British guitarist analyses Donna Summer's wealth of vocal ability live in 1983!

[@scubadiva666]

Donna Summer was a goddess.

[@donaldperrotta8514]

Absolutely !!!!

[@pmmk24]

I agree with you 100 % !!!

[@tiffsaver]

You nailed it again, Fil. I'd like to share a story about Donna with your many fans, if I may. Years ago, when I was acting in a Hollywood movie in Las Vegas, I noticed a tiny woman standing alone in the audience. At first I thought she was an extra, as she was in street clothes and wore no makeup. I asked her name, and she quietly replied, "Donna." For some reason, I also asked her LAST name, and she replied, "Summer." When I realized my stupid mistake I apologized profusely and asked if she was in Vegas to perform and she said, "No, I'm actually showing my new paintings downstairs in the hotel lobby." I didn't realize that she was an accomplished artist, as well. I love fine art, so I asked the director if I could view Miss Summer's work, and she actually accompanied me down the escalator to view her stunning exhibit. Featured in the spotlight was a colorful painting that I somehow I KNEW I had to own, but the price tag was five times more than I would even make for my entire week of work on the film, so I simply told her how much I loved the piece, but that I was a starving actor and could never afford it. "What are you making for working on the movie?" she asked, and "I said, "Five thousand dollars for the entire week." She thought for a moment, then replied, "I've been offered a lot for my work, but never EVERYTHING." Then, she walked over the the shocked gallery owner and told him to sell it to me for the price I'd offered, and even told him not to charge me the additional $250. shipping cost. There was no one else there to witness her incredible generosity but me and her. I will never forget her incredible kindness to me on that special day, as long as I live. In 2012, Donna Summer lost her battle with cancer, but I still have her beautiful piece of art hanging on my living room wall, a reminder not only of her beautiful voice, but of her generous and compassionate soul. RIP, a truly great lady.

[@wingsofpegasus]

It's a cool story!

[@tiffsaver]

@@wingsofpegasus I'm so glad that you did this in-depth analysis on Donna, because she was such a major part of the music of the 70's, known today as the "Disco Era," of which she was the unquestioned "Queen." She started her career in Europe where so many great American stars actually began, where she first performed in the German cast of "Hair." If you can do a live Broadway show, you HAVE to have great vocal chops, which as you so accurately pointed out, was effortless. She married a German guy, and had a son with him, who I met that same day. Thanks again for another wonderful video, my friend.

[@victoriateague9012]

What a beautiful story.😭💖

[@timothykscarborough7047]

She had HUGE HEART!! Thank you for sharing that story..and don't you dare sell her painting...it's priceless! 😘

[@tiffsaver]

@@timothykscarborough7047 Never, ever!!

[@blackprix]

Donna definitely deserved your reaction… Very impressed with you and her

[@TheDivayenta]

Listening to Donna is a vocal master class.

[@reneesie1]

I always admired her natural ability to sing and breath control, even through lung cancer. Another golden voice silenced but not forgotten.

[@bbb462cid]

Excellent choice Fil. She was a stellar talent. Donna Summer was raised only a few miles from my Grandmother's house, actually.

[@covers_girl]

Her voice was so pure, independent of the disco setting

[@clintgreggory2549]

Beautiful voice , beautiful lady with great song choices. Miss her .

[@lorellstoneman74]

Breath control, Lazer beam accuracy..every note..and total control of the crowd...eye contact...comfortable...effortless..perfection... We all needed the upbeat treat...thanks Fil...great break down...thanks for the chair dance. You really do your background checks..love the history..your going to be a walking musical history refrence. This could be a stepping stone leading to another unexpected path, for you, in the future.

[@thegrandmaster33]

best of the best. the one and only donna summer!!!!

[@snakelite61]

You knew the party was over when they played this song.

[@Ursaminor31]

snakelite61 and it’s was getting started with hot stuff

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Lol 😂.

[@lunnouxhinds8464]

She was an awesome singer. I just loved all her music. Weather it was Disco. Pop. Soul Rock or Gospel.

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

as a child in the 70s i remember Donna Summer being played everywhere. I remained a fan even when I became a teenager in the 80s and had moved on to alternative rock groups like the Smiths, the Cure, Bauhaus, Joy Division, Siouxsie & the Banshees, etc. To me Donna set the template for all other female pop stars that came after her, even Madonna. And of all the icons of the 70s & 80s that we've lost thus far this century she's the only one that made me cry when she died. Her death just broke my heart.

