THE FOREVER DONNA CHEST
The best of FOREVER DONNA's old pages 

FOREVER DONNA > HOME > EXTRA > CHEST > FOREVER DONNA MUSEUM: NEWS ARCHIVES (FROM 1999 TO 2004)

All text (except where noted) by Sandro Coutinho
Notice: Most links mentioned on the news below have been disabled

2004 

(AUG 21, 2004) WEBSITES ROUND-UP
PETITION FOR A DONNA SUMMER/DIANA ROSS DVD - A guy called Nat Glaude started an online petition to get a DVD with Donna Summer and Diana Ross released. See details and place your signature if you will here. 

DONNA AND GEFFEN - When David Geffen launched his own record company in 1980, it was spreaded to the world that Donna Summer was the first artist to sign to him. Well, this site says this is wrong (!) because the place belongs to a certain... hmm see for yourself (just scroll down a little) ;o)
 
A PICTURE OF DONNA - On DJ Joshua Escandon III's page at K-BIG-104 site. Take a look.

(MAY 21, 2004) DONNA TO PERFORM IN CHILE IN OCTOBER - According to Chilean newspaper "El Mercúrio", Donna Summer is going to do a full concert at the "Espacio Riesco" theatre in Santiago next October. She's one of the guest stars of local producer Raúl Belloni to start a new series of shows with international superstars. As reported, the show will be basically the one of VH1's Live and More Encore of 1999. Obviously she'll sing her new songs too, like she did at Universal Studios recently. As soon as I get more information, I'll post here.

(MAY 21,2004) A little more of Chile: Universal Records has released the DeLuxe edition of Bad Girls there. Way to go, Donna! (Source: Feria Del Disco site)

(MAY 21,2004) UNIVERSAL TO FINALLY RELEASE "THE JOURNEY" IN THE UK NEXT JUNE 14 (Catalog # 9862858)! And there's more: it's a different track listing from the US edition. The CD will be released both as a single CD and a limited double-pack edition. The major differences are - On CD 1, "Dim All The Lights", "This Time I Know It's For Real" and "I Will Go With You" have been deleted while "Theme From The Deep", "Rumour Has It" and "Dinner With Gershwin" have been included. Both "That's The Way" and "Dream-a Lot's Theme" have been moved to CD 2 (bonus). By the way, the british version of the bonus CD is completely different from the american one, except for "Hot Stuff" (12" version), which is included in both. The most notably missing song is "You're So Beautiful" (what a shame!). So far, Esprit website the only site that is announcing this release. See track listing below.

CD1:
1. Love To Love You Baby
2. Could It Be Magic
3. I Feel Love
4. Theme From The Deep (Down Deep Inside)
5. Love's Unkind
6. I Love You
7. Last Dance
8. MacArthur Park
9. Heaven Knows
10. Rumour Has It
11. Hot Stuff
12. Bad Girls
13. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)
14. On The Radio
15. Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)
16. State Of Independence
17. She Works Hard For The Money
18. Dinner With Gershwin
19. This Time I Know It's For Real
CD2:
1. Love To Love You Baby
2. I Feel Love - Patrick Cowley Mega Mix
3. Hot Stuff - 12" Version
4. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) - 12" Version
5. On The Radio - Long Version
6. Melody Of Love (Wanna Be Loved) - Classic Club Mix
7. That's The Way - Album Version
8. Dream-A-Lot's Theme (I Will Live For Love) - Album Version


(MAY 21,2004) Also on EIL.com, there's an outstanding piece of memorabilia for sale: it's the RIAA's Gold LP for sales in excess of 500,000 copies of... "Love To Love You Baby". That's the very first smash hit of Donna Summer. It's well worthy the price of 495 sterling pounds they're asking. But even if you're not such a wealthy fan, I'm sure you'll like to take a look at it HERE.

(MAY 17, 2004) - Sony channel is the one that airs American Idol in Brazil. They broadcast the show every Sunday and Monday at 8 PM.
Yesterday, I watched the show (for the very first time I must admit) and they didn't have Donna. Actually, it was the episode in which the 5th contestant (a guy) was expelled from the program. So, there's a strong possibility that they are going to air the show with Donna as a guest judge TODAY. If so, the second part will be next Sunday at 8 PM. Unfortunately there's no information on their local website.
So, keep your VCRs ready! 

(MAY 15,2004) - AUDIO PAGE updated with Donna's performances on American Idol. See details

IT'S HERE: AMERICAN IDOL FULL REVIEW!!

(MAY 13,2004) - Site collaborator DAVID THORNTON has just sent me a very detailed report of the 2 episodes of AMERICAN IDOL, in which Donna was a guest judge. Las t night she even performed! As usual, she rocked! Here's the report:

FIRST EPISODE (MAY 11)

Last night Donna came out after her introduction and greeted Ryan Seacrest. She was introduced as a special guest judge for their "disco night." All four remaining diva wannabes were to sing disco hits.

A beautiful video montage was shown of Donna's career along with a narrative. There was a fantastic footage of Donna shakin' it like we have not seen in 25 years. It's easy to forget how enticing and provocative she was. There was footage from Live and More, other concerts singing LTLYB, and the 1983 Hot Summer Night Concert, as well as a medley of hits playing in the background. Of course, the beautiful Once Upon A Time still along with some other stills graced the stage. Donna was hailed as having ignited the genre. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL TEXT

(MAY 12, 2004) BREAKING NEWS ON AMERICAN IDOL - The first episode of "American Idol" with Donna Summer as a guest judge was aired yesterday. As I've been told, right in the beginning of the show, they showed a video medley of Donna performances and said that without Donna there would not have been Disco. The greatest moment was when Diana DeGarmo, contestant #4, did a cover of "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" She sang both the Donna and Barbra parts and Donna said it was "fantastic". It was the only Donna song of the night and Simon said it was the best song of the entire night. Cathy Hawkins has cool screenshots of all Donna appearances. Click here. There's more tonight. Get your VCRs ready! A detailed review is in its way here on FOREVER DONNA. (Thanks Fernando Zaike and David Thornton for the news) 

(MAY 09, 2004) Great news this week, pals! DONNA SUMMER will be hosting a program on British TV on June 11th. She'll perform some of her biggest hits too. And if it wasn't enough, they are keen on getting her fans in for the taping. The show is DISCO MANIA for ITV channel in the UK. Audience tickets are available for the show at The London TV Centre, Waterloo. Doors open 6:45pm. And here's the cool advice the Audience manager told me: "Come dressed to celebrate the greatest Disco songs ever!"
You can book your tickets online at www.tickets.granadamedia.com or by calling 0207 261 3261

(MAY 09, 2004) There's more to see of Donna on TV... and it's next Tuesday and Wednesday! She'll be the guest judge for the acclaimed TV series AMERICAN IDOL. The show - disco themed (naturally!) this week - is scheduled for May 11 (Tuesday) at 8 PM and May 12 (Wednesday) at 8:55 PM on Fox Channel 2 (in the US). Both are different episodes (not reprise). People in other countries must check their local listings, since the show is aired through different channels and dates.

(MAY 09, 2004) In the same day (May 11), Donna will be at the Ryan Seacrest's Show. Check out his site for more details on where to watch.

(APR 09, 2004) All the buzzing among Donna fans all over the week was about her amazing concert in Orlando last March 27. I'm posting today a great review of the concert by Eduard. Check it out here.

(APR 09, 2004) Mark Tara in Canada has just reported me that the sales of his "Different Love" CD is getting better and better. As posted here (see April 02 news below), the CD - which is a charity release - features "Sometimes Like Butterflies" by Donna.

(APR 09, 2004) Sometime early this week, this site reached 400.000 hits. While I feel very proud of it, I must say that it's an achievement of all of us - Donna fans and it proves just how faithful and enduring we can be about our Diva. Here's to we all!

(APR 02, 2004) "SOMETIMES LIKE BUTTERFLIES" ON CD - Canadian singer MARK TARA has just released his debut CD titled "DIFFERENT LOVE", which includes some of his local hit singles. The release, however, is sort of a wider compilation, and does contain a great treat for Donna Summer fans. Along with Tara's and other artists' songs, it includes - for the first time ever on CD - the Donna Summer rare gem of 1982 "SOMETIMES LIKE BUTTERFLIES"! The CD will also benefit CANFAR (The Canadian Foundation for Aids Reasearch). See all details and buying facilities through this link.

(MAR 27, 2004) NEWS ON THE DUET WITH WESTLIFE - As announced here on FOREVER DONNA (see MARCH 16 news below), Donna would do a duet with british boy band Westlife for their next album. Now it seems that she's already a conffirmed name! The group is right now on tour and as soon as it's over, they're heading to studio to record the tracks. Their duets album will also feature Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Rod Steward and possibly Elton John. (Source: Belfast Telegraph). 

(MAR 27, 2004) This isn't necessarily about Donna, but music lovers will probably like to read this interesting interview with record industry big boss Walter Yetnikoff. He does mention Donna while commenting on how obsessed with sales Barbra Streisand was (is?) by the time "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)" was released. Check it out! 

(MAR 20, 2004) Donna Summer is going to do a live performance at Universal Studios in Orlando (Florida) next March 27 as part of their Mardi Gras festivities. Tickets are included as part of theme park admission (Adults: $53,95, Children: 44,95). Read more about it at Universal Studios website.

(MAR 20, 2004) Now that sitcom "Sex And The City" is coming to an end, Sony TV label has released a double CD set with some songs that appeared or inspired the episodes along its 6 series. The good news is that "Sex and the City: Music from and inspired by the TV series" does include a song by Donna: HOT STUFF. The bad news... well all Donna fans were hoping that it would have been a chance (now lost) for the unreleased song "I Got Your Love" to finally see the light of day in record. The song was slightly played in the background on the series' episode 81 (see August 30, 2003 news below to know more about it) 

(MAR 16, 2004) One of the most well-succeeded boy band - which is incredibly still in activity- WESTLIFE are now working on an album of duets. And according to British newspaper The Mirror, that album will include no one other than DONNA SUMMER!! As reported, there will be other artists like Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. Let's wait and see! 

(MAR 16, 2004) Last March 9, Broadway superstars "Blue Man Group" did an epic - and very acclaimed - performance of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" as the final act to the DanceStar USA - The American Dance Music Awards 2004 that took place in Miami. See the complete report of the event HERE. 

(FEB 28, 2004) Amazon.com has just announced a DeLuxe limited edition of THE JOURNEY as a gift box, due for release on April 27. No further detail has been disclosed. As soon as I get more information, I'll post here. 

