VIDEO: Donna Summer, Queen of Disco, dies at 63

May 17, 2012 12:30 pm • Last Updated: May 17, 2012 1:44 pm

In this Dec. 11, 2009 file photo, Donna Summer performs at the conclusion of the Nobel Peace concert in Oslo, Norway. Summer, the Queen of Disco who ruled the dance floors with anthems like "Last Dance," "Love to Love You Baby" and "Bad Girl," has died. Her family released a statement, saying Summer died Thursday, May 17, 2012. She was 63.

NEW YORK (AP) — Disco queen Donna Summer, whose pulsing anthems such as "Last Dance," ''Love to Love You Baby" and "Bad Girls" became the soundtrack for a glittery age of sex, drugs, dance and flashy clothes, has died. She was 63.

Her family released a statement Thursday saying Summer died and that they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continue legacy."

Summer gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s, and released a number of albums that have reach gold or platinum status, including the multiplatinum "Bad Girls" and "On the Radio, Volume I & II." Her No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits include "Hot Stuff" and "MacArthur Park."

Her sound was a mix of genres, and helped her earn Grammy Awards in the dance, rock, R&B and inspirational categories.

She released her last album, "Crayons," in 2008. She also performed on "American Idol" that year with its top female contestants.

In this Nov. 2, 1979 file photo, Gerald and Betty Ford, left, Donna Summer, right, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center board chairman Steve Broidy at a reception prior to gala disco party benefit in Beverly Hills, Calif. Summer's family released a statement, saying she died Thursday, May 17, 2012. She was 63.

Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.

STORIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU