. It was incredible!!! I was so sorry to hear about her passing, but happy I was able to see her performance.
It’s because of her music that I didn’t take my life.
Donna Summer, an underrated highly gifted, emotional song writer and singer, and a very warm and witty personality. What a lucky man who had the luck to share his personal life with such a great woman. But I am sure, he must have been similar to her too
Bruce is so handsome!!! I can see why Donna wanted to be with him!!!
Donna Summer tenía un don único que dios le concedió su voz tan hermosa que ha mí me tiene hipnotizado