(FEB 19, 2004) ALL-STAR GAME - Donna seems to be everywhere, even when it's not in person! Last Sunday (Feb 15), R&B sensation Beyoncé Knowles performed a thrilling cover of Donna's "Love To Love You Baby" at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles. She descended from the ceiling on a giant disco ball while singing the song. The "real" Diva must be proud! Read more HERE.

(FEB 19, 2004) CANDID PHOTOS - Photographer Allan Tannebaum's website features a bunch of vintage pictures of several music stars (mostly from the 70's) and among them you'll find a, say, provoking one of a girl we're very used to. ;o) At PJ Moriaty's site, there's another one of Donna back in 1977. And for those who haven't seen it yet, here's a se 

(FEB 13, 2004) This week, there have been some mentions to Donna in articles around the Internet. It's not about any new album, TV appearances or anything else regarding her recent activity (book and CD release). But still I found them very interesting and maybe you'd like to know about it.

Vanguard Online - While commenting on the recent Grammy Award gig, critic Dylan Tanner takes a break to make his definition of what Diva is:
"In the context of pop music the word diva conjures visions of Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner or Nina Simone. A diva is a woman with an amazing voice, but also a presence, a force to be reckoned with. From the politically and socially-aware lyrics of Simone's soulful jazz, to Aretha's patriarch-crushing wail, to the sexual liberation of Donna Summer, these women were originators. They redefined genres and were uncompromising performers."
Read the full article here

Jennifer Shepherd's curious (and very funny) horoscope for Feb 11-17, predicts to Taurus that "Saturn is making you work hard for the money, only without Donna Summer’s hit-making skills". Read more.

Japanese skatiing sensation, 17 year-old Yukina Ota skates to Donna Summer's "Last Dance" as a part of her exhibition program (Wow! This must be great!), as revealed on this article. 

(JAN 03, 2004) VCR ALERT FOR BRAZIL: This site is still on vacations... but I'm not. LOL. Here's a non-postponable piece of news: brazilian TV Channel "Rede 21" is going to air Donna Summer interview with Larry King next Thrusday 08 at 00:30 AM (actually it would be already Friday, but that's the way they scheduled it). 
The program has Portuguese subtitles and is hosted by a girl called Mariana Ferrão. She usually makes an introduction that includes some extra info about King's guests. I'm curious to know what she'll say about Donna.
For those who don't know "Rede 21", it's a TV station which is openly broadcasted in São Paulo through UHF and in another places through NET cable services and DIRECTTV, which are paid services. 

2003 

(NOV 22, 2003) The exhibition "Disco: A Decade of Saturday Nights" will hit The Henry Ford Museum in June 2004. It's an impressing collection of memorabilia of the "boogie" days, along with some multimedia features. And, of course, it has some outfits wore by Donna Summer back in those days. See more about it at the Experience Music Project website, as well as at Yahoo News. Also, Donna fan Dino Galdamez attended the exhibition in Seattle and send us some pictures. See them HERE. 

(NOV 16, 2003) Donna Summer will once again be one of the guest stars on the syndicated trivia TV show "Hollywood Squares" (in the US) during the week of Nov 24 through 28. On their website, there's even a Donna Summer profile. SEE HERE. 

(NOV 16, 2003) - Someone at Ebay has started an auction of an unbelievable unseen color picture of Donna Summer with Barbra Streisand from the Enough Is Enough photo session in 1979. Wheter you're going to place a bid or not, paying a visit to the sample page is really worthwhile. CLICK HERE. Also on the "rare pictures" subject, Solid Image website has one with a very young Donna with photographer Ron Backer. CLICK HERE. 

(NOV 09, 2003) 
NPR website has posted a very interesting (and long) audio interview with Donna. She talks to interviewer Terry Gross about a lot of the subjects we're already used to and some new ones (like the sexy cake Casablanca Records prepared to her back in 1975) in such a candid and open way. Don't miss it. CLICK HERE 

(NOV 09, 2003) DONNA SUMMER ART- ENTERTAINMENT GALLERIES website has an outstanding collection of Donna Summer paintings. The collections are divided into Litographs, Overpaints and Acrylics. Visitors can also see larger versions of each painting and the wealthy ones can, of course, purchase the art directly from the site. ;o) A must-see! 

(NOV 01, 2003) As for HULLAWEEN event, New York News Day's reporter Liz Simith wrote a great article about it with nice comments on Donna's performance. here's an excerpt: 

"Bette did one number, her classic eye-waterer, "The Wind Beneath My Wings," then turned the show over to Donna Summer, who blew the roof off. What a voice! What pipes! She sounds exactly as she did during her reign as Queen of Disco back in the '80s. When she ripped into "Last Dance," the place went wild. I think it's time for a major Donna Summer revival." Read the full column HERE. 

(OCT 29, 2003) Yesterday (28), Donna did an outstanding performance on the "An Intimate Evening With KTU" show at The Madison Square Garden. For the very first time, she sang live her new songs "I Will Live For Love" and "You're So Beautiful". The show also featured Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony. See several pics of Donna on the show and some backstage on the COVERAGE section. 

(OCT 29, 2003) NPR website has 2 nice interviews with Donna, one is written and the other is an audio file. Read below an excerpt of the first. And remember that the recent interviews and articles on Donna are being archived on Forever Donna's FANZINE section.

Donna Summer's Disco 'Journey' 
Singer-Songwriter Back in the Spotlight with New CD, Book

Oct. 21, 2003 -- She started singing gospel in a Boston church and rose to fame in the 1970s as the "Queen of Disco." In 1975, legendary singer-songwriter Donna Summer moaned her way to the top of the charts with her breakthrough hit "Love to Love You, Baby."

Her runaway success continued with 14 top-10 hits, four No. 1 singles and album sales in the tens of millions worldwide. Summer was also showered with awards -- her music has earned her five Grammys and an Oscar. READ MORE ON NPR's site 

(OCT 22, 2003) Donna Summer was the ARTIST OF THE DAY for October 21 on Billboard website. They posted an extensive article about her recent releases (book and GH CD). She's also featured on the October 25 edition of the printed version of the magazine. You can read the full article on this LINK. Also, you can find it archived on FOREVER DONNA's FANZINE section. 

(OCT 20, 2003) Donna's ORDINARY GIRL book and THE JOURNEY CD are being spotlighted everywhere. Here's some articles:

From "Fox News"

"ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY

By Oscar Wells Gabriel II

WASHINGTON — In November of 1976, Donna Summer's professional life was peaking.
Her single "Love to Love You Baby," followed by a slew of other hits, made her a fixture atop the music charts. But her personal life was falling apart -- to the point that she tried to jump out the 11th-floor window of a New York hotel room. 

The suicide attempt -- one of the few things in life that she failed to accomplish -- is described in Summer's upcoming autobiography, "Ordinary Girl: The Journey" (Villard Books). It's being released along with a greatest hits CD that contains three new songs. 

"The book is like holding up a mirror to people and letting them see things that happened in my life that represent things that happen in their own lives," Summer told AP Radio in a telephone interview from her home in Nashville, Tenn. "Struggles of different sorts that I've been through that other people go through." READ MORE HERE

From "New York Daily News":

"DONNA RECALLS SUMMER-TIME BLUES

Donna Summer writes about depression that nearly led her to suicide. 

Clear the dance floor: Disco divas Donna Summer and Chaka Khan are going head to head with tell-alls about how they survived that decade of decadence known as the '70s. 
Summer recalls having more to cry about than that cake left out in the rain in "MacArthur Park." The Bad Girl writes in "Ordinary Girl" that she was inches away from suicide in 1976". READ MORE HERE


From BBC News:

"DIVA DONNA MAKES A CONSERVATIVE COMEBACK 

Disco star Donna Summer is making a comeback, but says she won't be singing her sexually-charged hit Love to Love You Baby because she feels it is too risque. 

Now deeply religious, Summer told America's TV Guide magazine that she has mixed feelings about embracing her role as disco deity again. 

"Most people don't get to be called a queen," she said. "I appreciate the reference and that I've gotten to be part of people's lives. But now I have to make a new title for myself. That diva thing is getting a little used." (Source: BBC) 

(OCT 13, 2003) Everybody (in the US) tune in on ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT (ET) tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct 14). As reported, Donna Summer is one of tomorrow night's main features. She apparently will be talking about her suicide attempt in the past, to coincide with the publication of Ordinary Girl - the Journey. 

(OCT 04, 2003) THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, the superb Dutch 3 CD Donna Summer compilation has now an official release date: OCTOBER 8 (only one day after the release of ORDINARY GIRL: THE JOURNEY, the autobiographical book by our Diva). More: the box set is now available for pre order at Amazon.com in the U.S. Take a look at this LINK. Read more about THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION HERE and ORDINARY GIRL HERE.

(OCT 04, 2003) Donna Summer is now featured in her own entry on the online version of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. The article about her says:
"Donna Summer - Born Dec. 31, 1948 , Boston, Mass., U.S. 
Original name Donna Adrian Gaines American singer-songwriter considered the “Queen of Disco ” but also successful in rhythm and blues, dance music, and pop in the 1970s and '80s. 
An admirer of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, Summer sang in church and later in clubs in Boston. At age 18 she joined the German production of the musical Hair. While in Europe she studied with the Vienna Folk Opera and performed…" 

(OCT 04, 2003) Christmas time is getting near and for those of you who are planning to give Donna CDs as gifts, I'd like to let you know that CD Universe is offering THE JOURNEY (the double CD) for only $ 10.19 (Before you ask me, no, no, I don't work for them nor am getting any profit by reporting it. LOL). 
Still on THE JOURNEY subject, it's been reported that some advertisements have been displayed on TV (in America), which includes audio clips of the three new songs (Dream-A Lot's Theme [I Will Live for Love], You're so Beautiful and That's The Way). On SoapNet channel, there's even an ad with a phone number (1-800-590-3535) to order the CD plus a POSTER (!!) for $18.98 plus $4.95 (shipping and handling cost inside the US). 

(OCT 04, 2003) Rolling Stone.com has posted 2 quite positive articles about Donna Summer. One is what they called "Donna Summer new 'Journey'" about, of course, the new CD compilation and the upcoming biography as well (both with the - almost - same title, i.e. The Journey). The other is regarding BAD GIRLS DeLUXE EDITION, which, by the way, was rated 5 STARS (!) by Rolling Stone. We all know Donna has always deserve it all but it's so nice to see her being critically acclaimmed by today's reviewers too. Way to go, girl! 

