Donna Summer - Crayons Release Party

Donna Summer Thrills New York Clubgoers

Summer performs signature hits and songs off new release
By Matthew B. Zeidman



NEW YORK (Hollywood Today) 6/4/08 – “I felt like I was pregnant, pregnant and pregnant, but boy, when that baby came out…” Donna Summer told a packed house at downtown New York’s Mansion, which gathered under the disco ball Tuesday night to celebrate last month’s release of “Crayons,” her first full-length studio album of new material in 17 years.

After taking a moment to wipe her tears in response to the enthusiastic clubgoers, Summer, 59, began her hour-long set with her 1978 hit MacArthur Park, followed by one of her newer works, “I’m a Fire,” which reached the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart on April 19.

Summer then delighted the audience with an energized rendition of her 1979 single “Bad Girls,” which preceded a performance of “Hot Stuff,” in which the “Disco Queen” raised the microphone stand high above her head in a musical duel with her guitarist.

The sultry singer then treated the masses filling Mansion to two more numbers off of her new CD, “Science of Love” and “Stamp Your Feet,” before surprising the room with an a cappella performance of the popular and oft-covered Charlie Chaplin composition “Smile.”

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Donna Summer Interview

SUMMER: I WANT TO PLAY MARDI GRAS

by John Burfitt
Sydney Star Observer - Issue 921 - Published 6/05/2008

Sometimes, it is not easy getting an audience with a diva. After four attempts to chat with Donna Summer in New York about her new album Crayons, her first studio work in 17 years, it’s now an hour past the time when she was due for the fifth attempt.

Just as it seems a lost cause, the phone rings and the voice down the line is unmistakably Donna Summer, the queen of 1970s disco. She is full of apologies for the delay, explaining a flu had sidetracked her schedule for the past week.

While battling the sniffles, she laughs a little wearily. “I gotta tell you, it’s not easy being a diva these days.”

After 42 years in show business, Summer, 59, would know. One of the main tracks on Crayons is even titled, The Queen Is Back, which she claims is as tongue in cheek as it is making a statement about her return.

On Crayons, the voice that helped create some of the defining songs of the disco days of the 1970s like I Feel Love and Last Dance and the pop era of the 1980s on She Works Hard For the Money is back in all its glory — and it has to be said, sounding as good as ever. She tackles anthems with I’m A Fire, samba with Drivin’ Down Brazil and is in dancefloor territory with Stamp Your Feet.

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Donna Summer on NYC's KTU 103.5FM

Donna Summer was in the studio at WKTU 103.5FM "The Beat of New York" to discuss her new album, Crayons. To go directly to the photo gallery click, here.

Donna Summer in Jet Magazine

Donna Summer is featured in this week's Jet Magazine with a 2+ page article containing several photos.

Donna Summer on Letterman Tonight

Donna Summer is a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman tonight along with other guests Adam Sandler and Indy 500 Champ, Scott Dixon.

The show was taped earlier today and is scheduled to air tonight. Check your local listings for show times.



Show #2931 Recap>> (not a complete transcript)

"Stamp Your Feet" Contest

Visit OurStage.com to enter the "Stamp Your Feet" Dance Routine Contest.

From OurStage.com:
Donna Summer's "Stamp Your Feet" is an anthemic pop song tearing up the radio and dance charts, and we want to see how it moves you.

What's Up For Grabs?
Calling all cheerleaders, Dance Squads, or even you and a few of your friends … Put together your best “Stamp Your Feet” Dance Routine, and UPLOAD it to OurStage and you could be a winner of $5,000 cash for new uniforms, equipment for your team, or whatever else you see fit!

Stream track here

Donna Summer in People Magazine

Donna Summer appears in this week's edition of People Magazine with Shania Twain on the cover.

Donna Summer Interview on Sirius

Donna Summer's interview for Sirius Satellite Radio is scheduled to be aired Wednesday, June 04, 2008, during the OutQ in the Morning Show on channel 109 during the 9am hour.

Enter to Win Donna Summer Tickets

Two Baltimore radio stations are giving away Donna Summer tickets for her July 16, concert at Pier Six.

