The Recording Academy Releases Statement on Donna Summer's Passing

As reported earlier today, Donna Summer passed away this morning, May 17 in Florida after a long battle with cancer. She was 63 years old.

In 1968, Summer auditioned for a role in the Broadway musical, Hair, but lost the part of Sheila to Melba Moore. When the musical moved to Europe, Summer was offered the role. She took it and moved to Germany for several years. While in Germany, where she learned to speak German fluently, she participated in the musicals "Ich Bin Ich, the German version of The Me Nobody Knows,"Godspell and Show Boat.

The Recording Academy released the following statement on the singer's passing: 

"Five-time GRAMMY® winner Donna Summer had a dynamic voice and unique musical style that helped define the dance music genre in the ‘70s. She also was an artist who crossed many musical genres, as evidenced by her GRAMMY wins in the R&B, rock, inspirational and dance categories. Her talent was a true gift to the music industry, and our thoughts and sympathies are with her family, friends and fans throughout the world during this difficult time."

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