The Last Dance

Yesterday I posted about the passing of DC music legend Chuck Brown and my memories of his music. Today, is another post about the passing of a music great who was an even bigger part of the soundtrack to my life. Donna Summer died today at age 63. Donna was the queen of disco and was an idol to the gay community. I was raised in part by my cousin, a gay man, who came of age when Donna's popularity and success were at their peak. It was his taste in music that most influenced mine. Whatever cd or cassette tape he happened to be blasting throughout the house at high decibel levels was what I became interested in. Many times, it was Donna Summer.

I remember singing along to "Bad Girls" when I was too young to realize she was singing about prostitutes.My favorite Donna Summer song is "Heaven Knows" and to this day, whenever it comes on I crank the radio or my Ipod up to its highest level and belt along with her.

I am a true music lover and a fan of ALL genres. Song lyrics touch me in a very special place and the music itself always vividly takes me back to a unique place in time. That is the true beauty of music. When I saw on facebook that Donna had passed, my jaw literally dropped. I know that on the way home from work today, her music will be played on just about every station. I'll roll down the windows, turn the volume up and celebrate her musical legacy.