Enter here to win tickets from 102.7 Jack FM
Enter here to win tickets from 101.9 Lite FM

Live & More Encore recharts on Amazon

Donna Summer - VH1 Presents: Live & More Encore released June 22, 1999 recharts on the Amazon.com R&B/Live Albums chart at #1. Other ranks for Live & More Encore are listed below.

Amazon.com Sales Rank:
#1 in R&B > Live Albums
#6 in Pop > Live Albums > Vocal Pop
#16 in Dance & DJ > House

Donna Summer Gold recharts on Amazon

Donna Summer Gold released January 11, 2005 recharts on the Amazon.com Dance & DJ/House chart at #14, while VH1 Presents: Live & More Encore charts at #16 on the same chart. More ranks for Donna Summer Gold are listed below.

Amazon.com Sales Rank:
#14 in Dance & DJ > House
#23 in Dance & DJ > Disco
#81 in Pop > Adult Contemporary > Contemporary

The Journey recharts on Amazon

The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer released September 30, 2003 recharts on the Amazon.com Dance & DJ chart at #15. Other ranks for The Journey are listed below.

Amazon.com Sales Rank:
#2 in Dance & DJ > Disco
#7 in Pop > Adult Contemporary > Contemporary
#19 in R&B > Soul

Crayons Among Amazon's Top Sellers

Donna Summer's new album, Crayons, reaches the top three on four of Amazon's music sales charts.

Amazon.com Sales Rank:

#2 in R&B > Contemporary R&B

#2 in Pop > Dance Pop

#3 in Pop > Adult Contemporary

#3 in Dance & DJ

Donna Summer in Top 10 Yahoo! Search

The world is searching for Donna Summer online!

"Stamp Your Feet" Moving Up the Chart

Issue Date: 2008-06-14

"Stamp Your Feet" moves up from #25 to #13 in its third week on the Billboard Hot Club Play chart.

Donna Summer Podcast @ Itunes

Donna talks about her musical philosophy, collaborative work and influences. Tune in here. (This podcast is Part 2.)

Donna Summer On NBC's Today Show

Singer/Songwriter Donna Summer performs on NBC's Today Show in Rockefeller Plaza on May 30, 2008 in New York City for the show's Toyota Concert Series.

Donna was interviewed and performed her hits She Works Hard For The Money, Stamp Your Feet and Hot Stuff. (See Video at msnbc.com)

Donna Summer Sings Stamp Your Feet

Donna Summer gives advice and Sings her new single "Stamp Your Feet".

Donna Summer Sings Hot Stuff

Chatting with Donna Summer

Donna Summer Interviewed on XM Radio

Donna taped an episode of Artist Confidential today for XM Radio, channel XMX - XM2. The show will air Monday, June 30, all day long.

Donna is interviewed and also performs I'm A Fire, Bad Girls/Hot Stuff medley, Science Of Love, Stamp Your Feet and Last Dance.

From XMradio.com
She shares her stories of a life in music, and sings her new material along with her treasured hits on another brand new Artist Confidential!

Donna Summer Makes Her Mark on the Billboard Charts

Donna Summer Makes Her Mark on the Billboard Charts

NEW YORK, May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating four decades of milestones, DONNA SUMMER adds another accomplishment to her list with thesuccess of her new album "CRAYONS." The album debuted at #17 on theBillboard Top 200 Chart making it Summer's highest debuting album ever. Italso debuted at #5 on the Billboard R&B chart -- another personal best."Crayons" is Donna's first album of all new studio material in 17 years andis her highest charting album since "She Works Hard For The Money" in 1983. (read more)

Donna Summer: It's good to be the queen

By KJ Matthews
CNN

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) - Donna Summer's reign as the "Queen of Disco" may have begun in the 1970s -- more than 30 years ago -- but that doesn't mean she's slowed down in the 21st century.

With a new album, "Crayons," just out, and a tour coming up, Summer has re-entered the limelight as if she'd never left.