(OCT 04, 2003) DONNA APPEARANCES - Donna Summer will be very active in the next weeks to promote the release of her autobiography and for some music performances too. Here's the schedule so far:
October
14 (7 PM) - Book signing at Barnes & Noble (6th Ave & 22nd St) in New York City. 
15 (12:30 PM) Book signing at Borders (100 Broadway) in New York City.
17 (7 PM) - Book signing at Book Soup (8818 Sunset Blvd) in West Hollywood.
28 - "An Intimate Evening With KTU" at the Madison Square Garden (located at the corner of 32nd St. and 7th Ave., NYC). Donna will perform at the show, which will also feature Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony. Tickets can be bought at Ticketmaster website.
29 (7 PM) - Donna to perform at Bette Midler's Hulaween Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis. This is a benefit event. For further informations, see the New York Restoration Project site. 

(SEP 28, 2003) THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION: ANOTHER DONNA SUMMER COMPILATION IS ANNOUNCED - Now that every Donna Summer fan is anxiously waiting for THE JOURNEY (the double CD) to be released next September 30 (even tough I've heard that some people have ALREADY got their copies out there), Universal Records announces the release of yet another compilation. But this is not merely another greatest hits package. DONNA SUMMER: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION is a superb 3-CD box set spanning the years 1974 to 1999, and the first (to my knowledge) to reunite in the same package, songs from so different stages of Donna's career like "The Hostage", "Lady Of The Night", "Down Deep Inside", "Je T'Aime" (the extended 15:47 version), "Melody Of Love", besides her classic hits. The CD # 3 is kind of a bonus CD and includes live versions of "Love To Love You Baby" and "Last Dance" (from the 78's Live and More album) and remixes of "I Feel Love" and "State Of Independence". This package will only be released in Holland but I believe it's going to be available in major online stores as an import. READ MORE ABOUT "THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION" HERE



(SEP 28, 2003) I FEEL LOVE VIDEO ON THE UPCOMING "SOUL CLASSICS" DVD

Another release relating Donna has been announced. The "SOUL CLASSICS" DVD, due out October 6, under BMG's Uncut label, includes an early Donna Summer performance of "I Feel Love" in european TV. The other features on this DVD are worthwhile too and includes Gloria Gaynor, Commodores and Cameo. READ MORE ABOUT "SOUL CLASSICS" DVD HERE



(SEP 10, 2003) BREAKING NEWS ON "THE JOURNEY", THE CD 

The cover of the upcoming THE JOURNEY double CD has been disclosed. But there's more about this topic. Barnes & Noble website has presented a slightly different track listing for the second CD: instead of an extended mix of SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY (as previously announced), the CD now features... YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL!!! And more: a remixed version of the brand new "DREAM-A-LOT THEME", which has now a alternate title: "I WILL LIVE FOR LOVE". The double CD will be released under Universal Records' secondary label "UTV". 

(SEP 05, 2003) "THE JOURNEY" - A NEW DONNA SUMMER COMPILATION - BRINGS 2 NEW SONGS WITH GIORGIO MORODER 

Allegedly, Universal Records (former PolyGram) will soon release another Greatest Hits compilation by Donna Summer entitled "THE JOURNEY". But before you get totally bored about this news (after all, there's always a new Donna Summer compilation popping up somewhere), this one seems to include a REAL treat for the fans: just like 1994's "Endless Summer", the CD will include 2 new songs. And there's more: such songs were supposedly produced by nobody less than GIORGIO MORODER!!. Hmmm... PolyGram, Giorgio, Donna, new songs... Wow, if all this information is confirmed, 2003 is really going to be an endless SUMMER! And if it isn't enough already, there are some words that there's going to be a limited edition with a bonus CD. Well, as I've said, everything has to be confirmed yet. Just in case, keep checking FOREVER DONNA, since as soon as I get more info on this subject, I'll post here 

READ MORE ABOUT "THE JOURNEY - THE VERY BEST OF DONNA SUMMER" HERE

(AUG 30, 2003) UPDATE ON "THE JOURNEY": The following article was taken from Cruzades.net website:

Summer never ends, even as the leaves start to drop from the tree, signaling the fall season. Grammy and Oscar Award-winning disco diva Donna Summer will be back in a very good way--demonstrating to her fellow 50-year-old-plus music colleagues how a multi-media comeback project should be executed. On October 14, Villiard/Random House will release her long awaited memoir, Ordinary Girl: The Journey, co-written with acclaimed biographer Marc Eliot. According to a spokesperson, the book will candidly recount the journey of Ms. Summer (born LaDonna Andre Gaines)--from singing in a Boston church to her coming-of-age in Europe and her unexpected reign as the Queen of Disco. The book promises to recount Summer’s triumph over adversity; domestic violence, heart failure, a suicide attempt--all which lead to her spiritual awakening. Mr. Eliot has penned biographies on Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles and Barry White. The book includes a colorful cast of characters that include Barbra Streisand, Sophia Loren, David Geffen, Sylvester Stallone and Ms. Summer’s chief disco era collaborator Giorgio Moroder. Speaking of Mr. Moroder, super-producing and collaborating, to tie in with the release of the Ordinary Girl, Universal Music Group will release The Journey: The Very Best Of Donna Summer on September 30, a 2-CD set featuring new songs produced by the legendary knob-smith. The new tracks, "That’s The Way" and "Dream-A-Lot’s Theme" are the said to be the pair’s first collaborations on a Summer album since 1981’s "I’m A Rainbow." The rest of the collection is made up of 18 classic selections--digitally re-mastered-- including all 14 of her Top 10 pop hits. Spanning 1975-1999 and a handful of record labels, the collection boasts two platinum and six gold singles. The bonus disc features extended 12" mixes of "I Feel Love," "Hot Stuff," "She Works Hard For The Money" and "This Time I Know It’s For Real." This Summer offering is sure to be hot.


(AUG 30, 2003) DONNA SUMMER TO SIGN HER UPCOMING AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN PERSON - Coincinding with the news above, Donna's upcoming Autobiographical book - ORDINARY GIRL - A MEMOIR is now titled ORDINARY GIRL - THE JOURNEY. As previously mentioned on this site (scroll down to APRIL 26), the book is going to be released next Fall. The big news is that Donna will be signing her books at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Chelsea in Manhattan on 14 October, 2003. Rumour has it that she'll even perform some songs in the occasion. I think I must find a way to take my holidays and travel to NY by then.

(AUG 30, 2003) "I GOT YOUR LOVE" - A BRAND NEW DONNA SONG SPOTLIGHTED AT "SEX AND THE CITY" - Once called "The First Lady of Lust", Donna's name is once again involved (sort of) with a "sexual" issue. It's because the episode 81 of the popular TV sitcom "Sex And The City" (starred by Sarah Jessica-Parker) spotlighted a brand new Donna Summer song, titled "I GOT YOUR LOVE" (co-penned with Bruce Roberts). So far, there's no word if this is one of the 2 new songs to be included on the "JOURNEY" CD compilation or if it at least will be officially released. Still, from the little I could hear (the song is actually backing the dialogues of the program's characters), it's GREAT! 

(AUG 30, 2003) BAD GIRLS - The Double CD Deluxe Edition - was released this week and the big news about it is that it does include a never-heard before 3:56 demo version of the title track. It's a very different version from the popular one. Check out below a 2 minutes Real Audio sample of it. Also, the collection brings on CD Two the rarely seen original version of "On The Radio" (which were only available on CD until then on the expensive "Casablanca Story" 4 box set).
Another appealing item on this release is its packaging itself. It includes a couple of the original Bad Girls pictures, as well as reproductions of the labels from the original master tapes. There is a booklet with all the original art, credits, liner notes, etc plus an article written just for this release by Brian Chin, lyrics and credits for the stuff on disk 2, and one picture from the On The Radio photo shoot (see above). It's definetely a must-have item for any Donna Summer fan. Read more about this new release below

(JUL 12, 2003) - BAD GIRLS - DELUXE EDITION DUE OUT ON JULY 28 

Universal Records, through its subsidiary Mercury, is announcing the re-release of Donna Summer's most acclaimed record: BAD GIRLS, her 1979's 3 million copies sold double album, which was first edited on CD format in 1990 as a single disk. Anyway, the new edition of the album, due out on July 28, has much more to offer: it's now a 2 CD Deluxe box-set, featuring all the original tracks on CD 1 and a bunch of 12" versions of Donna Summer songs from that era on CD 2. All tracks on the box set have received an up-to-date remastering presentation. Without a doubt, this release is a true big deal to every Donna Summer fan. Besides, if it sells well, it can become the first step to a lot of other Deluxe editions of the Diva's classic albums (which would probably include many rare and unreleased tracks). Check out below the track listing for the 2 CDs and the full official press release that Mercury/Universal have distributed:

Disc: 1
1. Hot Stuff / 2. Bad Girls / 3. Love Will Always Find You / 4. Walk Away 
5. Dim All The Lights / 6. Journey To The Centre Of Your Heart 
7. One Night In A Lifetime / 8. Can't Get To Sleep At Night 
9. On My Honor / 10. There Will Always Be A You 
11. All Through The Night / 12. My Baby Understands / 13. Our Love 
14. Lucky / 15. Sunset People / 16. Bad Girls (3:56 demo version) 

Disc: 2 (12" versions)
1. I Feel Love / 2. Last Dance / 3. Mac Arthur Park Suite / 4. Hot Stuff 
5. Bad Girls / 6. Walk Away / 7. Dim All The Lights / 8. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) / 9. On The Radio (Extended "Foxes" version) 


PRESS RELEASE FROM MERCURY / UNIVERSAL 
Lookin' for Some Hot Stuff Baby? Donna Summer's Disco Classic BAD GIRLS Expanded, Remastered and Reissued in DELUXE EDITION
Wednesday July 2, 10:00 am ET 

LOS ANGELES, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The greatest album of disco, from its greatest diva, has been expanded with 12-inch singles and rarities as well as digitally remastered for a special reissue. Originally one of the great double LPs of all time, even more has now been added for the two-CD DELUXE EDITION of Donna Summer's BAD GIRLS (Mercury/UME), released July 22, 2003.

Disc One features the entire remastered 1979 album, which reached double platinum and #1 pop/R&B, including the classic hits "Hot Stuff" (#1 pop/dance, platinum and Grammy winner for Best Rock Female Vocal Performance), "Bad Girls" (#1 pop/dance/R&B, platinum) and "Dim All The Lights" (#2 pop, gold). The added bonus track is the demo of "Bad Girls." 

