Donna Summer was a pop icon, five-time Grammy winner, and legendary songbird who scored 42 hits single on Billboards Hot 100. Songs like “Love to Love You Baby” and “Hot Stuff” highlight her enormous songwriting and singing talent. Everyone growing up in the disco era knows their music, but not many know their story behind the headlines.
To celebrate the Queen of Disco, Stacker scoured news and bio pages to highlight 25 facts about Donna Summer that help paint a fuller picture of her life beyond the disco ball. Summer was fluent in German, later began painting, struggled with depression, and even survived a suicide attempt. Did you know that a sleeping lifeguard was the inspiration for “She Works Hard for the Money” or that she played a role in the TV series “Family Matters”?
Play your favorite Donna Summer songs as you scroll through our slideshow. You will discover fascinating facts behind the texts and life of Donna Summer.
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