Boston Native Donna Summer Dead At 63
BOSTON (CBS) - Disco legend Donna Summer has died. She was 63 years old.
Summer passed away Thursday morning after a battle with lung cancer, according to Boston City Councilor Charles Yancey.
A 5-time Grammy Award winner, Summer was born and raised in Dorchester. She starred in musicals at Jeremiah Burke High School.
Summer, known as the Queen of Disco, shot to superstardom in the '70s with iconic hits like "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls." She continued her dominance in the '80s with "She Works Hard for the Money" and "This Time I Know It's for Real."
She also sang God Bless America during Game 2 of the 2004 World Series at Fenway Park.
Watch: Summer's Final Boston Performance
Summer holds the record for most consecutive double albums to hit #1 on the Billboard charts (three) and first female to have four #1 singles in a 12-month period; three as a solo artist and one as a duo with Barbra Streisand. She won 6 American Music Awards and 11 gold albums. It is estimated that Donna Summer has sold more than 130 million records worldwide.
Summer married Brooklyn Dreams singer Bruce Sudano in 1980. They had two daughters together.
Photos: Donna Summer Through The Years
Her family released a statement Thursday.
"Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith," said the statement.
JJ Wright From WODS Remembers Summer
"While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time."
Boston's 103.3 WODS will be playing Summer's hits throughout the day Thursday.
