Oh, Donna

Still devastated about the shocking death of Donna Summer, which her family confirmed was caused by lung cancer. Sadly, we've started to slip into the "Fault" vs. "No Fault" death phenomenon, something I wrote about a few years ago. It doesn't really matter what caused her death, what's important is that we remember a woman who brought us so much joy. Since the memorial service in her adopted hometown of Nashville is a private affair, what better way to "feel love" than to share memories with others who adored the Queen of Disco? The New York Times has a great roundup of "some of the last remaining denizens of the legendary New York dance clubs Studio 54, the Paradise Garage, 12 West, Flamingo and Xenon recalled their fondest memories of dancing to Donna Summer. At least, as much as they could remember."

Here's three I loved:

Liz Rosenberg, publicist to Madonna, Cher, Stevie Nicks and, briefly, Donna Summer

“Donna Summer was it. I went to Paradise Garage, the Loft and the Flamingo. Only gay clubs. The music was always better and you always heard Donna Summer. She also put on phenomenal live shows. The show I remember very well was the Greek Theater in L.A. They had this street lamp setup, and all these people who worked around Donna came out in outfits and did ‘Bad Girls’ like they were hookers. It was a big industry audience and it just went insane. I knew at that moment I was at something historic. I could only equate it to Bette Midler in terms of those out-there concert extravaganzas.”

Deborah Harry, lead singer of Blondie “There’s a live recording somewhere of us doing ‘I Feel Love.’ We played it all over the place. I know we did at CBGB at first and then various shows all over the world. I was crazy about that song. You couldn’t help but love it. It was so fresh.”

Ian Schrager, an owner of Studio 54 “The drag queens would get up on stage and emulate her, but they were never as pretty.” Read 'em all HERE.