Gloria Gaynor: disco divas's new album proves she's survived

Jet, Feb 10, 2003

Grammy ever in 1980 in the category of Best Disco Song, Gaynor's career has survived.

With a faithful fan base already in place, last year Gaynor decided to release her first U.S. album in 15 years, I Wish You Love, a compilation of up-tempo dance tunes.

The album demonstrates that Gaynor's music can still direct a crowd to the dance floor. The first single, I Never Knew, was remixed by Grammy veteran Hex Hector. The song hit No. 1 on Billboard magazine's dance charts immediately after its release.

Before Destiny's Child's ode to survival with the song Survivor, there was Gloria Gaynor's tune I Will Survive, music's all-time greatest ode to survival.

Gaynor's name, or even face for that matter, may might not ring a bell, but chances are that her 1979 disco classic still chimes loud and clear in the annals of your memory.

The legendary disco diva had amassed such a mammoth following with the song that it continued to live on and receive praise long after the days of disco had officially died.

And on the strength of that song alone, which won the first and only She kicked off the new year by traveling the globe, with stops in Japan, South America and London, to promote the project. The next single will be Let It Rain.

Next month Gaynor will be honored at New York City's City Hall with an honor recognizing her for her contributions to the Big Apple's nightlife. Last year she was honored at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo by Prince Albert with the coveted Legend award.

Like the title of Gaynor's 1973 song, Never Can Say Goodbye, it seems that she'll be around for more years to come because that's what survivors usually do.