Guest Author - Previous Emerging Music Host
Gloria Gaynor is re-emerging with her first worldwide album release in 15 years, “I Wish You Love” (Logic Records/BMG), available in stores September 10th. If her name doesn’t ring a bell, you’re probably too young to remember the glory days of 70’s disco, the beginnings of what now know as dance music. However, unless you’ve been living under a rock completely, you have heard Gloria’s powerhouse hit and signature song, “I Will Survive.” Yes, THAT Gloria Gaynor! OK, now that we know that we’re talking about one of the original Divas of Dance Music, let’s proceed.
While so many in that era have come and gone, living only in memory or caricature, Gloria has continued her career with live concerts and special performances. True fans spanning the world have kept up with her goings on and have remained loyal. Her audiences have included dignitaries like Pope John Paul II and former President Clinton (for whom she performed, “I Will Survive,” the same night as the Barbara Walters interview w/Monica Lewinsky aired!).
She has also “emerged” onto the small screen with guest appearances on “Ally McBeal” and “That 70’s Show” (both on Fox). Dance floor, big screen, small screen and…Broadway, too, in the longest running musical revue, “Smokey Joe’s Café.” Gloria has done more than survive, she continues to thrive and keep her fans delighted with new projects and new ways to experience her.
Since I KNOW you’re just dying to ask….She looks mahhhvelous! From her website (www.GloriaGaynor.com), I previewed the video to “I Never Knew,” a fresh love song that will stay in your head long after the CD stops spinning. “Just Keep Thinkin’ About You,” a single which was released ahead of the album, topped the Billboard Dance/Club charts at #1.
I was lucky enough to have a listen to the pre-release copy. My favorites include: “I Never Knew,” “Stronger” and “Let it Rain.” “Stronger” presents itself as an updated companion of “I Will Survive,” while “Let it Rain” is romantic charmer sure to cause a few casualties in the time-honored sport of barefoot-in-the-living room-lights-down-low-slow-dancing. The album includes 12 new songs, featuring bonus tracks of "I Never Knew" (Hex Hector/Mac Quayle Club Mix) and a bonus CD which features "I Will Survive" recorded live in Brazil!
Even if your dancing is now reserved for those times when you’re home alone cleaning closets (well, that’s what I was doing, when I popped it in the player!), this album is worth having. If your dancing shoes are still warm from last nights romp in the clubs, this will be an excellent addition to your collection. Longtime GG fans as well as current dance music aficianados will appreciate "I Wish You Love." It was quite simply a blast to spin!
Have you any suggestions for topics about re-emerging artists? E-mail me!
