Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor is a Grammy Award-winning disco singer renowned for her iconic song "I Will Survive," which has become an empowerment anthem for diverse groups, including survivors of domestic violence and the LGBTQ community. Her journey is marked by overcoming significant personal challenges, including growing up in poverty and surviving childhood sexual abuse. Notably, she faced a dire accident that temporarily paralyzed her from the waist down just before recording "I Will Survive."

Today, Gaynor remains vigorous in her career, performing live concerts worldwide, making national TV appearances, and releasing new music. Currently, she is working on an album titled "Testimony," featuring inspirational songs. Her resilience and transformative spirit are evident not only in her music but also in her life and ongoing endeavors.

Gaynor began her illustrious career at the age of 19 with her first record contract. She achieved a historic milestone in 1973 when Billboard introduced the Disco Action Charts, with "Never Can Say Good-Bye" clinching the #1 spot. Her influence continued to grow, and in 2001, "Just Keep Thinking About You" topped the Billboard Dance/Club charts, and "Last Night," her collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, dominated charts across Europe. Gaynor was a pioneer in the disco music scene, notably being the first to release an album tailored for club play and to produce an extended dance medley party mix.

In 2002, the release of her album "I Wish You Love" marked her first global release in 15 years, generating four #1 dance singles on Billboard's Dance Charts. Her enduring popularity was underscored when she received the LEGEND award at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, presented by Prince Albert. Her broad appeal was further evidenced by guest appearances on popular TV shows like "That '70s Show" and "Ally McBeal," which introduced her to a new generation of fans.

Gaynor's influence extends into the film industry, with "I Will Survive" featured on the soundtracks of numerous major motion pictures. In 2005, she was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame, and her song followed in 2016 when it was included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. Additionally, she has been actively involved in charity work, supporting at-risk youths and their families, an endeavor bolstered by her bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences. Her commitment to philanthropy was recognized with the “Celebration of Inspiring Women” Award at CCU's Women in Leadership Conference in 2015 and the “Martin Luther King Jr Award” in 2016.

Gaynor has also ventured into writing, with her autobiography "I Will Survive" and her GRAMMY-nominated book "We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song," reflecting her life’s journey. Moreover, she supports survivors through her charitable clothing line, “I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor,” which contributes to her dedicated website iwillsurvive.org.