Disc Two boasts nine extended versions of not only BAD GIRLS tracks but of Summer's other hits during the period. Released prior to BAD GIRLS were the 12-inch versions of the 1977 techno breakthrough "I Feel Love" (#6 pop/#1 dance, gold); the Grammy- and Oscar-winning "Last Dance," a Top 5 pop/R&B gold hit written for Summer's role in the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday, and "MacArthur Park Suite," the medley which included her first #1 pop single, her gold 1978 cover of Jimmy Webb's epic "MacArthur Park" which drove Live And More to her first #1 album charting, and the gold Top 10 pop/R&B "Heaven Knows." Spun off from BAD GIRLS were the 12-inchers "Hot Stuff," "Bad Girls," "Dim All The Lights" and "Walk Away" (Top 40 pop/R&B). With "Hot Stuff," "Bad Girls" and "MacArthur Park," Summer became the first woman to chart three solo #1s during one year. 

The post-BAD GIRLS tracks are "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)," a duet with Barbra Streisand which went gold and #1 pop/dance, and, opening the '80s, the long version of the gold Top 10 pop/dance/R&B "On The Radio," cut for the Foxes soundtrack, which titled her greatest hits package, her third consecutive #1 double album, marking her as the only artist in history with that distinction. 

But BAD GIRLS was a landmark in more than mere popularity and commercial success. The album was more soulfully sung, with more R&B horns and fewer strings, than previous disco discs. Its definitive production style (from the celebrated Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte), vision of a truly global pop music, and expression of a woman's outspoken, emotional and observant sides (the busiest co-writer is Summer, who wrote three songs solo and co-wrote five others) signaled a new era in music. 

Though disco's days would end, the inevitable and eventual resurgence of dance music as a cornerstone of global pop would return Summer to dance floor triumphs over and over. Every young diva who has followed, whether from R&B, pop or country, has been influenced by the BAD GIRLS of Summer. 

(JUL 12, 2003) "DONNA SUMMER - EDIÇÃO ESPECIAL" - WHAT DONNA SUMMER DVD IS THIS? SEE HERE - A so-called "new" Donna Summer DVD is now available in some online vendors, as well as on Ebay. But before you run to it, be careful! I've bought one (yes, I did it. You can call me a completist LOL) and, as I suspected, this is the same old LIVE & MORE ENCORE concert, originally released in 1999 by Sony/Epic, but in a different package. But there are some differences too (but let me make it clear that all are WORSE differences). Some songs are in a different order and "This Time I Know It's For Real" has simply disappeared. Plus: There's no extra videoclips in it. What a shame!!!! READ A COMPLETE REVIEW ABOUT "EDIÇÃO ESPECIAL" DVD HERE

(MAY 24, 2003) - DONNA'S NEW "YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL" - There's been some talk that the now famous new Donna Summer song "YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL", whose "Tony Moran Remix" has been playing in hot rotation on clubs for several weeks, will be released as a single this Fall. Let me emphasize that this is yet to be confirmed, especially because there's no word of which record label the single will be released under. But you can already check out the FULL LYRICS to this great song here on FOREVER DONNA. Go to the LYRICS section or CLICK HERE

(APR 26, 2003) DONNA'S BOOK "ORDINARY GIRL" NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDERING - THIS TIME IT'S FOR REAL! The book "Ordinary Girl", written by Donna herself, is really going to be released. More: The book is already available at Amazon.com for pre-ordering (Hardcover version). The site RandomHouse.com has an eletronic version of the book for pre-ordering too. According to their sites, the book will be released in September with a full title that reads: "ORDINARY GIRL: A MEMOIR". Could it be that Donna will tell us just everything about some intriguing facts on her career? Let's wait and see. Here's the details about the book, provided by Amazon:

Ordinary Girl: A Memoir
by Donna Summer, Marc Eliot 

List Price: $24.95 
Price: $17.47
Availability: This item has not yet been released. You may order it now and we will ship it to you when it arrives.
Edition: Hardcover 
Publisher: Villard Books; (September 2003) 
ISBN: 1400060311 

READ EVERYTHING ABOUT THE BOOK "ORDINARY GIRL" BY DONNA SUMMER HERE


(MAR 20, 2003) - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE NEW ALBUM "THIS NEEDS TO BE YOUR STYLE" - This week (March 17), a brand new CD by Donna Summer was released. It's entitled "THIS NEEDS TO BE YOUR STYLE" and is a 12 track CD by some label called "Irritant (!) Records". But... wait! THIS ISN'T AN ACTUAL RECORDING BY OUR BELOVED ORDINARY GIRL (Unfortunately!). This "Donna Summer" is actually a DJ who calls himself... Donna Summer!!! (Don't ask me why anyone at the Diva's camp hasn't sued him yet). This artist is part of a new scene of independent acts that deal mostly with experimental eletronic sounds. I've just listened to one of his works, called "Specticale To Refute All Judgements", which is a mix of several disco samples (none of the real Donna) with eletronical effects. It can be quite hard to hear at the first listening but... hey, it can be fun too.
Along with this "Donna Summer", there are also some strangely named other artists like Duran Duran Duran (!) and Georgio Marauder (!!). Find more information (and even some MP3 files) at the Cock-Rock-Disco website. 

(MAR 01, 2003) - DONNA QUOTED ON "NEW YORK POST" - Last Minute piece of news that came in:
The New York Post had a blurp about Donna in the Cindy Adams section dated February 28th.
It quotes Donna as saying: "I was a little ugly black girl with braids all over. I'd think, I don't know how far I'll get with this face"…. The picture above is the one that has been published on the newspaper. Here's the URL for their website: http://www.pagesix.com/cindyadams/31306.htm

(FEB 21, 2003) - A REVIEW TO JOSIAH HOWARD'S DONNA SUMMER BIOGRAPHY 

DONNA SUMMER: HER LIFE AND MUSIC, the non-authorized biography by Josiah Howard, has finally been released. Everyone who had pre-ordered a copy directly from the editor (Tiny Ripple Books) is already with the books in their hands. Well, mine has arrived too and, as promised, here's a review of it. UPDATED: SEE THE COMPLETE REVIEW AS WELL AS EVERYTHING ABOUT "DONNA SUMMER: HER LIFE AND MUSIC" HERE 


FEBRUARY 7, 2003

YUKI'S NEW ALBUMS' TRACK LISTING AVAILABLE

Well, here it is: the full track listing of Yuki Koyanagi's new album, entitled "KOYANAGI - THE DISCO - FEATURING DONNA SUMMER, which will be released on March 26.

1.ON THE RADIO
2.HOT STUFF
3.BAD GIRLS 
4.COULD IT BE MAGIC 
5.MACARTHUR PARK 
6.NO MORE TEARS (Enough Is Enough) 
7.HEAVEN KNOWS
8.CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING (But My Love) 
9.YOU MAKE ME FEEL BRAND NEW 
10.LET'S PUT IT ALL TOGETHER 
11.LOVE IS THE ANSWER 
12.YOU ARE EVERYTHING 

The songs listed from track 1 to 7 are covers of Donna Summer's songs. The others, are covers of Stylistics' songs. Unfortunately, there's no confirmation if the record will include a duet with Donna Summer or not. See below information on the single to be release on March 5.


FEBRUARY 1, 2003

YUKI'S NEW SINGLE INCLUDES DONNA'S "ON THE RADIO"

More information about Yuki Koyanagi's upcoming record, which will feature Donna Summer. Here's the track listing of her single, to be released on March 5. No word yet about a duet with the 2 stars.

1.ON THE RADIO [Donna's cover in Japanese]
2.Cross Colors [Yuki's new original song]
3.Cross Colors (*version name not disclosed) 
4.ON THE RADIO (*version name not disclosed)
5.Cross Colors (*version name not disclosed)


JANUARY 28, 2003 

DONNA UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY DELAYED ONCE AGAIN.

The saga of Josiah Howard's Donna unauthorized biography, DONNA SUMMER: HER LIFE & MUSIC goes on. That's because Tiny Ripple Books has just disclosed that the release day was delayed to February 7 due to a delay at the printer. Not much information has been provided by the publisher. Anyway, they assured me that the book will be out on the new foreseen release date. If you have any question about the release of the book, you can send an email to FOREVER TRUE and I'll forward it to the editor. See the JANUARY 12 report below (CLICK HERE) for further information on this subject.


JANUARY 12, 2003 (WITH UPDATES OF JAN 14 AND JAN 22)

DONNA SUMMER FEATURED ON YUKI KOYANAGI NEW CD.

JAN 12 - Donna Summer is featured on the upcoming new record by Japanese pop star YUKI KOYANAGI, entitled: KOYANAGI - THE DISCO - FEATURING DONNA SUMMER (temporary title). Not much information has been disclosed but I've been told that it's going to probably be a duet on a cover of "MacArthur Park" (Please notice that it still has to be confirmed). Yuki is a huge Donna fan and has been performing some Donna songs on her concerts. The CD is scheduled for release on March 05, 2003. 
As we all know, Donna has always been a big success in Japan. In 1983, she released "Tokyo", a homage to the Japanese people. I hope that this collaboration with a young popular singer will help to bring Donna back to charts worldwide (Anyone remembered of Donna & Barbra's No More Tears?) 
As for Yuki, this relatively new artist released her first album in 1999 and has become very successful since then. Her biggest hit (restricted to Japan) is "Aijou, Anata no Kiss wo Kazoemashou". With only 3 years of career, she released in 2001 a live album, entitled "KOYANAGI - THE LIVE IN JAPAN 2001-2002, just like Donna did in 1978, with LIVE & MORE. 
As soon as I get more information on this subject, I'll post here. So, keep tuned!
If you're willing to dare into kanas, here's a link to Yuki's official site: http://www.koyanagi-yuki.net/

JAN 14 - JUST UPDATED: Here's some technical information about Yuki's new record, including description: 
KOYANAGI THE DISCO Feat. Donna Summer (Title subject to change) 
Yuki Koyanagi 
Description 
Yuki Koyanagi's second cover album in the series. Here, she covers disco hits from the 70's and 80's, centering around Donna Summer's songs. [Copy-Protected CD] 

Catalog No.: HDCA-10136 
Media: CDA 
Number of discs (or other units): 1 
Release Date: 2003/03/05 
Price: 2500 Yen (US$ 20.74) 

JAN 22 - UPDATED Here's some extra information about YUKI KOYANAGI's new record featuring Donna Summer. From what I've heard, it's her new single (from the upcoming album) that will be released on March 05. The album itself is scheduled for release on March 26, due to various conditions, (this is exactly what was reported to me). There's nothing new as for which songs Yuki will include on the album, as well as if there's going to be a duet or not. As soon as I get more information, I'll keep you posted.


