My Saturday night at Giorgio’s was truly a night to remember. Meeting the legendary Giorgio Moroder was like a dream. Dancing to his songs and productions as a teen including one of my favorite soundtracks “Midnight Express” – “From Here to Eternity”, not to mention his groundbreaking work with Donna Summer along with his production and writing partner Pete Bellotte. He and his wife Francisca were relaxed and friendly, as Giorgio’s Bryan Rabin too me over for the introduction quickly prompting me to ask “Do you mind if we take a photo”, after hello’s were exchanged. You can say that I’m never too cool for school to be enthusiastic and show that I’m a fan of the people I admire and enjoy as well.
“It’s In The Music!”
More pics via my Instagram (JodyWatley) and Facebook.
The “Nightlife” Classic Glamour EP at iTunes – Here
Getting my drag on for Giorgio’s! Photo: (c) 2013 Jody Watley
Francisca Moroder, Giorgio Moroder and Jody Watley. Photo (c): Jody Watley 2013
It was sad news to read Donna Summer has passed away. She is one of my music inspirations. As a dancer on Soul Train as a teen – I was there when she made her debut and subsequent return. All of the dancers were excited to see this mysterious woman with the sexy persona with music that made us dance. When her songs played, the Soul Train set or the clubs would fill with extra enthusiasm.
(dancing to her music in silver lame shorts)
(dancing to her music in white skinny pants)
I understand the “Queen of Disco” label however I feel it marginalizes her place in music history. Not simply “Disco” Donna Summer also ruled “Pop” Music radio and charts for a time. She also brought elements into the mainstream fusing Rock (Hot Stuff) with dance, not to mention pushing the sexual envelope at the time though she quickly determined she didn’t want to get stuck in that box. Summer really worked all genres and was such an inspiration. Being paired with Barbara Streisand for “Enough Is Enough” had to also be one of the first mega-watt pairings of two music superstars.  She would continue to intrigue with a host of iconic images to match the music.
Donna Summer’s double albums were and are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre – her releases for me were events.  I couldn’t wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music. “Four Seasons Of Love” is one of my favorite albums. With the freestyle dance “Waacking”, a lot of us were hitting those Giorgio Moroder Donna Summer beats. This continues for the new young global set of kids learning and doing the dance – Donna Summer’s music is a must.
From my point of view she was an underrated singer and songwriter in the midst of her legendary career.
When I signed my solo deal with MCA, Jheryl Busby the executive who signed me, had worked with Donna Summer in promotions during her Casablanca years. When I started telling him my ideas and concepts, Jheryl totally understood and supported my vision. Why? In part because of his history with Donna and Casablanca. When he revealed his work with her, it made me feel at ease with him. In essence, she was indirectly a part of my decision to sign with MCA. We were connected through him.
Donna Summer’s music is a part of the soundtrack of my life along with millions of other’s around the world.  As a fellow veteran artist in this business and continued fan of her work I know that she continued to create quality music up through her last full length ‘Crayons’ and single ‘To Paris With Love’ a couple of years ago.
The current dominance of dance music that young artists have jumped on is rooted in disco. Electro / techno roots is simply another extension of the form and so I hope they know she’s another artist whose shoulders they stand on. As Brian Eno told David Bowie upon hearing “I Feel Love” in Berlin-Â “I have heard the sound of the future..”
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I will continue to celebrate the amazing magic, connection and joy from her music legacy and life.
