Disco diva Donna Summer is "Hot Stuff" in Holmdel
Published in the Asbury Park Press 08/5/05
BY ED CONDRAN
CORRESPONDENT
DONNA SUMMER IN CONCERT
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Parkway, Holmdel
TICKETS: $20-$67.50
INFO: (732) 335-8698
During the mid- to late-1970s, disco reigned and so did Donna Summer. The charismatic singer was the disco queen.
But Summer also transcended the short-lived genre. Many of her hits, such as "I Feel Love" and "Love to Love You Baby," have a sleek, propulsive, orchestrated feel that screams "Eurodisco." "Bad Girls" and "Hot Stuff" were rock/disco fusion."
The songs are a lot deeper than some people might think," Summer said. "Sure, they were on the disco charts but there were a lot of different elements in those songs. I'm so proud of what enabled me to get where I am. The songs I sing are great songs."
Summer's hits have endured. Many of her tracks are still radio staples, and Summer once again will deliver the hits Saturday at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.
"I still love to perform," Summer said. "That's something I have never gotten tired of doing. I get out there and just focus on the music, which is something I've always done."
While Summer was focusing on the music during her heyday, those on the business side took a little more than their share.
"I was robbed in terms of finances over the years by things that were taken that shouldn't have been," Summer said.
Summer doesn't look back in anger.
"I'm not bitter," Summer said. "I was with a company (Casablanca) that really started the dance movement. (Casablanca's President Neil Bogart) was very insightful. He taught me a lot. I learned stuff I'll never forget and I have a long career because of it."
Summer has survived some bad choices. A curious recording of "Protection," written by Bruce Springsteen, and some regrettable albums (1984's "Cats Without Claws" and 1991's "Mistaken Identity") could not stop the queen of disco.
"I've been very fortunate to last this long and still have so many fans," Summer said. "Everybody's career ebbs and flows. I feel like my career is going very well again. I'm incredibly thankful. I just love the fact that I can have the opportunity to get up there on a stage and there is an audience out there to hear me and the songs."
Published in the Asbury Park Press 08/5/05
BY ED CONDRAN
CORRESPONDENT
DONNA SUMMER IN CONCERT
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Parkway, Holmdel
TICKETS: $20-$67.50
INFO: (732) 335-8698
During the mid- to late-1970s, disco reigned and so did Donna Summer. The charismatic singer was the disco queen.
But Summer also transcended the short-lived genre. Many of her hits, such as "I Feel Love" and "Love to Love You Baby," have a sleek, propulsive, orchestrated feel that screams "Eurodisco." "Bad Girls" and "Hot Stuff" were rock/disco fusion."
The songs are a lot deeper than some people might think," Summer said. "Sure, they were on the disco charts but there were a lot of different elements in those songs. I'm so proud of what enabled me to get where I am. The songs I sing are great songs."
Summer's hits have endured. Many of her tracks are still radio staples, and Summer once again will deliver the hits Saturday at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.
"I still love to perform," Summer said. "That's something I have never gotten tired of doing. I get out there and just focus on the music, which is something I've always done."
While Summer was focusing on the music during her heyday, those on the business side took a little more than their share.
"I was robbed in terms of finances over the years by things that were taken that shouldn't have been," Summer said.
Summer doesn't look back in anger.
"I'm not bitter," Summer said. "I was with a company (Casablanca) that really started the dance movement. (Casablanca's President Neil Bogart) was very insightful. He taught me a lot. I learned stuff I'll never forget and I have a long career because of it."
Summer has survived some bad choices. A curious recording of "Protection," written by Bruce Springsteen, and some regrettable albums (1984's "Cats Without Claws" and 1991's "Mistaken Identity") could not stop the queen of disco.
"I've been very fortunate to last this long and still have so many fans," Summer said. "Everybody's career ebbs and flows. I feel like my career is going very well again. I'm incredibly thankful. I just love the fact that I can have the opportunity to get up there on a stage and there is an audience out there to hear me and the songs."