The woman known for "Love to Love You Baby," "Bad Girls" and "She Works Hard for the Money" appeared on the finale of "American Idol" and performed some of her greatest hits with the show's leading female singers. She also did a short duet with third-place Syesha Mercado. Read full article »

Donna Summer talks about her favorite songs See Video »

Crayons Mention in Billboard.com Article

Billboard.com
Katie Hasty, N.Y.

...Other debuts include Donna Summer's "Crayons" (Burgundy) at No. 17 with 23,000...
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"Stamp Your Feet" Power Pick

Issue Date: 2008-06-07

Two weeks on the chart and "Stamp Your Feet" jumps from #48 to #25 and is this week's Power Pick on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.

Visit Billboard.com for more info.

Donna Summer Podcast @ Itunes

Donna talks about her new album, Crayons. Tune in here. (This podcast is Part I.)

Donna Summer @ American Idol Season Finale

Donna Summer - Crayons (Special Edition)

An exclusive special edition with two bonus tracks is available only at Circuit City and is on sale now for $9.99!

Track List:
01. Stamp Your Feet
02. Mr. Music
03. Crayons featuring Ziggy Marley
04. The Queen is Back
05. Fame (The Game)
06. Sand On My Feet
07. Drivin' Down Brazil
08. I'm A Fire
09. Slide Over Backwards
10. Science of Love
11. Be Myself Again
12. Bring Down The Reign
13. It's Only Love
14. I'm A Fire (Remix)

Donna Summer - Crayons

Donna Summer's new album is released today!

Track List:
01. Stamp Your Feet
02. Mr. Music
03. Crayons featuring Ziggy Marley
04. The Queen is Back
05. Fame (The Game)
06. Sand On My Feet
07. Drivin' Down Brazil
08. I'm A Fire
09. Slide Over Backwards
10. Science of Love
11. Be Myself Again
12. Bring Down The Reign

Donna Summer - Tavis Smiley Interview

Original Airdate Monday, May 19,2008

PBS - Singer-songwriter explains why she is tired of being called the "Disco Queen" and reveals the new title she's selected for herself. (1:42) (See Video)

Dubbed the "Queen of Disco," Donna Summer has enjoyed consistent chart success since the '70s. She's sold more than 100 million records and was the first female to have four #1 singles in a 12-month period. With "Love to Love You Baby," she was also the first artist to create an extended-play song. The Grammy-winning songstress first sang in a gospel choir and turned a role in a German stage production into a launch pad for her career. The release of "Crayons" marks Summer's first CD of new material in 17 years. (Read Interview)

Donna Summer on Entertainment Tonight

From ETOnline.com
Hot Stuff: Donna Summer is Back!

DONNA SUMMER is releasing Crayons, her first album of all-new material in 17 years, on May 20, and the legendary former disco queen sat down exclusively with our own MARY HART in the music studio to deliver the 411!
Continue Reading>>

Donna Summer releasing first album in 17 years

By Kerri Mason

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Seventies flashbacks aside, Donna Summer is not Rod Stewart.

When executives at her label saw the massive success that Stewart was having with his oldies albums a few years back, they suggested that the 70s disco diva do the same thing.

Summer had different ideas, and played them a new song she co-wrote with Lester Mendez (Shakira, Santana) and Wayne Hector. The tune, "Be Myself Again," was inspired by James Blunt's smash ballad "You're Beautiful."

"I was thinking to myself, 'I would love to do a song like "You're Beautiful," where I don't sing very many lyrics, where there is just the simplicity of a broken heart, no frills,"' Summer recalled.

The lyrics sketch a life lived in the public eye, lamenting the resulting loss of self ("I gave everything to play the game/My soul fell apart at the seams"). And at the bridge, when Summer opens up that throaty, yet crystal-clear voice, as familiar to millions as the sound of running water, it's a moment.

"They never mentioned that oldies thing again," Summer said. "Not once."

The track appears on the May 20 release "Crayons (Burgundy/Sony BMG), her first album since 1991's "Mistaken Identity." Not that she was taking it easy in that time.

