Last dance

I was really saddened to hear the news about Donna Summer’s death yesterday. She was 63.

It’s easy to laugh at disco—the era of really bad clothes, bad hair, Charlie’s Angels, the Bee Gees. Disco has a lot to answer for. In two words: “MacArthur Park”.

I thought it was cringeworthy even when I was in the midst of it.

But Summer transcended it all. In fact, disco didn’t do her voice justice; it was all strength, purity & vivacity. She could knock a melody out of the park.

Listen to her take on “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina”. I’m not a fan of the Lloyd Webber turgid, overblown style of songwriting; but Summer’s version is personal, not pompous. (An amazing feat.)

I’ve had many of her high-energy covers on my workout playlist for years. (Turns out there is a reason for disco—the beat is great to crank you up to full cardio use.) Seriously—there’s nothing like “She Works Hard for the Money” or “Bad Girls” to get your treadmill strike going.

Just hearing “Last Dance” is enough to make me suit up & go for a run. Really—you can’t sit still with her energy all around you.

& you cannot sit around feeling stodgy & crabby when “Unconditional Love” is playing. That one’s pure joy.

Ignore the quality of the video & listen to her voice. That glorious, vibrant voice.