Gloria Gaynor, the Queen of Disco, is still thriving at 82. Best known for her 1978 anthem 'I Will Survive,' which sold 15 million copies, she is performing at Bradford Live on Friday and Boogietown in Walton-on-Thames on Saturday. She also promises new music soon.
Don't Call Me an Icon
“Don’t call me an icon,” she says. “I’m not dead yet.” Speaking from her home in New Jersey, she adds: “I'm definitely a survivor. I have survived four spine surgeries, three knee surgeries, the death of my mother, the death of all my siblings. But I feel strong. Extremely blessed. I'm still thriving, beyond surviving. I just feel great about my life.”
The Power of 'I Will Survive'
Regarding her most famous song, still a feminist and gay anthem, she recalls: “When I first read the lyrics, I was in a back brace, because I’d had surgery on my spine. I knew immediately it would be a hit. I believed at that moment that anybody that was going through anything, emotionally or physically, would be encouraged, uplifted, empowered by the song. People tell me their stories, the things that they've survived.”
She recounts an incident after a concert in Italy: “Afterwards, this young woman thanked me for the song. She said, ‘things have been really, really hard for me, and I was going to go home so that I could commit suicide. But now that I've heard that song, I know where my strength can come from, and I don't have to die’. We were standing there. We were both crying. If I only recorded that song for her, it's enough.”
Personal Tragedy
Gloria has survived immense tragedy. Her sister, Irma Proctor, died aged 45 in December 1995 after being beaten in the street in New Jersey by 18-year-old Rasheed Wallace, while intervening to help a neighbour. Wallace was jailed. Gloria, who has no children but dotes on 23 nieces and nephews, says: “She was the life of the party. The minute she came into the room, the party started. She was so uplifting. Her daughter, my niece, is just like it – so her spirit lives on.”
Regrets and Love
One life regret for Gloria, who divorced her husband and manager of 26 years, Linwood Simon, in 2005, was marrying too soon. Currently single, she says: “If we’re talking regrets, it's not that I wish I hadn't married my husband, but I wish I hadn't married him when I did, because I wasn't ready for marriage. I still believe in love. But I haven't found love again. It would have to hit me like a ton of bricks.”
She considers herself a feminist: “I've learned recently that I am. I don't need a man, I can make it on my own. But I love men. I had five brothers that I grew up with, and I love them.” Her faith in God is now most important: “It has helped me in those dark times. Jesus is my first cup of coffee and my last cup of tea.”
Career Highlights
Gloria has won two Grammy Awards and made 20 studio albums, releasing her latest EP, Happy Tears, last year. Performing for royalty and Hollywood stars, she says of the late Prince Philip: “He was really sweet, a true gentleman.” She calls Michael Jackson one of the most fascinating people she has met, recalling a dinner party at Liza Minnelli’s house where he flicked jellybeans at someone “like a mischievous child.” She also recalls his son Blanket refusing sweets, saying “I'm not allowed.”
Meeting again the night before 9/11 at a Jackson 5 reunion concert at Madison Square Garden, she says: “I was one of the acts. He came into the dressing room and introduced himself to me… as if I didn't know him. I dedicated I Will Survive to him and the next day he called me and thanked me.”
Staying Active
Looking forward to dancing at her gigs, she admits: “It's a little more difficult getting around than it was. I'm not sprinting. I have a trainer that I exercise with three times a week.” She urges young people: “Please make exercising a part of your weekly regimen. Exercise at least three times a week for at least half an hour. If you don't, when you get older, your body will say, ‘Um, no, we don't do that anymore’. If you don't use it, you will lose it.”
Her top dance song is Beyoncé's 'Crazy in Love,' while 'Brick House' remains her favourite to dance to. She is a TV addict, loves detective shows, sci-fi, Marvel Comics, and cooking for friends.
Future Plans
Planning gospel-influenced music, she says: “I intend to continue doing new music. I want to do some more gospel music.” But she will never abandon disco: “Disco music is alive and well and living in the hearts of music lovers around the world. I intend to continue performing until I can't do it anymore.”
