Biography: Donna Summer was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines on December 31, 1948 in Boston, Massachusetts to Andrew Gaines and Mary Ellen Gaines. She grew up singing at church, and joined the Munich company of "Hair" in the 1960s. She was a member of the Viennese Folk Opera for a brief period of time. She worked as a backup singer before becoming a disco and pop sensation. She married Helmuth Sommer, with whom she had a daughter. She then married Bruce Sudano, with whom she had two daughters.

Film/TV Credits include: "Thank God It's Friday," "Family Matters," and "Disco at the BBC."

Other Awards: Grammy Awards: Best R&B Vocal Performance -- Female for the song "Last Dance" in 1978. Best Rock Vocal Performance -- Female for the song "Hot Stuff" in 1979. Best Inspirational Performance for the song "He's a Rebel" in 1983. Best Inspirational Performance for the song "Forgive Me" in 1984. Best Dance Recording for the song "Carry On" in 1997. She received a star on the Walk of Fame in 1992.

Trivia:
It is estimated that Summer has sold more than 130 million records worldwide.