[@melissahyberger]

There will never be another Donna Summer. I believe that she is one of the top 3 singers of all time.

[@frankdem]

Ain’t that the truth, especially live!! So much better than the record!

[@thomasbianchino3116]

Not just a beautiful voice, so stunningly gorgeous. Absolute breathtaking goddess with the pipes to match.

[@Dirtyvinyl23]

Yes, I absolutely agree with you. A stunningly beautiful woman whose picture I had on my wall as a teenager for ages. I don’t know what happen to that picture of her but I wish I could get another one just like it of her. I took it from a magazine which featured her back in the very early 80s. Not just a “disco artist” but a versatile, underrated singer who shall remembered and discovered by many generations to come. Rip Mrs Summers.

[@catcookie6726]

Donna Summer was a classmate of my older sisters.

[@melissasw64]

OMG Does your sister remember what she was like? I can't imagine Donna Summer being in high school. I feel like she is from another world altogether.

[@GrafStorm]

Thanks Fil; Donna Summer was an entertainer of the highest level, like Sinatra or Charlie Parker, for example. Just always really good. As Louis Armstrong was once asked early in his rise to recognition, "What kind of music do you play Louis?", he replied, "Well, there's two kinds of music, there's good and there's bad; I play good." So did Donna Summer.

[@HamiltonRb]

I think most music is just personal taste, and what I might consider good music, someone from a different era might not like it, and vice versa. I read a lot of comments about older people from 60’s ( my era) say it was the best music ever and today’s music is terrible, even though they never listened to it. Then I could go on my grandkids Spotify and out of 200 songs, not one song is from the 60’s because they think their music is good and ours sucks, even though they never listen to ours.

[@GrafStorm]

@@HamiltonRb It is important to open oneself to new things, music especially. I try to listen to things outside of what I would normally. I tend to gravitate to compositions which have elements of music which are considered traditional. Ie; melody. Imo, I'm dissatisfied with the melodic vocals in most modern music which is marketed to the masses. It is Auto-Tuned. I do like new young musicians who are seeking to break boundaries, new ways of expressing music which is pleasing to the musical mind. I'm an older rocker, and I have some set ideas, yet I do try to hold myself to the fire of new and changing expression. Good and Bad, it is indeed one's taste, but most of us do know when it tastes bad.

[@HamiltonRb]

Tristan g I’m with you in that I like almost every kind of music, from every era, even though like most I enjoy the music of my youth the best. I have really got into Indie music in the last couple years but I really enjoy a lot of today’s music. We complain about so many artists of today being auto tuned but we didn’t complain when every artist that played on American Bandstand lip synced. It is what it is.

[@melvintate8186]

She was my favorite truly loved her voice one beautiful lady God bless you with love forever and ever!

[@bethfreschi]

Donna Summer added class and depth to the disco era and went way beyond that. Her voice is so beautiful and she is so lovely and expressive. Her singing makes me feel warm and happy. 💜💜💜

[@buggyboogle9]

Fil, I’m so thrilled you did Donna. She has one of the best voices ever and is one of my favourites. Really love her versions of MacArthur's Park and Con Te Partir. I don't understand the hate for disco but that's neither here nor there. Just a big Thank you for acknowledging this great singer.

[@debishaw9355]

Always loved Donna Summers. She’s an amazing singer and inspirational as well..

[@manofiske3318]

..."loved" her so much, you never learned her correct 'stage name' i.e. "Summer"(not plural, no "s") Note: Summer's real name , "LaDonna Gaines"

[@suehollar2578]

She makes it look so easy. Dancing to her music was a blast. A beautiful lady with an amazing voice. Great video!

[@Justme77400]

Donna Summer was a versatile singer. You must listen to Live and More album the My Man medley. Thanks for this, Fil!! She was blessed with a beautiful voice.

[@d.h.a.2700]

Thank you - Donna had such a beautiful voice. Her artistry is definitely missed.

[@angela776]

Her voice gives me goose bumps.. So powerful and vibrational! Just Stunning she is...

[@iddddaduncan]

I'm a metal head for life, all I can say is what a God given talent she had.

[@bluetuber501]

Donna Summer I think was a very underappreciated voice. Thank you for featuring her.

[@aaronmumaw5188]

Finally the late, great Donna Summer! Thanks, Fil!

[@boosuedon]

She was such a joy!

[@lynndow3185]

This performance seems like a whole musical theater piece to me...a journey I was happy to be taken on! Thanks for giving Donna the great respect she deserves. Rest in Peace, Donna Summer.