The 59-year-old is mother to three daughters, two of whom are "in the business"; wife of 27 years to musician Bruce Sudano; and grandma, not to mention painter, amateur interior designer and consistent touring artist (she was at home in Nashville a total of eight short weeks last year).

But the diva -- who is estimated to have sold 130 million albums worldwide -- is also a consummate songwriter, and that was what finally pushed her back to the studio.

"I've been extremely blessed, and I am obviously aware of it. That was one of the reasons I felt that I shouldn't even bother to be out there again, because there are so many people who haven't even had a chance yet, and it just clutters up the market," she said. "But at some point, I just got bored. There were songs that were in me, and the little head kept popping up. I felt like, 'You know what, I'm supposed to do this.' "

"Crayons" brings the unmistakable Summer sound into the 2000s, with the help of a slew of of-the-minute writers and producers, including Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Pink), Danielle Brisebois (Natasha Bedingfield, New Radicals), JR Rotem (Sean Kingston, Rihanna) and Evan Bogart, who co-wrote Rihanna's "SOS." Bogart is the son of Casablanca Records head Neil Bogart, who discovered and nurtured Summer before succumbing to cancer in 1982, at the age of 39. Working with the younger Bogart, who "looks just like his dad," was "interesting and very joyful," Summer said.
Bogart's two tracks, "The Queen Is Back" and "Mr. Music," wear their modern influences -- Rihanna, Ciara --on their sleeves, but don't betray what made Summer great in the first place.

"She's still got it," Bogart said. "Her voice is so powerful; she still has that Donna diva swagger. I knew she wanted to stay away from most of the disco elements. She really wanted to come into today's sound. It was finding a compromise -- what's a Donna Summer kind of melody, what's a Donna Summer kind of concept -- and melding them with today's melodies and concepts."

The rest of the material genre-hops without leaving the pop realm. First single "Stomp Your Feet" rocks a big room like a hipper Celine Dion anthem; the Latin-flavored "Driving Down Brazil" has a breezy, windows-down pulse; and "I'm a Fire," the lone electronic dance entry, has "a mellow softness to it that makes it sound unlike a thumping typical dance tune," Summer says. And definitely unlike disco.

"I think her old fans are going to be really excited to hear ("Crayons"). And I definitely think she'll be pulling in new people," Bogart said. "This isn't what Donna Summer sounds like; this sounds like something new."

Summer will hit the road starting in July. She is also scheduled to perform on NBC's "Today Show" on May 30.

Reuters/Billboard

I'm A Fire Reaches #1

Donna Summer's club single, I'm A Fire, reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart giving Summer her 13th number-one and making her the only artist to have a #1 dance hit in each of the past four decades.

Tracklist:
1. I'm a Fire (Solitaire Club Mix) 7:10
2. I'm a Fire (Craig C's Burning Club Mix) 7:46
3. I'm a Fire (RedTop's Burning Extended Vocal Mix) 7:16
4. I'm a Fire (Roca Sound Original Album Version) 7:10

Caesars Windsor to Launch New Era June 19

5,000-seat Colosseum centerpiece of world-class entertainment complex

(Summary)
WINDSOR, Ontario, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Plans to revitalize Windsor as a premier entertainment destination will take a major step forward on Thursday, June 19, 2008, as the newly re-branded Caesars Windsor opens the doors to its expanded facilities at a gala celebration.

Legendary rock star Billy Joel will perform for invited guests at the Gala Opening event - a signal of the high-caliber entertainment to be featured in the spectacular new 5,000-seat Colosseum theatre.

Other headliners already booked for this summer include Patti LaBelle (June 26/27), Michael Bolton (June 28), Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band (July 11), Reba McEntire (July 17/18) and Donna Summer (August 27/28). Tickets for these shows will be available to the public, through caesarswindsor.com, starting on April 29.

Donna Summer - Stamp Your Feet

Released today, Stamp Your Feet is the first official single to promote Crayons, Donna's new album scheduled to be released May 20, 2008.

