Donna Summer's legacy lives on as her classic self-titled album gets 40th anniversary reissue
It was her ninth album
Last updated 4th Nov 2022
Donna Summer released an amazing 17 studio albums during her lifetime, and it was back in 1982 that she released her iconic self-titled album. 'Donna Summer' was the album that spawned hits such as 'Love Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)' and 'State of Independence', and to celebrate 40 years since its initial release it's been reissued as a special edition.
The new release features the original album, along with 7" versions of her singles along with a non-album B-side, the 12" dance mix of 'Love Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)' and 8,000-word essay from Christian John Wikane.
Reflecting on his late wife's success, Bruce Sudano, who was married to Donna from 1980, until her death in 2012, spoke to Retro Pop. In the interview he spoke about Donna working on her self-titled album saying: "A lot of her creative energy was wrapped up in having just given birth and being pregnant again, as well as working with a new producer (Quincy Jones).
"As a songwriter she had much less input and it was a different way of working. With Giorgio (Moroder) and Pete (Bellotte) there was a shorthand and Donna was somebody who liked to work quickly, whereas Quincy was very meticulous. There was a whole adjustment going on there."
The album went on to be successful around the world, particularly in the UK, New Zealand and the US, where it reached the Top 20. The album's most successful releases in the UK were 'Love Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)', which reached Number 18 and 'State of Independence' which reached Number 14.
It's now been a decade since Donna passed away at the age of 63, and Bruce reflected on her saying it's important: "To maintain Donna’s legacy and keep her in the zeitgeist as much as we can."
He went on to say: "She had such charisma that when she walked into a room you couldn’t deny she was somebody really special, but she was always ingratiating, generous and kind with people.
"If she met you on the street and went 'Wow, I love your sneakers', if she then ran into you 10 years later she’d be like, 'Oh man, I remember you, you’re the one who had those sneakers on'. Of course there were times when she’d stand her ground for something she believed in, but that wasn't her being a diva – she was just standing up for her artistry and saying, 'No, this is what I want'."
What is the tracklist for Donna Summer's 'Donna Summer: 40th Anniversary Edition'?
'Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)'
'Mystery Of Love'
'The Woman In Me'
'State Of Independence'
'Livin’ In America'
'Protection'
'(If It) Hurts Just A Little'
'Love Is Just A Breath Away'
'Lush Life'
Extra Tracks
'Mystery Of Love' (Le Flex 'Summer Mystery' Remix)
'Love Is In Control' (Finger On The Trigger) (7" Version)
'State Of Independence' (7" Version)
'The Woman In Me' (7" Version)
'Sometimes Like Butterflies'
'Mystery Of Love' (Le Flextended 'Summer Mystery" Remix)
'Love Is In Control' (Finger On The Trigger) (Dance Remix)
You can hear songs by Donna Summer on Greatest Hits Radio.
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Now read:
6 of Donna Summer's biggest songs from 'I Feel Love' to 'Hot Stuff'
Donna Summer: How she became the Queen of Disco