[@bryanssongalone8483]

She was absolutely magical.. Great video!

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

Top Talent Donna Summer was a real crowd pleaser. Great breakdown Fil. 🎶🔥♥️🔥🎶 Beep Beep Toot Toot... She was Hot Stuff!!!

[@ritabutler1951]

She’s out there by herself. No hordes of dancers distracting from this great performance.

[@RoryVanucchi]

Donna and The Bee Gees mostly owned the late '70s. one huge hit after another in the disco-pop era right before punk and then MTV.

[@sharonisaac445]

Absolutely 💯

[@sharonisaac445]

And their music has stand the test of time.!!!

[@JoeKaye959]

To put Bee fucking Gees in the same sentence as Donna Goddess Summer is outrageous

[@teresafinoalchemy]

TOTAL DIVA!!! Thanks for bringing Donna back into the spotlight where she belongs. You did a great job with this analysis, Fil.

[@lamusiclover2264]

Her sisters used to do her backing vocals. This is one of her sisters, and her husband would sing as well. They have great voices as well.

[@npo64]

Donna Summer was an incredibly talented (and beautiful) woman!

[@wandaburnsworth1588]

She had a beautiful sultry voice, just loved listening to her💖

[@drtroosevelt]

I was at this concert. She was fantastic!

[@JorgeEscobar-s8q]

Wow, her voice is brilliant. No one maintained their voice like Donna. Love!

[@iceHouseProject]

I love your in depth analysis Fil. Your ears do not deceive you when you mention the backing singer sounding very similar to Donna in pitch and tone. She used to tour with her sister Mary Gaines Bernard as one of her backing singers and siblings tend to sound alike.

[@shawnbrisbon9304]

OMG her influence is still there with modern artists. He vocal ability ranks up there for me among the very best in popular music. People focus on the rhythm of her tracks, but the vocals are amazing I didn’t know how popular her tracks were in the UK

[@karlkascha1261]

I saw Donna Summer in the early 80's in a Lake Tahoe casino. It was my understanding that she had a contract with them. She gave a stunning performance. Not only was her performance perfect, she was immaculately dressed and talked up the audience. She just came across as a genuinely nice person. A real class act. RIP Donna. I suspect that her death from lung cancer was a result of playing smokey clubs. Another great analysis Fil.

[@Justme77400]

I heard her lung cancer was the result of being in NYC during 9/11 attacks.

[@Rosannasfriend]

She was living in a neighbourhood that was near where the two towers fell on 9/11. The air was toxic after those plane crashes.

[@karlkascha1261]

@@Rosannasfriend Yeah, but I read that she smoked in her early years and she played smokey clubs for many years before she hit it big. She, herself, blamed 911, but who knows. I'm sure that didn't help and would also make her eligible for money from the compensation fund.

[@phillycheez6288]

Lung cancer ran in her family as well..one of her sisters also passed from the deadly disease. All of factors could've contributed. But yeah I heard Donna say her NY apt was close to the towers, and we all know ppl didn't fare well down there 😢

[@elbroder5555]

The Voice!!! She is the whole package!!! Art, beauty, performer, songwriter, and much more, Her Voice is Unique. No one can imitate her. Missing her😞😭. R.I.P. our dear Donna Summer, The Queen!!!!

[@lovewalruss]

brilliant singer, brilliant review thanks!

[@dalem8332]

Super talented versatile singer and unique energetic performer! What a bunch of number #1 and Top Ten hit singles she had in the 70s and early 80s! Couldn't escape her on the radio. Sad when l heard of her passing. Thanks Fil!🎼🎶🎵🍔🇨🇦

[@preppstone]

Hello, the Background Singer u mentiond was Donnas Sister Mary Ellen Bernard. Her Voice is very similar to Donnas Voice. Greetings from Germany.

[@gxl5892]

Thank you for your comments on Donna's talent, she could she could sing any song any time anywhere acapella.

[@qcom29]

Thanks for doing this. Donna Summer was an expert in interpreting the songs she sang.

[@cosmyccowboy]

At a Christmas party a few years ago I heard words come out of my mouth I could not believe! After an hour or so of this what they call music now I went up to the DJ and uttered these words...got any 70’s disco???!!!

