Donna Summer: Neil Patrick Harris, Elton John & More React To The Disco Legend’s Death
Donna Summer passed away today (May 17) at the age of 63, but the disco queen leaves behind a lasting legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Upon hearing news of her death, the music and entertainment community has come out to offer condolences and share their pain at losing such an iconic voice and influential presence. Head below for reactions from those who have worked with Summer, as well as those were dancing along to her tunes all these years.
Duran Duran‘s Nick Rhodes wrote a blog post about Donna and the effect her music had on his band:
I just heard the very sad news that Donna Summer has passed away. For me, there is no doubt that her song ‘I Feel Love’ had a dramatic effect on modern music. It was certainly a key influence on my work with Duran Duran. Together with producer Giorgio Moroder, Donna pioneered the use of electronic sequencers in dance music. Today that sound that seems so familiar, but in 1977, it was a brave new frontier. It’s extremely rare that you hear one song that completely changes the way you perceive music. “I Feel Love” achieved that.
Elton John spoke to E! News, saying, “I’m so sad. This woman was the queen of disco and so much more. Her records sound as good today as they ever did. That she has never been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a total disgrace, especially when I see the second-rate talent that has been inducted. She is a great friend to me and to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and I will miss her greatly.”
Meanwhile, many artists from all musical genres have taken to Twitter to react to Summer’s passing:
Nicki Minaj: “Wow, another legend gone. Rest in peace to the beautiful disco queen Donna Summer.”
Gloria Estefan: “Few singers have impacted music & the world like Donna Summer! It’s the end of an era. Peace & prayers 2 all who loved her. I will miss her!”
Pete Waterman (producer of “This Time I Know It’s For Real”): “Dignified to the last, as in life RIP @TheDonnaSummer”
Rico Love: “Wow! Chuck Brown AND Donna Summers in the same wk. Rest in peace, 2 black legends.”
Kylie Minogue: “One of my earliest musical inspirations, RIP Donna Summer #BadGirlsForEver.”
Rihanna: “RIP #dearDonna”
Goldfrapp: “On the M4 to London & just heard on the radio that Donna Summer has died….so sad, so young & such a legend…sweet dreams Donna x”
La Roux: “This cannot be happening……. Please tell me that I’m dreaming that Donna Summer has died????!!! Please no…. Morified…What a disco legend. ‘I Feel Love’ is going on LOUD right now let’s all do the same and remember who made us love and dance.”
Robyn: “Donna Summer RIP I FEEL LOVE FOR YOU”
Boys II Men: “It’s unfortunate that we have to say goodbye to another amazing talent. Donna Summer, Queen of Disco, our condolences to her family!”
Bananarama: “RIP Donna Summer – we grew up listening to those disco tunes.”
Boy George: “Very sad news, about Donna Summer. R.I.P!”
Ryan Seacrest: “I remember sitting in the front seat of my mom’s toyota while she sang Donna Summer’s ‘she works hard for the money’ songs were just classic.”
Nile Rodgers: “For the last half hour or so I’ve been lying in my bed crying and stunned. Donna Summer RIP.”
Victoria Justice: “Such sad news to wake up to…Donna Summers one of the Queens of disco has passed away. Prayers go out to her family.”
Little Boots: “Oh my goodness just heard the sad news about Donna Summer. A true diva and disco queen her music will keep people dancing forever xxx”
Timbaland: “i cant believe this RIP Donna Summer. at a lost 4words.”
Adam Lambert: “RIP Donna Summer. glorious disco Goddess.”
Katharine McPhee: “RIP Donna Summer…hope you’re dancing up there.”
Neil Patrick Harris: “Donna Summer passed away today. Same day as Jim Henson, 22 years ago. In honor of both:”
Share your own thoughts and feelings on Donna Summer’s passing in the comments below, or on Facebook and Twitter.