January 12, 2003 - IT'S CONFIRMED: THE BIOGRAPHY WILL BE OUT NEXT JAN. 27

DONNA SUMMER: HER LIFE & MUSIC, the unauthorized biography by Josiah Howard is really going to be released on January 27th. Here's the entire press-release the publisher, Tiny Ripple Books, has sent me:

"NEW BOOK EXAMINES LIFE AND CAREER OF DONNA SUMMER 
A new book, Donna Summer: Her Life and Music, will be published by Tiny Ripple Books on January 27, 2003.

Written by Josiah Howard, Donna Summer: Her Life and Music is the first book in over 20 years to examine the life and career of the performer who dominated the pop charts in the 1970s and earned the title “Queen of Disco” with hits such as “Last Dance,” “Love To Love You Baby,” “Hot Stuff,” and “Bad Girls.”

In addition to providing in-depth coverage of the recording of Summer’s most popular singles and albums, her working relationship with the acclaimed production team of Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, and her pre-superstardom (early 1970s) stage and recording work in Europe (where she appeared in the play “Hair” and scored hit singles in Germany, Holland, Belgium, and France), the book also discusses Summer’s penchant for controversy, including infamous songs (such as her suggestive breakthrough hit “Love To Love You Baby”), album covers, and interviews – as well as her conversion to Born Again Christianity, and the 1980s boycott of her recordings and performances by many gay fans.

Howard also illuminates the carefully-conceived image manipulation that Summer and her record company (Casablanca) employed to make her the biggest star to emerge from the disco genre. The book also features analysis of the influence of Summer’s recordings, her embrace by white rock critics, her five Grammy Awards (in categories ranging from R&B to Rock to Inspirational), and her collaborations with musical giants such as Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, and Quincy Jones.

Chronicling her triumphs and setbacks – both professional and private – Donna Summer: Her Life and Music paints the definitive picture of one of the most groundbreaking and popular female vocalists of the last four decades.

Donna Summer: Her Life and Music is available for $19.95 (plus $4 shipping) from Tiny Ripple Books, P.O. Box 1533, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. Pennsylvania residents must add 6% sales tax. Orders are now being accepted. For more information, visit www.tinyripple.com

INTERVIEW WITH JOSIAH HOWARD: Click here to read a FOREVER TRUE exclusive interview with the Author in 2000.

WEBMASTERS NOTICE: Forever True and its webmaster are IN NO WAY involved with the releasing of DONNA SUMMER: HER LIFE & MUSIC. 


2002

SEPTEMBER 20, 2002 - "ORDINARY GIRL - THE MUSICAL" TO START TOURING IN 2003

Calling all Donna fans in the world! It seems that the eternally postponed Ordinary Girl, the musical about Donna Summer, written by the Diva herself, is going to see the light of day next year. This is what was posted on the site http://www.playbill.com/cgi-bin/plb/news?cmd=show&code=112714 :

"Donna Summer's Ordinary Girl Working Toward 2003 National Tour 
18-SEP-2002


The producers of Ordinary Girl, the stage musical conceived by pop star Donna Summer, are currently piecing together a schedule which they hope will result in a U.S. tour launching sometime during the 2003-04 season. 

A New York production is the eventual, though long range, goal.

Summer herself was originally set to star in Ordinary Girl, which roughly traces the disco singer's life and career. That is no longer the plan, a spokesperson told Playbill On-Line. The central role has not been recast at this juncture. 

The tour was originally to have begun April 26, 1999, in Chicago, then wend its way across the nation, ending on Broadway in fall 1999. But Summer opted to spend the summer on a concert tour in support of her new album on Sony records. The tour was then pushed back until spring 2000.

Ordinary Girl will tell the life story of the one-time disco queen. At last report, the score consisted of 16 new songs, all written or co-written by Summer, including some of the '70s dance songs that made her famous, such as "Last Dance," "She Works Hard for the Money" and "Hot Stuff." Other numbers will be new Broadway-style songs designed to advance the plot. Among Summer's writing partners on the project are Al Kasha (who wrote "Hot
Stuff"), Bruce Sudano and Michael Omartian — all men she's worked with for years.

Unlike Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Elton John and other pop stars who have ventured into the musical theatre in recent seasons, Summer has a background on the legitimate stage, having, in her youth, toured Europe in such shows as Hair. 

Summer has referred to her new project as "contheatre," a hybrid of the stage and the stadium. "The story is told in the backdrop of a concert, and a concert grows out of the story," explained producer Peter Holmes a Court. "There will be a point in the musical where you're not sure if you're in a musical or a concert. Donna doesn't want to judged by the yardstick of what is a concert or the yardstick of what is a musical."

—By Robert Simonson"

(Thanks to FT Forum poster DreamwayExpress for forwarding the news :-)


SEPTEMBER 1, 2002 - AN E-CARD FROM DONNA IN RETURN

To all those fans who have written loving messages to Donna (which were sent to me and then redirect to her), in reply to her latest letter to us (see July 29 below), here's the reward: Donna herself made an hilarious, funny e-card (or e-movie) in return. The card was originally sent to Cathy Hawkins (at The Donna Tribute site) but is actually meant to all of us. Jump to http://mm.dfilm.com/mm2s/mm_route.php?id=244585 and see it for yourself. But don't be fooled: it's a genuine message from the Diva! (WEBMASTER NOTICE: FIND ALL DONNA SUMMER'S MESSAGES TO THE DONNA HERE)



JULY 29, 2002

THE DIVA SPEAKS! A BRAND NEW MESSAGE FROM DONNA

No rumours, no hoaxes or gossips. The message below is from the Diva herself! She talks to us about her upcoming new CD, as well as her family. Donna also reveals that she's writing a book. Read all about it below:

"Sorry it's been such a long time since I've been in touch. Since "9/11", lot has happened in my life. Due to the immense stress that occurred, I have had a self-imposed sabbatical, which has not yet ended; in which I could work out and overcome my personal fears and sort through the ravages of the situation as it has had upon everyone's lives. 

The album is status quo. I have until now written close to thirty songs; some titles are "Tearing Down the Berlin Wall", "Rain on my Shoulders" and "Till You Get It..". and many more. Yes, I'm still on Sony/Epic and, am thankfully, beginning to feel much better, now, as I get into my personal routine and spending more time seeking divine counsel. I am feeling much, much better. 

My children are fine and developing quite nicely. They are wonderful people. Mimi is recording and possibly desiring to pursue her career, and my other two daughters are also busy. Brooklyn is in New York pursuing a modeling and acting career. Amanda is still in college. Bruce is writing songs and developing a project possibly for Vegas. Bruce has a song coming out on a recent album by Kathy Troccoli, a Contemporary Christian artist. My two grandchildren are great and growing. 

I will probably not be open touring this year while my desire for travel is at an all time minimum. After many years of traveling, it was just time for the Diva have a break. Another reason I've been out of touch is that I've been in the throws of writing a book, which hopefully, will be out next year. 

I will try to stay in better touch and have a continued dialogue as soon as I get to work full time. But as for now, Thank God, who is by the way, taking care of the Diva in her time off. I extend my warmest regards and love, 

Donna Summer"
(WEBMASTER NOTICE: FIND ALL DONNA SUMMER'S MESSAGES TO THE DONNA HERE)


JULY 15, 2002

NO DONNA CONCERT IN RIO

Remember that big birthday party that was going to happen in Rio in July and would have a private concert with Donna and Barry White (scroll down to March 31 news)?
Well, the party took place on last saturday, 13, on a castle near to the Guanabara Bay and was a huge success. Over 1000 guests were there (including many local and international celebrities). According to the newspapers, the guy spent R$ 600.000 (around US$ 215.000). Actually, it was a 60's themed party (since Alexandre Accioly - the one that was celebrating his birthday) was born in 1962. They had brazilian pop group RPM playing, as well as a Beatles cover band, among many other non-musician performers.
Oh yes, there was NO Donna concert at it (as we suspected!)


JULY 11, 2002 (UPDATE: ES DVD REVIEW: DISK PICTURE INCLUDED AND EXTRA COMMENTS) 

"ENDLESS SUMMER" DVD - A REVIEW


Hi there! 

The Endless Summer DVD has finally arrived and, as promised, here's my review of it. 

First of all, it isn't homemade or any kind of amateur item. On the contrary, the DVD's design is very cute and one can perfectly see that it had a professional treatment. The disk itself is quite beautiful and actually is a picture disc (see above). By the way, if you remember, the picture now used on the DVD cover is the same one that was on the back cover of the "Endless Summer" VHS. The interesting thing about the picture on the back cover is that they did use the one of ES cover, but as a artworked background to the logo of Donna's name (see above). Sadly, the DVD doesn't include any booklet. 

Another thing is that the DVD is indeed a brazilian product, since everything on it is written is Portuguese, from the package (front and back) to the extra features (biography and discography). There's no mention of Universal (or PolyGram) on it. The DVD was produced by some CineArt Filmes (located in São Paulo, Brazil - see website's URL below). 

As for the subtitles, there's something really strange about it. It's because the DVD does not have the lyrics in English (!) or in any other language. On the other hand, it does include the Portuguese translation of the songs. By the way, I've been patiently watching it to maybe find any kind of mistake or bad translation and found nothing! The translation is great and sometimes is just excellent (like on "State Of Independence", in which the translator really caught the feeling of the song). 

The DVD is set for region 0, which means it can be run in all international DVD players (so, it's okay if you're planning to order it from brazilian online shops). 

As you can see, I only told you about the positive sides of the DVD. Now, sit out and get ready for the negative ones. And unfortunately there are a few of them. 

As for the videoclips included, yes, it IS the same stuff included on the 1994's "Endless Summer - Donna Summer's Greatest Hits" videotape. All the same 14 videos are here in almost the same order. The only difference is that "Love's About To Change My Heart" comes before "The Wanderer". All the rest is identical. The negative point here is that, once again, the other classic videos of Donna that had been released until 1994 weren't included ("The Woman In Me", "Love Is In Control", "All Systems Go", and "When Love Takes Over You"). 

The image quality is very good, higher than a VHS. Anyway, it's plain to see that there wasn't a necessary digital remastering of the video, as well as of the sound-track. My bet is that they took the master tape the way it was and directly converted it to digital (wasn't it the same the record industry did while re-releasing the old vinyls on CD format, some years ago?). But never fear: there's no hiss or noise on the sound and although some little imperfection on the image (like a DVD could never have), my final credit on it is okay. By the way, I didn't find the image granulated at all. 