[@coyote4237]

lol

[@tonynegron1927]

🤔 Yes. She had fantastic range. Like Dick Clark always said. Donna Summer was one of the most under appreciated singers around/that was. 🌹 RIP Donna Summer,63 🎙 (1948-2012) ☆

[@dwayitis]

Donna Summer was simply superb. A special talent on this earth that never got her due and recognition. An effortless singer who got better as she got older and her voice had power until the very end. One thing to mention, the back up singer on this live performance is Donna’s own sister Mary Bernard, a fantastic singer on her own merit. The other sister Dara, with Mary were known as “Sunshine” and released one song for the Thank God It’s Friday soundtrack. Donna was always the main event and so many singers today owe it to Donna for having paved the way.

[@tammyebonner3311]

Background singers are her sisters. Mary mirrors Donna’s voice. The three sisters are the group Sunshine. Check out the Midnight Special performance of “I feel love.” You see the sisters up close.

[@The_Dudester]

I was never lucky enough to see her in concert but I am sure that if I did I would sit there entranced start to finish. Such an incredible talent. Such an incredible voice. If I encountered her in person I would do that Wayne's World move:"I am not worthy. I am not worthy." Thanks Phil.

[@TorToroPorco]

Even as a child I preferred rock and didn’t care for much of the disco genre but I always loved Donna’s voice. Her big hit “Love To Love You Baby” was rather controversial as well but totally went over my head at the time. As I’ve gotten older I’ve developed more of an appreciation for disco and it’s cultural impact. When I watch videos of people in the discotheques I kind of wish I could have experienced it.

[@64214Jose]

Imposible not to love her voice.

[@sergioampv1640]

I listen Metal/Rock most of all, but I loved her songs!

[@gotti6969]

@@64214Jose Well said!

[@karenmilovich3088]

Was not a disco fan at all in those days, in college, but when this song would play at the bar EVERYONE danced. She was so fabulous!

[@lhilare]

A beautiful mezzo soprano voice. You can tell she's had stage experience (she was in Hair) by her flowing, expressive movements on stage. Listen to her sing "Don't Cry for Me Argentina." Incredible voice too good to be boxed just into "disco."

[@marcscordato4385]

When disco came on the scene I was part of the hate disco movement “ duck frisco” But the years have passed my perspectives have changed . Today I see Donna Summers as great talent with an amazing voice my favorite song she sang was Mc Auther park. So disco had a few bright spots and Donna was the very best from this era

[@glenkepic3208]

A party in 77. A girl i'd never seen before. "Love To Love You" and a kiss. Still here thank goodness.

[@johncooper8839]

She was gorgeous, classy, kind, easy on the ear, eye, and heart. Thx for this surprise Fil.

[@TheoriginalMach2000]

Wish you'd do more Donna... Her final performances, where she was 63 @ David Foster are soo good. especially the duets with Seal.

[@saraheart2804]

RIP Donna Summer. We miss you.

[@falafia5176]

Hey love the technical analysis. It's funny you mentioned the backing vocalist sounding like Donna at about 11:59. Her sister Mary Gaines Bernard used to sing back up for her and did for many years. They could imitate each other which is always helpful in a backing vocalist. A truly unique voice which is sadly missed

[@robertocuan9911]

Unique! Legend! Diva!!!

[@acatwiththreenames3658]

She did all of it without pitch correction, which makes it to me more interesting to listen to.

[@melliehobson8299]

One of the greatest voices of the Disco era. Still love her work.

[@claudiomarcelogiannattasio4855]

Sarah Vaughan, Donna and Whitney must be having fun together for ever. These analyses are a luxury: so thorough and professional. Plus the host is one of a kind: a musician with gorgeous rock looks, he projects honest warmth and enjoyment. Quite a find for me. Thank you so much! I've just listened to the song "That's Metal to my Ears": wow, Fil , you are obviously well aware of it, but I need to say you are an amazing singer. Now it's all so clear to me!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@RebelRoseJade]

A truly Beautiful Lady so sad that we have lost her. The 911 incident has truly caused so much heartache. She truly believed that this was the cause of her problems. I think she is correct and everyone will have problems for years to come. R.I.P. to this Lady.

[@brwneyesaz]

Hi Fil. Donna Summer's sister is one of her backup singers on many of her albums and more. Thanks for sharing your vids. Keep up the great work. Fan for Washington State, USA.

[@brucevob]

Very accurate analysis.

[@Ayla72109]

It’s nice to see you smiling , and enjoying the music ~ it really shows

[@alambster]

First time I heard her was on the Merv Griffin show singing Love to Love You Baby. Absolutely full stop!! Love her voice. Thanks for featuring Donna.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

The idea for that song probably came from Laura Nyro's explicit The Confession (1968). Love to love you baby is in the Nyro lyric.

