It’s hard to state just how big disco was at its peak. The Disco Boom of the 1970s fundamentally changed music and culture. Studio 54, the iconic New York club, became a household name on the back of the genre. But Disco was more than just music. It was light and aesthetic, and a complete and total disco “vibe”. However, there was widespread opposition to disco, especially those from the rock and roll community. A DJ famously destroyed a dumpster full of Disco records at a Chicago White Sox game in 1979
Born in Boston, Donna Summer (born LaDonna Gaines), was arguably the face of mainstream Disco music. She lived a fascinating life, including spending nearly a working and performing in Munich. However, she is best known for helping spearhead Disco’s rise in the late 1970s. Her catalog includes four #1 hits and all-time bangers like “I Feel Love” and “Love To Love You Baby”. Summer passed away in 2012 from lung cancer.
HBO Gives First Look At “Love To Love You, Donna Summer”
HBO is now telling the full story of Donna Summer. Love To Love You, Donna Summer will document her life and rise to the throne of Disco. Based on archival footage and interviews with both Summer and people who knew her best, the film will show Summer like never before. Everything from Munich to MTV will be on display.
That includes highlighting the toll fame took on her. The documentary will also delve into Summer’s propensity for secretive behavior. “My approach to singing, I approach it as an actress,” Summer is heard saying, “I don’t approach it as a singer. And it’s really acting. I’m not trying to be me.” The film will also go behind the music, looking at Summer’s struggles with fame and her attempts to balance her career with raising her family. Two of Summer’s children, Brooklyn and Amanda, have followed in her footsteps. Love To Love You, Donna Summer already holds a 71% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes following its debut at the Berlin Film Festival. You can see Love To Love You, Donna Summer for yourself starting on May 20 on HBO and Max.
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