UPDATED! The discography is a complete joke. There's no cover picture and to make things worse, is incomplete too. Correctly listed are, on the first page/screem, all albums from "Lady Of The Night" to "Bad Girls". Then, they skip to "The Wanderer", "Donna Summer (1982)" and finish with "She Works Hard For The Money". On the second page, listed are all the other full albums released from 1984 (Cats Without Claws) to 1999 (Live And More Encore), including 1994's "Christmas Spirit". Anyway, no compilation were considered on the discography, even when it includes new songs (and most of them includes!) like "On The Radio", "Anthology" and "Endless Summer" (although the respective CD cover of this last one is shown on the program ending, as an "Also Available" item, just like on the VHS). The only exception here is the irrelevant 1993's german compilation "This Time I Know It's For Real", which, surprisingly, was listed. But what's really amazing on the discography is that SHOUT IS OUT (an non-official Donna Summer release) has been listed THREE TIMES! (1994's "Live" and 1995's "Shout it Out" and "Nice To See You"). Thank God the guys from CineArts aren't, as it shows, well-informed persons. If they were, it would take the whole DVD space to get ALL Shout It Out-like releases listed. LOL 

The biography (all written in Portuguese) is correct (except for the fact that they call Donna as Adrian Donna Gaines) but too concise. It's just impossible for a newcomer on Donna's land to really get to know about her from those inexpressive lines. What's surprising here is that they do mention that Donna released a single called "Sally Go Round The Roses", which is, in my opinion, information that only die-hard fans have. On the other hand, there's no mention to any disco classic she made immortal. 

Well, that's my opinion on the DVD. In brief, it has some negative sides but is no doubt a worthwhile item. It's just great to have all those videos on digital format. I hope you have enjoyed this review and that it had been useful for you (see below technical notices on the DVD). For buying purposes, please refer to my post of June 4 (below). 

Keep an eye on this page for further news and other information about Donna. 

TECHNICAL DATA: 

DVD: ETERNAMENTE SUMMER - DONNA SUMMER MAIORES SUCESSOS (ENDLESS SUMMER - DS GREATEST HITS) 

SPECIFICATIONS: MUSICAL, 68 MINUTES, FULLSCREEN, PORTUGUESE SUBTITLES AND TEXTS. 

FEATURES: MAIN MENU, SONG SELCTION, EXTRA FEATURES (BIOGRAPHY AND DISCOGRAPHY) 

SOUND: DOLBY STEREO AND DOLBY 5.1 

PRODUCED BY CINEART PRODUCTIONS (http://www.cineartonline.com.br) 

TRACK LISTING:

1. Medley (Dim All The Lights / Hot Stuff / Bad Girls / Last Dance)
2. She Works Hard For The Money - 1
3. Uncondicional Love - 1
4. State Of Independence - 1
5. Love´s About To Change My Heart - 1
6. The Wanderer - 1
7. Dinner With Gershwin - 1
8. Supernatural Love - 1
9. There Goes My Baby - 1
10. This Time I Know It´s For Real - 1
11. MacArthur Park - 1
12. On The Radio - 1
13. Last Dance - 1
14. Melody Of Love - 1


(Thanks to Cathy Hawkins for providing the scan of the picture disk)

(WEBMASTER'S POST NOTICE: FIND INFORMATION ON ALL DONNA SUMMER DVD HERE)



JULY 04, 2002

NEW RELEASE: 1995'S "ENDLESS SUMMER" ON DVD - UPDATED!!!!

JUNE 26, 2002 - Brazilian online CD shop SUBMARINO is announcing ES on DVD entitled "Eternamente Summer - Donna Summer Maiores Sucessos". They say the item isn't available yet but they have the option for the customer to be notified when it becomes available. According to their site, it's a 60 min. color DVD, 2002 release, which also includes Main menu (oh!), Discography, Biography and Song Selection. NEW! More info: Produced by Cineart Pictures, Free for all regions format (Region 0), Fullscreen format, portuguese subtitles, Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 e 2.0

JUNE 03, 2002 - Today, I received an email from Submarino telling me that Donna's DVD "Eternamente Summer" IS NOW AVAILABLE. I obviously ordered it and may be receiving it in 2 days. As soon as I have watched it, I'll keep you posted about the DVD. So, Keep an eye here, ok? 

JUNE 04, 2002 - Another brazilian based online CD shop has the DVD: it's DVD World. And what is better: they ship abroad! Although the site is in portuguese, you won't find any trouble ordering the DVD, as long as you follow this great step-by-step guidelines provided by nobody else than webmistress Cathy. Just a note: I've never bought anything from DVD World, so I can't assure you just how trustworthy they are.


MARCH 31, 2002

DONNA TO PERFORM ON A PRIVATE CONCERT IN RIO DE JANEIRO

On March 10, 2002, brazilian newspaper "Jornal do Brasil" published a report entitled "Curtindo a Vida Adoidado" (something like "Enjoying Life Wildly"), in which was said Donna would do a concert in Rio next July 15th (Note: the text is written in Portuguese.  
Well, in order to try to conffirm this, I sent an email to the journalist and I did receive an answer. Check out below the story about the private concert and the answer she sent me.


Actually, the reporting is about the new brazilian "playboys", that is, the very rich young men and how they like to enjoy their "good" lives. At one point, the journalist tell us about a guy called Alexandre Accioly who, as reported, is going to celebrate his 40th birthday in a very 60's style, including concerts by Barry White and Donna Summer. It's quite strange that if the guy is going to do a 60's party, why would he hire stars from the 70's? Another thing that took my attention is the discrepancy between Barry's and Donna's wages (120000 and 20000, respectively). The only way out was to email the reporter (Priscila Monteiro) and try to get answers to such questions.


So here it is: reporter Priscila Brandão has indeed answered me. Well, although she was very gentle sending me an email, I must say that she was very concise too. I asked her for further details on the private concert, as well as on the discrepancies on Donna's and Barry's wages. Here's what she responded (see english translation after the original in portuguese):

"Sandro, que bom que vc. leu a matéria. Só que o show é particular... Qto. aos cachês, foram me passados por um amigo do aniversariante... Mas esses números são sempre estimados. Não me surpreenderia se o cachê dela for maior... (aliás, seria bem merecido). Um abraço e obrigada por ter escrito, Priscila" 

"Sandro, it's nice to know that you have read the report. Unfortunately, it's going to be a private concert (my note: non-invited guests won't be allowed in). As for the wages, I was told about them by a friend of the guy that's celebrating his birthday (my note: Alexandre Accioly). As usual, those are only estimated values. I won't be surprised if Donna's wages are higher (and she does deserve it). Hugs and thanks for writing. Priscila" 

As you see, the kind girl hasn't enlightened me very much on this topic. I'm still in doubt if this whole story is true or not... Anyway, I'll keep looking for information on this whole story. When I get this, I'll keep you posted. 

2001

DECEMBER 27, 2001


A HOLIDAY LETTER FROM DONNA TO THE FANS!!

December 12, 2001 

To my loyal and devoted fan club members: 


Hello Everyone and Happy Holidays!!!!!! 

I hope these wishes find you all safe and well as we draw 2001 to a close. So many of us have been touched so deeply by the world events over these past weeks and it's hard to imagine anyone on this earth, not to mention in the U.S., who is not reflecting on life, love and family in this holiday season. I was in New York on September 11, 2001 and was personally shaken to my core, like so many others. We, Americans, have been awakened to who we really are, and to who each of us can be. Truly, United We Stand. 


I am in the studio writing and recording to get a new album out this Summer and preparing to travel and visit some of you out on the road, hopefully very soon. The album is progressing and looks like we have a release date scheduled for July 2002, provided all goes as planned. It's been a lengthy process of writing, recording and eliminating. Here are some new titles in process: "Rain on My Shoulders", "You're So Beautiful", "Only Words", and "Work It". Hopefully they'll make it to the final album cut. I'll give you some sampling in the near future. The band is all well, and we looking forward to seeing many of you, as we are booking dates in for 2002. 


My family is great, healthy and preparing for a quiet, holiday together. Bruce and I are so thankful. We have recently spent some time with Mimi and Rick and my amazing granddaughters, Vienna, who is now four, and Savannah, an amazing year and a half. They continue to make me laugh as they grow so quickly. Amanda and Brooklyn are both doing so well in educating themselves for the future. Brooklyn is studying acting, and Amanda's college studies are in business management. Either way, I'll think they are both going into show business. 


Please keep in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you as always. Remember it is easier and faster for us to respond to you via e-mail at DSummerFC@aol.com rather than "snail mail". With the recent U.S Postal scares, many have opted for an alternative for correspondence, and we are happy to oblige. 


My prayer to each of you who read this is that God will give you and your family divine protection and go with you throughout the coming year. I love you and look forward to seeing you soon. Keep your eyes and ears posted for us in 2002. 

May God's blessings of peace, prosperity, hope and most of all love, be with each of you, 



Donna

2000

JUNE 4th, 2000

DONNA AT GALA 2000

As previously announced here on Forever True in May 26, Donna's going to perform in Toronto in benefit for Mount Sinai Hospital. The following report was published on The Hospital's Homepage. Thanks to Chester Ho for the info.

Don't miss the excitement of an electric live performance by singer Donna Summer on June 15 at the National Trade Centre as the Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary presents Gala 2000, sponsored by CIBC World Markets. 

Proceeds from this black-tie event will support the Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary's commitment to raise $6 million to develop the new Centre for Mothers' and Infants' Health at Mount Sinai Hospital. The evening includes dinner, a live and silent auction and a raffle for a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, donated by General Motors. Last year's Gala, was a sell out, so don't wait. For information please call 586-8290.


DONNA'S SONG IN POKÉMON 2000 MOVIE

I was just informed that Donna will have a new song in the new "Pokémon" movie, due out in June!!! The song is called "THE POWER OF ONE" as written up in "Newsday" newspaper in May 26. For further details, take a look at the POKÉMON 2000 website. Just CLICK HERE.

Donna is also going to be in Toronto in June, but the reason for her visit there was not disclosed.

Finally, it seems that Donna will be at some college in Dansbury (Ct) in July. So far, there's no further data on where or what the purpose is but I do not think it is a concert. As soon as I get more info, I post it here, ok?



MAY 9, 2000

DONNA'S NEW SONG: "WHEN I LOOK UP"

Donna is featured on Darwin Hobbs's latest CD " Vertical" from EMI Gospel.
Released in the United States today (5/9/00) the disc was produced by Cedric &
Victor Caldwell, who have produced other R & B artists. The featured track is entitled "When I Look Up" and although it is a Christian Song it is set within a contemporary R & B Rhythm track with Donna adding her soulful and unmistakable style to the song. Those who thought "My Prayer For You" from "Sing Me To Sleep Mommy" was too confining into a religious sector with Donna's mostly spoken performance, should like this a whole lot better due to it's R & B commercial appeal.