[@danielleyton596]

First, love how you're smiling so broadly and often during her performance. I have the same reaction to Donna Summer singing. Second, I love the music theory breakdown. I just subscribed.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@ddoyle11]

She will always embody the glory days of my youth spent in the disco with my friends having the time of our lives.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Happy times, for sure!

[@theexmann]

And after this song came out, many clubs would end the evening with it. It became an instant tradition.

[@lawrencehilaire1763]

Her two sisters were her backup vocalists.

[@lindaz1290]

Donna Summer was so popular with the 1970s dance crowd that she could have burped into a microphone and it would have gotten to #1 in the charts! It's interesting that I know every word and every note to every one of her hits in this decade and never owned a single album! Thanks for the fun trip down memory lane, Fil!

[@helenbirch9877]

Wonderful range and breath control, not to mention stage presence. Great talent. And I love the hobbit shirt.

[@SpartanGuy83]

Great review, Fil. Super talent! Her daughter is in a great band with her husband. Johnnyswim!

[@maryhuhnke8496]

💯 Pure Talent..What else can I say. Loved her duet with Barbara Streisand "Enough is Enough" Epic!! Would love a review on their Voices! 🎧

[@bigsteve6200]

A Beautiful Woman with a Beautiful Voice. Gone way too soon. Rock on !.

[@Guardducks]

I like how it started out a ballad then jumps starts your dancing shoes into high gear.

[@danhuffman4455]

I had such a crush on her then. Man she was something. I enjoy your analyses. Good job.

[@TheoriginalMach2000]

the backing singer is her sister, so i guess that explains the similar tone. Love your analyses! really interesting

[@jairribeiro8660]

I saw her singing live, l was so close to her. She was, and always be wonderful. Thank you!

[@nick5728]

Those were the days when singers could really sing...What a stage presence and charm!Stunning!Thanks Fil!

[@darrellcordova1021]

Love your analyzing.......you play a mean guitar too.😀

[@videofuel]

Before Saturday Night Fever, there was Donna Summer. An important figure of the disco genre. I don't know if you've done any Barry White, but he was a class on it's own. You don't even realize that you are listening to disco music when he's on. I still believe that there isn't anything better to get a lady in the mood.

[@jpack85]

That woman could SING!!!!! I saw her live once near the end of her life, and she sounded every bit as fresh as in her heyday.

[@annejohnston3437]

I love Donna Summer , she's my queen period , she my fave from the Disco era , I love Disco still lol , you have good taste , thank you so much for Donna Summer video & your thoughts , good job & I agree with you 100% ✌😃💜🤘

[@isoron]

She reinvigorated McArthur's Park!

[@Justme77400]

I love the bridge part of that song in her version. So beautiful!!

[@davidevans3227]

..she just has a great voice, full stop.. thankyou fil.

[@LPJISKOOL]

Love Donna! She is definitely one of the most underrated singers. Many were turned off because she was so well known for disco. I always felt that her title, “the queen of disco” limited her. But she could really sing anything, and she sounded better live!

[@Wisdomofautumn]

Awe Fil! We needed this tonight as a world!! My last year of high school...

[@dingaia]

so cool this channel always brings new music to my ears i love it!

[@dingaia]

and yes i realize tyhis isn't 'new' but it is to me! :D

[@scottpowers9367]

She made it look effortless. She utilized every molecule of her breath with no more effort than blowing out a candle. For another example of that ability check out “Nobody” from ‘Live and More Encore’. RIP.

[@HeROsiNhEaVeN]

When I hear any Donna Summer song....it takes me back to my childhood....always R.I.P the great Mrs Sommer....🙏🏻

[@seriesscratchx9807]

Donna was an amazing singer!!! My favorites by her are "Heaven Knows" and "She Works Hard for the Money."

[@edwardwilliams2438]

Her stage presence is just stellar....the sheer effortless dynamic of her voice was almost super natural. She even overpowered the orchestra...smooth....melodic...Magic! The background singer you mentioned is actually her sister. Very nice overview...thanks!!! You ALWAYS seem to impress....Kudos.

[@blackcougar1959]

Beautiful woman. Fabulous talent.

[@SpottedQ]

Woman had an effortless talent. She was my first concert ever, love Donna!

[@focusedfreebird]

She always sounded exactly like her records! Amazing talent.

[@thomasmcintosh390]

I saw Domma in Nashville doing a sound check for a later show. I Loved living there for 20 yrs. She did a Reba McIntire song off the cuff, in Reba's voice. It was awesome.