A Tribute To The "Queen Of Disco"

LaDonna Adrian Gaines

It took some searching, but I finally found the song I MUST post from YouTube in memory of this extra special lady. I loved her entire catalog, but there was one record I played in absolute excess. It was a song from her 1978 "Live & More" double LP set called, "MacArthur Park Suite". It clocked in at a whopping 17+ minutes and it completely filled one whole side of one of the LPs. The suite included the songs MacArthur Park, Body & Soul, Heaven Knows, and MacArthur Park Reprise. A full orchestra of human beings (not machines) played behind her, never missing a beat or a note, and the bridges and changes between the songs were absolutely flawless. Unfortunately, we took all of that extraordinary music for granted back then, thinking that it would last forever... if only we knew what we know now. But, things have changed for me too... there was a time when I could actually dance through this entire suite without breaking a sweat! I even exposed my daughter to it! So, all I want to say is "Thank you, Donna" for the many hours of joy you gave me listening to this record, as well as your other songs. I love you and I'll NEVER forget you! :)

P.S. I'd also like to take a moment to give a shoutout and say R.I.P. to CHUCK "Bustin' Loose" BROWN, who also passed away the day before Donna on May 16, 2012. The man deemed as the "Godfather of Go-Go" was 75 years old.