APRIL 10, 2000

DIVAS 2000: DONNA SINGS "REFLECTIONS"

On the "Waiting for the Divas 2000" thread, my spies at the taping of VH1's special yesterday told that Donna sang Supremes' classic "Reflections". She performed the song in a beautiful tight black dress and is still wearing her hair red, straight and long. The finale of the show ends with all the Divas singing "Aint No Mountain High Enough". 

MARCH 25, 2000

VH1'S NEW WEBSITE SECTION TO THE DIVAS 2000

VH1 has just launched a brand new section on its website . Of course, it's about its next event: DIVAS 2000: A TRIBUTE TO DIANA ROSS. It's a very well designed, full of informations section (by the way, I think a little correction in its promo poster is needed: we all know who is the one and only Diva of all: DONNA SUMMER!! LOL) 

Now seriously: the site is really worthy checking - it's even possible to bid in order to get tickets for the show, which is going to be pre-recorded in April, 9th, at Madison Square Garden. The last time I saw it, bid was over US$ 400!!! Click on the picture below to jump to it.



MARCH 21, 2000

DIVAS ON ELTON JOHN'S AIDS BENEFIT


UPDATED Hi there! I've just heard that, according to Elton John, some of the Divas 2000 will be performing on his Oscar Awards Night Party on March 26th. The event will be broadcasted by the Internet. He did not say what Divas although he did say for sure Diana Ross will be there. Hey, maybe Donna will appear too!! I'm already with my fingers crossed.

To view the event on your computer, it's necessary to have Real Player software installed in your system. Just go to Elton John's Official Website (www.eltonjohn.com/now/now_index.asp) to get all the information. It's free! The event at 10:00pm and it is on a Sunday. 

MARCH 18, 2000

DONNA WILL HONOR DIANA ROSS ON DIVA 2000

It is confirmed that Donna with Mariah Carey and Faith Hill will be The Divas honoring DIANA ROSS on the VH1'S April 11th Divas 2000. They are scheduled to do about 4 of their own songs and then do 2 songs of Ms.Ross. As soon as I get more info, I'll post it here, ok?



MARCH 7, 2000

DONNA'S NEW CD COMING IN JUNE

Hi There! Good news on the front and this time (I know) it seems to be real ;-) I was informed that Epic will be releasing Donna's new CD in June, a mere 3 months away if it stays on its release schedule. As I posted in January, 2nd, the contents of the album or even producers or title still aren't released to the public yet. Early this year, the following tracks were submitted to the Library of the U.S. Congress, probably related to the "Ordinary Girl" musical (and maybe they'll be the tracks included on the new album): Gotta Have A Dress, This Forbidden Fruit, I Found A Star, Begin Again, Chairman Of The Board (all written by Donna, Michael Omartian, Al Kasha, and Bruce Sudano), Arms And Legs, Be Rich (both written by Donna , Michael Omartian and Al Kasha), My Dream Is For You, If There Is Music There, No Ordinary Love Song, Bitter Love, Rain-Rain (all written by Donna and Michael Omartian). 

DONNA ON TV GUIDE

The TV Guide Channel on Cable TV(channel 60 in New Jersey) has been airing a commercial for a CD called Millenium Disco and one of the clips shown is of early Donna (70's clip) on some Disco Show, although the song playing is Bad Girls, this is not of that era as she has a dress similar to the one in an early Soul Train appearance. Anyway she looks great!!!! 

URGENT!! DONNA ON TVZ (BRAZIL) MARCH 8

Calling Brazilian Fans: Tomorrow, March 8, is the International Women Day. So, MULTISHOW Channel will be airing an "only woman" TVZ special. And guess who is included? Yessss: our own Donna!!! The videoclip to be shown is, of course, I Will Go With You. What's extra interesting is that Multishow has been lately airing foreign language videos with translation. Well, I'm not sure if IWGWY will be translated. Nevertheless, showing it or not, it's Donna! It's always worth seeing. ;-) Here's the entire scheduled for tomorrow. There's a lot of interesting videos besides Donna's: 
Daúde - Vênus (Versão Cássia Eller) 
Cher - Believe 
Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive 
Madonna - Drowned (Substitute for Love) 
Aretha Franklin - Rose is Still a Rose 
Gloria Estefan - It´s too Late 
Marisa Monte - Segue o Seco 
Shania Twain - You´ve got the Way 
Carly Simon - You´re so Vain 
Annie Lennox - Why 
Lauryn Hill - Everything is Everything 
TLC - Unpretty (Versão Integral) 
Tina Turner - When the Heartache is Over 
Whitney Houston - It´s not right but it´s OK 
Mariah Carey - Heartbreaker 
Celine Dion - That´s the Way it is 
Ivete Sangalo - Canibal 
Alanis Morissette - So Pure 
Andrea Marquee - O Que Aconteceu com Nosso Amor 
Vania Abreu - A Voz Guia 
Elba Ramalho - Ciranda da Rosa Vermelha 
Rita Lee - Perto do Fogo 
Donna Summer - I Will Go With You 



FEBRUARY 26, 2000

AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO...

Cher, as you all probably know at this point. But it's okay, since I do like Cher and her smash hit "Believe". It's a good song, isn't it? (Oh, it's sooooo hard to pretend being a good loser... LOL) What to say? Well, I call Donna Summer - she always has answers to all of these things (Thanks, Paul Jabara!): "Never ever lose your sense of humour", she says. Yeah, she's right. CARRY ON, Donna! ;-)

PAGE UPDATES

Today I have made some addictions to the sections SEVENTIES and NINETIES of the PICTURES GALLERY. They're worth taking a look at. 

ROGUES' GALLERY

The Rogues' Gallery's pictures are already out! Check it out by clicking HERE.


FEBRUARY 19, 2000

GRAMMY TO BE BROADCASTED

Until the present moment, I haven't heard any confirmation if Grammy's "Best Dance Recording" category award will be (or won't be) presented along major categories on CBS. Anyway, at least in the U.S., VH1 will air the presentation of Grammys for the categories not aired on CBS, beginning at 7pm EST, 6pm CST on Wednesday, February 23, 2000. So, keep tuned in both cases. ;-) 

ROGUES' GALLERY EFFORT

I was wondering if Donna Summer fans would like to get together online. Okay, there are very successful message boards and forums that shows they want it. But I thought of another format. Maybe a kind of an amateur club online, maybe more delightful than the other formats. That's why I started a new website called THE ROGUES' GALLERY. It's already out, but in a tentatively way. I'll keep it on waiting for feedback from fans. CLICK HERE to check it out. And don't forget to send me your comments, okay? 


FEBRUARY 13, 2000

PAGE UPDATES 

Here I go again. Today I have included new photos in the PICTURES GALLERY sections EIGHTIES and NINETIES, in a way that now the two of them were subdivided in more pages. And many more pictures are coming soon (I mean, as soon as I'm able to scan them ;-) So, don't forget to come back here, okay?

MEMORABILIA page was updated too. Take a look at the poster of a Donna concert in France in 1990 and another one in Japan in 1996.

Finnaly, I have launched my LINKS page. Well, it's not exactly a comprehensive page and, if you visit it, you'll soon realise why. LOL 



FEBRUARY 6, 2000

WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON...

Hi Everybody. I know, I know, I've been a little idle lately. And, yes, there's an off line life out there that sometimes demands me quite a lot. ;-)

But you Forever True regulars haven't lost anything, since things were very quiet last month. And the reason is that Donna is totally dedicated to the new album, in order to have it released by the Spring (as I posted in January, 2nd).

As to the Grammy's, Donna has solid perspectives on winning the award of "Best Dance Music Recording" for "I WILL GO WITH YOU". So, let's keep our fingers crossed. Until now, there's no sign of our Diva performancing at the show or even presenting any category. Too bad, indeed. But, still, I'd be pleased if she simply... er... take the golden gramophone. LOL!



DONNA SUMMER PICTURE GALLERY 

Well, today I have finally launched a brand new section entirely dedicated to PICTURES, PICTURES AND PICTURES. It's the DONNA SUMMER PICTURE (oh wow!) GALLERY. It has a lot of interesting pictures of our Diva. Some of them are quite known by most fans but some are very rare and/or exclusive!!! Yeah, you better check them out! Browse in the Gallery through its branches: Seventies, Eighties, Nineties. Soon available: Early Years and Millenium. I'll be raising these sections constantly. So, be sure take a look at them when you're on the web, okay? ;-)


JANUARY 7, 2000

DONNA SUMMER IS THRILLED WITH HER NOMINATION

The following article was published by the on-line magazine "Uville" in 01/06/00: 

"While she's no longer the chart-topper she once was, Donna Summer's latest work has caught the eyes of the Grammy voters. When the nominations came out on Tuesday (January 4), Summer found out she was nominated in the best dance recording category for the song "I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro)." In a statement, Summer said, "I am so very blessed and excited beyond words to be nominated with such a wonderfully talented group of women. I'm extremely impressed with all of the other women in the same category, I hope they all win." 

The other nominees for best dance recording include Cher for "Believe," Gloria Estefan for "Don't Let This Moment End," Jennifer Lopez for "Waiting For Tonight," and Fatboy Slim - the lone male in the category - for "Praise You." The Grammy Awards will be broadcast on CBS February 23 at 8:00PM ET/PT.

If Summer wins, it will be her sixth Grammy. She won best R&B female vocal in 1978 for "Last Dance"; best rock female vocal" in 1979 for "Hot Stuff"; best gospel - sacred/inspirational in 1983 for "He's A Rebel," and again in 1984 for "Forgive Me"; and best dance recording in 1997 - the first year the category was honored - for "Carry On" (producer Giorgio Moroder was also named on the award).

(Bruce Simon, New York)

JANUARY 6, 2000

"I WILL GO WITH YOU" BY DONNA ON GRAMMY

Once again, Donna has been nominated to a GRAMMY AWARD, this time for "I WILL GO WITH YOU" in the "Best Dance Recording" category. That category was created in 1998 and the very first winners were Donna and Giorgio Moroder for "CARRY ON". This year, Donna is competing with CHER ("Believe"), GLORIA ESTEFAN ("Don't Let This Moment End"), FATBOY SLIM ("Praise You") and JENNIFER LOPEZ ("Waiting For Tonight").

UPDATE: Actually, Donna was mentioned in another nomination: Peter Rauhofer, aka Club 69, was noted to "Remixer Of The Year - Non Classical" for his version of "I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro) (Club 69 Future Mix)".

Just for the record, check out again all Donna's Grammy Awards and Nominations. Here they are:

AWARDS:

1978 - LAST DANCE (Best R&B Vocal Performance Female);

1979 - HOT STUFF (Best Rock Vocal Performance Female);

1983 - HE'S A REBEL (Best Inspirational Performance);

1984 - FORGIVE ME (Best Inspirational Performance);

1998 - CARRY ON (Best Dance Recording).

