Question 1

Did Donna Summer write her own songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. She co-wrote most of her biggest hits with producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, starting with 'Love to Love You Baby' in 1975 and continuing through 'I Feel Love' and the Bad Girls album. She was a credited songwriter, not just the voice on the record.

Question 2

Who wrote 'I Feel Love'?

Accepted Answer

'I Feel Love' was written by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, and Pete Bellotte, with Bellotte credited for the lyrics and Summer and Moroder shaping the composition. Moroder and Bellotte also produced the track.

Question 3

Who wrote 'Hot Stuff'?

Accepted Answer

'Hot Stuff' was written by Pete Bellotte, Harold Faltermeyer, and Keith Forsey. Summer is not a credited writer on this one, though Moroder and Bellotte produced it and Faltermeyer and Forsey also played on the track.

Question 4

Who wrote 'Bad Girls'?

Accepted Answer

'Bad Girls' was written by Donna Summer, Joe 'Bean' Esposito, Eddie Hokenson, and Bruce Sudano, three of whom were members of the group Brooklyn Dreams. Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte produced the track but are not listed as songwriters.

Question 5

Who wrote 'Love to Love You Baby'?

Accepted Answer

'Love to Love You Baby' was written by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, and Pete Bellotte. Bellotte produced the track at Musicland Studios in Munich.

Question 6

What is Donna Summer's real name?

Accepted Answer

She was born Donna Adrian Gaines (some sources render it LaDonna Adrian Gaines) on December 31, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Question 7

Is Donna Summer in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Her induction was announced on December 11, 2012, seven months after her death, and the induction ceremony took place April 18, 2013.

Question 8

How many Grammy Awards did Donna Summer win?

Accepted Answer

She won 5 Grammy Awards from 18 nominations, covering R&B, rock, dance, and inspirational/gospel categories, including wins for 'Last Dance,' 'Hot Stuff,' and 'Carry On.'

Question 9

Was Donna Summer just a disco singer or did she shape the sound itself?

Accepted Answer

Both. As a co-writer on tracks like 'I Feel Love,' she helped shape a production style, the all-synthesizer, four-on-the-floor pulse, that later became the foundation of house and techno. Critics point to 'I Feel Love' as a turning point where dance music's sound itself changed.

Question 10

What is Donna Summer's chart record with double albums?

Accepted Answer

She is the only artist to have three consecutive number-one double albums: Live and More (1978), Bad Girls (1979), and On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II (1979).