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Donna Summer Headshot

Donna Summer

Donna Summer was born in Boston on New Year’s Eve, 1948. She embraced the core tenets of gospel as a young singer while cutting her teeth with a local rock band and in European musicals, developing an individual vocal élan that also married the best elements of Rock, R&B, and Disco.

Date of Birth: December 31, 1948

Date of Death: May 17, 2012 (63)

Birth Place: Brookline, MA, USA

BIO

Donna Summer was born in Boston on New Year’s Eve, 1948. She embraced the core tenets of gospel as a young singer while cutting her teeth with a local rock band and in European musicals, developing an individual vocal élan that also married the best elements of Rock, R&B, and Disco.

Her signature style is on full display on The Original Hits in such iconic tracks as forever-seductive “Love To Love You Baby,” the defiantly declarative “Bad Girls,” the MTV-era female-empowerment anthem “She Works Hard For The Money,” the fiery dance/rock mesh of “Hot Stuff,” and the urgent ballad-to-crescendo disco blend of “Last Dance.”
Even though Summer sadly passed away in 2012, her cultural impact and sonic legacy carries ever onward, and she garnered a well-deserved posthumous induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Photos

News

Great Performances to Feature Jimmy Webb Concert at McKnight Center
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 26, 2026

PBS' GREAT PERFORMANCES will air a concert special celebrating songwriter Jimmy Webb, filmed at Oklahoma State University's McKnight Center. Webb performs his catalog with guest artists including Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett.
Photos: Valentina Moretti Releases 'Sexy Mami' With Petey Plastic
by Rachel Stone - Oct 23, 2026

Mexican trans artist Valentina Moretti collaborates with producer Petey Plastic on the Spanish-language single 'Sexy Mami,' marking Plastic's first song written in Spanish.
Spotlight: POPS Dancing Queens at The Plaza
by BWW Special Offer - Oct 19, 2026

Generously sponsored by Scott E. Squillace & Chris Gayton
Brenda Liz Henry to Reprise A BOOGIE DOWN BRONX TALE at The Green Room 42 at Hudson Local
by Stephi Wild - Oct 12, 2026

Brenda Liz Henry returns to The Green Room 42 with an encore of her solo cabaret debut, tracing her musical journey through Hip Hop and genres that shaped her Bronx upbringing.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK to Open at Mercury Theatre Colchester
by Stephi Wild - Oct 12, 2026

Mercury Theatre Colchester announced the full cast for its 2026 pantomime JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, running November 21, 2026 through January 17, 2027. The production features returning performers including Kemi Clarke, Daisy Greenwood, and Dee Dee Rivers.
Review: SUMMER's Not Over At Toby’s In Columbia
by Cybele Pomeroy - Oct 11, 2026

SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL is still going through November 1, 2026 at Toby’s. It is the penultimate performance at the original building. The holiday show follows, then future productions will be in the new facility. This two and a half hour performance is packed with 23 of Donna Summer's groundbreaking songs.
Tickets Now On Sale For Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Fall Gala
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will hold its 27th anniversary fall gala featuring soul and R&B performances by WBTT artists and a live band, with longtime supporters Ali and Gloria Bahaj honored as philanthropy recipients.
BLUE GUM, BROOKLYN to Make World Premiere at Matthew Corozine Studio Theater
by Rachel Stone - Oct 5, 2026

Laurie Rose Savage's new family drama, a finalist in Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope Screenplay Contest, will premiere in a limited Off-Off Broadway engagement at Matthew Corozine Studio Theater in Manhattan.
Photos: Alexa Joyce Releases Disco-Pop Single 'Sex On TV'
by Rachel Stone - Oct 2, 2026

Liverpool-born pop singer Alexa Joyce has released her sophomore single, a darker take on her modern disco sound featuring a pulsing bassline and shimmering production.
Ariana DeBose, Alex Newell and More Set for GLAAD Gala Honoring Producer Bruce Cohen
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2026

Oscar and Tony-winning producer Bruce Cohen will be honored with the Vito Russo Award for his three decades of LGBTQ advocacy across film, television, and theater.
Cabaret Roundup: Sept. 28-Oct. 4 – Ariana DeBose, Karen Mason & More in NYC
by Rebecca Kaplan - Sep 28, 2026

Here are a few top picks to consider this week including a Karen Mason’s album release concert, Ariana DeBose’s Café Carlyle debut show, a program celebrating the work of Kander and Ebb, and more
Best Cabaret in October 2026: Ariana DeBose, Deborah Cox, Patty Smyth & More in NYC
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 1, 2026

See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues this month - at a range of budget points. Tickets to these shows are limited and they are likely to sell out, so make sure to check this list when you plan out your month!
IRA GERSHWIN CONCEPT GRANTS to Support Early Musical Development
by Rachel Stone - Sep 24, 2026

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre and The Ira & Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund launched a new granting program providing $2,000 to $5,000 to member organizations developing musicals from existing songs, stories and cultural touchstones.
Sgt Slick Remixes STRINGS OF LIFE / UN AMORE SUPREMO as Nu Disco Track
by Rachel Stone - Sep 17, 2026

Australian electronic artist Sgt Slick has remixed Soul Central's club classic, delivering a nu disco rework with driving drums and infectious energy built for modern dance floors.
Interview: Ariana DeBose Gears up for Her Café Carlyle Debut
by Rebecca Kaplan - Sep 17, 2026

The award-winning actress, singer, and dancer makes her highly anticipated Café Carlyle debut with a five-night engagement from September 29 - October 3. Read a conversation with her about the show
A CHRISTMAS CAROL to Debut at Gulfshore Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2026

Gulfshore Playhouse presents a new adaptation of Dickens' classic, written and directed by founder Kristen Coury. The production features scenic design by Robert Mark Morgan and costumes by Broadway designer Lisa Zinni.
Exclusive: SCHMIGADOON!’s Kaleigh Cronin Recalls Performing Until She Was 8 Months Pregnant: ‘I Felt Brave’
by Michael Gioia - Sep 14, 2026

At around 34 weeks pregnant, Kaleigh Cronin said farewell to her fellow Schmigadoonians in the Broadway musical 'Schmigadoon!' — and now tells BroadwayWorld about the experience.
Maria Corsaro to Present LOVE MAKES THE CHANGES at Pangea
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2026

Maria Corsaro performs music from her 2026 MAC Award-nominated album LOVE MAKES THE CHANGES at Pangea, accompanied by the Gregory Toroian Quartet featuring swing, ballads and bossa style arrangements.
LEGENDARY WOMEN! 70's Pop, Rock, & Soul to Showcase at MAX in Milwaukee
by Stephi Wild - Sep 7, 2026

A tribute to iconic 1970s female artists will take the stage at MAX in Milwaukee, featuring vocalist Sydney Stephan and a four-piece ensemble performing hits from Donna Summer, ABBA, and more.
ROCK OF AGES Will Come to Bucks County Playhouse This Fall
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026

The Tony-nominated jukebox musical featuring hits from Journey, Bon Jovi and Twisted Sister will play the New Hope theatre, with Maggie Gidden and Noah Mutterperl leading the cast.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Donna Summer written?

Donna Summer has written 1 shows including Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Composer & Lyricist).

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