Donna Summer: Her Best Hits, Why Her Death Shocked Many [PHOTOS and VIDEOS]

On May 17, Donna Summer lost her battle with cancer. The iconic disco queen was 63 years old.

Just like her famous hits, Donna Summer was a woman of vibrant energy and an upbeat personality. Throughout her singing career, Summer has produced hits that were forever etched in the industry, especially in the glittery era of 70s disco.

Born Ladonna Adrian Gaines, Donna Summer had a natural vocal talent. According to her parents, Summer always had the knack for singing, belting various songs all around the house since she was a little girl.

Upon the release of the song 'Love to Love You Baby,'Summer became an instant sensation in the 70s. Because Summer was armed with the flair and all the qualities fit for the booming genre of disco at that time, the reception towards her music became insurmountable. It wasn't long until clubs such as Studio 54 started to play her records and songs, while bell-bottomed men and glitzy, glittered women dance and do the 'shimmy.'

Hits such as 'She Works Hard for the Money,' 'On The Radio,' and 'I Feel Love' became instant disco staples, with countless renditions and sampling by contemporary artists. Even Beyonce used the lyrics 'love to love you baby' in one of her singles, 'Naughty Girl,' which is believed to be an homage to Summer's 'Bad Girls.'

On her 'shocking' death

Donna stretched her fruitful career until recently, where she appeared as a guest star and judge to different television talent shows. Currently recording a new album, Summer had kept mum about her cancer.

TMZ reported that it wasn't very long since Summer has shown signs of sickness. In fact, it was only two weeks ago since her friends and colleagues noticed her deteriorating state. Some sources claim that Summer 'thinks' she developed lung cancer due to lethal particles of dust she constantly inhaled after the 9/11 attacks in New York.

Watch the videos below and view the slideshow to reminisce on the golden disco days Donna Summer has left us with.

Bad Girls

Could It Be Magic