Disco queen Donna Summer dies aged 63

Donna Summer, the soul of disco, has died aged 63. She passed away at her home this morning after a long, secret battle with cancer. 

The multi-award winning singer famed for such songs as Hot Stuff, I Feel Love and Last Dance has been flooded with heart-felt words from associates and friends. 

A statement by a family member said: “While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can’t express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time.”

Summer had tried to hide her battle with cancer from the public eye, whilst having the belief that she had contracted her illness from inhaling toxic particles during the 9/11 attacks. 

The disco queen has received five Grammy awards, the first in 1979 for Best R&B Vocal Performance and her last was in 1998 for Best Dance Recording for Carry On.

Peter Waterman, who had worked with the singer during the 80s, told BBC News: “She was the icing on the cake. We were at the top of our game when we worked with her. She was just fantastic.”

The expressive vocal style and soft dance moves have changed an age of music and have influenced such stars as Madonna, Whitney Houston and David Guetta.

It is believed that she was concealing her illness in order to finalise her latest album. 

Matthew Warcup