NOMINATIONS

1978 - MACARTHUR PARK (Best Pop Vocal Female);

1979 - BAD GIRLS (Album Of The Year);

1979 - BAD GIRLS (Best Pop Vocal Female);

1979 - DIM ALL THE LIGHTS (Best R&B Vocal Performance Female);

1979 - BAD GIRLS (Best Disco Recording);

1980 - ON THE RADIO (Best Pop Vocal Female);

1981 - COLD LOVE (Best Rock Vocal Performance Female);

1981 - I BELIEVE IN JESUS (Best Inspirational Performance);

1982 - PROTECTION (Best Rock Vocal Performance Female);

1982 - LOVE IS IN CONTROL (Best R&B Vocal Performance Female);

1983 - SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY (Best Pop Vocal Female).


JANUARY 2, 2000

DONNA'S NEW ALBUM IS COMING SOON!

Hello everybody. So, this is the so expected Y2K! No computers' bug, no end of the world... Then, let's work ;-)

Well, I was told by a very trusty source that Donna is "definately releasing" a new cd by the Spring 2000 and that she is doing an extensive tour of that cd beginning in Europe sometime in April or May (no specifics on dates yet). The contents of the album or even producers or title is also not released to the public yet. Yes, after 8 years a full new cd!!!! 

By the way, Cathy Hawkins has recently posted on her website that the following tracks were submitted to the Library of the U.S. Congress, probably related to the "Ordinary Girl" musical: Gotta Have A Dress, This Forbidden Fruit, I Found A Star, Begin Again, Chairman Of The Board (all written by Donna, Michael Omartian, Al Kasha, and Bruce Sudano), Arms And Legs, Be Rich (both written by Donna , Michael Omartian and Al Kasha), My Dream Is For You, If There Is Music There, No Ordinary Love Song, Bitter Love, Rain-Rain (all written by Donna and Michael Omartian). 


1999

DECEMBER 21, 1999

SEE THE COVER OF L&ME DVD

Yeah! I have just received my own copy of L&ME on DVD. And I think I'll have to hold my anxiety out, since I haven't got a player (and it seems it will be long inasmuch as I've been spending too much money with my new 'puter...). Until then, all I can do is to keep admiring the DVD's cover design. LOL. If you're with me, just CLICK HERE to see the cover too ;-) 

DECEMBER 18, 1999

LIVE AND MORE ENCORE DVD IS OUT!!!

CDNow and Amazon.com are already shipping the DVD of L&ME (although some stores are still announcing it as a backorder). No, I haven't received mine yet (I'm starving...). But I was told that the DVD includes, besides the concert - of course, a biography and 2 videoclips of I WILL GO WITH YOU (the previous version and a new remixed one). There's no clip to LOVE IS THE HEALER on it. As soon as I get more info, I'll pass it along.

IN DEFENSE OF DONNA: LET'S ALL EMAIL GMAGAZINE

My friend Rico has posted a very important request on ENDLESS SUMMER FORUM. It's about that damned rumour again (oh, it seems to never end...). As loyal fans, we just can't be idle. So, let's send bunchs of mails to Gmagazine. Here's the Rico's message: "hello everybody...alright! 
in the november edition the gay magazine GMAGAZINE published the following: 

'SHE WILL SURVIVE 
in the 70's she was the gay muse. after that, she became a fanatic evangelic and disciple of an extreme-right american church and declared absurds like, aids was an answer from god to the gay style of life that was immoral. well...the outbreak has passed and she's back on business.but she now has to explain everything to some groups like the english OUTRAGE!that is demanding she explains and denies everything she said and assume a compromise with gays and lesbians'. 
I know this matter hurts everyone, and here in brazil most people don't even know about this matter 
but to avoid a new generation that could read this and have a bad opinion about our donna I'm asking everyone to write (you can write in english) politly this magazine, that just published what OUTRAGE did. please don't be mean to the magazine because it is the one with more circulation in brazil and I think it's not really their fault. 
their e-mail: gmagazin@uol.com.br 
I think they could help end this matter here too 
regards everyone 
rico "

PAGE UPDATES

***LYRICS page has been updated with "My Prayer For You" (from the "SING ME TO SLEEP MOMMY" collection.

***BREAKING NEWS (this section you're reading) is now integrated to the FOREVER TRUE home.

***NEW LOOK. Well, today I also have inaugurated the new look of this website pages. First, I started with this very one, in order to make it more up-to-date and easy to browse. I'll wait for your comments. 

DECEMBER 17, 1999

DONNA'S HOLIDAY MESSAGE TO HER FANS

Hey everybody! The Diva has sent a warmful message to all of us her fans. CLICK HERE to read!

LAST DANCE RELEASED AS A SINGLE BY POLYGRAM

The british on-line CD store Yalplay (www.yalplay.com) is announcing the release of LAST DANCE as a CD single. I have no extra info about the contents of it, but the good sign is that the releasing company is Mercury/Polygram. So, it smells like a worthwhile project (just like they did with "I Feel Love" remixes in 1995. Here's the details Yalplay shows on its site:

Donna Summer Last Dance 

Format: CD Single
Label: Mercury
Catalogue Number: 5625782
Released: 13/12/99 
£4.43



NOVEMBER 27, 1999

LOVE IS THE HEALER SINGLE RELEASED IN SPAIN

While american Sony keeps silence about releasing or not a commercial single of LOVE IS THE HEALER, its subsidiary in Spain had no doubt: the single is already on the streets!!! It features 5 tracks as follows: ALBUM VERSION (3:29), ERIC KUPPER'S I FEEL HEALED 7" MIX (3:56), ERIC KUPPER'S I FEEL HEALED 12" MIX, THUNDERPUSS 2000 CLUB MIX (8:58), THUNDER DRUM-A-PELLA (9:17); CLICK HERE to see the cover pictures of the spanish single and the promotional american single. Orders can be made to the spanish on-line store DISCOWEB (http://www.discoweb.com)/. But, pay attention: their site is in spanish! Good luck!

VCR ALERT IN BRAZIL: VIDEOCLIP OF I WILL GO WITH YOU

Attention everybody: If you live in Brazil, prepare your VCR because MULTISHOW Channel have FINALLY scheduled the videoclip of I WILL GO WITH YOU to be broadcasted for the very first time!!! It'll be next Thrusday, December, 2nd on TVZ show. It starts at 10 AM and reruns at 7 PM. Well, MULTISHOW is a private channel of GLOBOSAT/SKY/NET cable services, so you have to be a subscriber to tune in channel 42. 

NOVEMBER 14, 1999

A SINGLE BY DONNA, DEBBIE HARRY AND CHER

These are big news indeed (but still remains only as a rumour): It has been posted on Endless Summer and Imusic Board that Donna and Deborah Harry (of Blondie) are going to duet on a cover of Zager & Evans' 1969 #1 "IN THE YEAR 2525". And listen closely: their effort is supposed to be released as a single in the UK next Jan. 31st produced by nobody less than our deary GIORGIO MORODER. Rumour has it that Cher would be involved in the project too. As soon as I confirm these news, I'll post it. (UPDATE: Unfortunately, this rumour was nothing more than a HOAX planted by another singer fan. It's a pity. But, still, it's a good idea, isn't it?)

LOVE IS THE HEALER DROPS TO # 3 

Oh, Billboard's Dance Music/Club Play Chart is so unsteady: Donna's LITH drops from number 1 to the third position next issue. Not too bad, since the song has had NO promotion at all. I, for instance, have NEVER listened to Donna singing it live (in concert, TV, radio, etc). Have you? 

NOVEMBER 12, 1999

THE LOVE IS THE HEALER TALE

At the same time LOVE IS THE HEALER reaches Number One on Billboard's Dance Club Play Chart, Sony frustates Donna's most devoted fans. Last Tuesday 11, on an american TV advertisement, Sony had offered a promo CD of Love Is The Healer (with five remixes) as a bonus to the buyers of the CD Live and More Encore. In other words, since Sony isn't going to release (as it seems) a commercial version of LITH separately , diehard fans will have to acquire another copy of L&ME. Problem exists if one considers that loyal fans of Donna have already bought several copies of that CD (as well as of "I Will Go With You" single) in order to present friends. In fact, Donna's fans are always starving for new stuff of her Diva (naturally, since they're fans). Soon after new releases are announced, her fans promptly arrange to get them, as it's happenning right now with L&ME on DVD format (and listen to this: in the majority of cases, they not even have a DVD player!). 

Donna's most loyal fans have been around for almost 25 years now. The Diva knows it, as she sang in "Friends Unknown" ("You've stood beside me all through the years. Together we have grown, my friends unknown"). 

I'm still hoping that Sony release the single of "Love Is The Healer" commercially. If not, I suggest Sony to release a sort of "limited edition" of the CD, in a way to show some consideration and respect to us, Donna Summer's fans.

For those fans who are not willing to wait and see, orders may be made through Sony's service phone number: 1-800-942-6400. Price: US$ 17 plus shipping.

LIVE AND MORE ON DVD

There's been some controversy about the release date of Live and More Encore on DVD format. It was first scheduled to come out on November 23. Now, according to CDNow, it has been re-scheduled to December 7.

Some people say that the change would have been to include a videoclip of LITH on it. Well, as far as I know, there is NO video to that song being recorded. Let's wait.

GOOD NEWS FROM BRAZIL

Courage, everybody! Things are getting better and better here in Brazil, my dear friends. Sunday night, as I was off-guardly watching a TV show called Fantastico, suddenly they announced a brief interview with nobody less than Donna Summer. Yessss! It was, of course, about the new CD Live and More Encore and especially her new wonderful dance version of "Con Te Partiró". 

She was interviewed by brazilian reporter Zeca Camargo in New York and talked about the song and her memories of Brazil. Donna was in black (as always) and wearing a red wig (purposely with a doll look). She looked very beautiful and thin (even more than in the Encore concert). The reporting was illustrated with pieces of the IWGYW video and some parts of the VH1 concert. I think it's better to emphasize that Fantastico is the most important (and watched) TV show here. The next day, at my job, I realised that everybody there had watched to the reporting and liked very much to see Donna.

When I came back home that night, I tuned in Brazilian MTV and... oh my goodness... there she was again! For the first time I was able to watch the entire video of "I Will Go With You". It was in the "Super Nova" show, a section dedicated to new videos! After the videoclip, the host said that "Donna is definitely back".

Oh, just when I was losing heart with the so-called Donna comeback, those TV appearances have stirred my blood again! 

back to FOREVER DONNA'S CHEST