Donna Summer Tops the Billboard Charts

'I'm a Fire' Reaches #1 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart

(Summary)
NEW YORK, April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating four decades of milestones, DONNA SUMMER adds another accomplishment to her list with the recent success of "I'm A Fire." "I'm A Fire" has risen to #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Charts making it her 13th #1 single to top the club charts and her 19th #1 charting single across all charts. This is Donna's first #1 hit in almost 10 years. Donna Summer is the only artist to have had a #1 charting dance hit in every decade since the 1970's.

"I'm A Fire" was remixed by several remixers including Solitaire, Craig C, Rod Carrillo, Redtop, Matty Soulflower and Baggi Begovic & Soul Conspiracy.

Hallmark Teams With Universal Music Enterprises for New Line of Premium E-cards

E-cards Feature Popular Songs From Musical Greats

(Summary)
SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- As people continue to connect through music, the popularity of musical e-cards has skyrocketed. Hallmark Cards, Inc., the largest greeting card company in the U.S., is featuring music exclusively from Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company, for Hallmark's first set of premium musical e-cards. The musical e-cards will feature original recordings from some of the world's most popular artists.

The musical e-cards, which will be available in April on hallmark.com, are 15-30 seconds in length. From timeless romantic gems such as Barry White's "You're The First, The Last, My Everything" and "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love" to upbeat perennials "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang and "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer, the new line of e-cards offers unique greetings.

'Last Dance' & 'It's Raining Men' Composer Paul Jabara's Memory Lives On

Remembrance of His 60th Birthday with Release on iTunes and New Musical

(Summary)
NEW YORK, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- "Commemorating Oscar-winning composer Paul Jabara's 60th birthday year, we launched a dedicated website (http://www.PaulJabara.com), a musical is in the works, and 'Paul Jabara's Greatest Hits (and Misses)' is available on iTunes," announced Claudette Jabara Hadad and Henry Hadad, managers of his catalog and keepers of the flame.

The Oscar and Grammy-winning "Last Dance" by Donna Summer; "Its Raining Men" by the Weather Girls and re-released by Geri Halliwell; "No More Tears/Enough is Enough" the duet by Donna Summer & Barbra Streisand, "The Main Event" by Barbra Streisand; and "Two Lovers" by Julio Iglesias are just a few of the iconic hits Jabara penned. Arguably one of the world's most prolific composers, he tragically died in 1992.

Donna Summer - I'm A Fire Single

I'm a Fire is the first single from Donna Summer's album, Crayons.

Tracklist:
1. I'm a Fire (Solitaire Club Mix) 7:10
2. I'm a Fire (Craig C's Burning Club Mix) 7:46
3. I'm a Fire (RedTop's Burning Extended Vocal Mix) 7:16
4. I'm a Fire (Roca Sound Original Album Version) 7:10

Podcast Alert: PR Newswire Entertainment Roundup

(Summary)
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- A weekly audio roundup of top Entertainment industry releases transmitted by PR Newswire. This week's roundup includes stories on Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, Donna Summer, Spike Lee and Reba McEntire.

When: The Podcast will be available for download on February 29, 2008
Where: http://feeds.feedburner.com/entertainmentroundup
How: Go to the URL above, and follow the subscription instructions on the website.
Minimum Requirements: a computer, an Internet connection, (broadband required), a portable MP3/Video player or MP3/Video-player application on your computer, podcasting software and QuickTime 7. If you experience problems downloading the podcast, send an email to webcast@multivu.com.

SOURCE PR Newswire
Credit: PR Newswire ...

The Queen is Back Legendary Singer Songwriter - Donna Summer is Back With a New Studio Album - Crayons in Stores May 2008 on Burgundy Records/Sony BMI

(Summary)
NEW YORK, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary singer songwriter, DONNA SUMMER, is hard at work on her first studio album of all new material in 17 years! Crayons is set to release on May 20, 2008 on Sony BMG Music Entertainment's Burgundy Records.

In the thirty plus years that Donna Summer has been making music she has never confined her artistry to just one genre. Although Donna is, and will always be, "The Queen Of Disco" to many fans, her hits have spanned multiple musical genres from Rock to R&B to Inspirational and of course, Dance. Summer helped to define the 70's pop music generation and Crayons will have all the characteristics that made Donna an icon.