20 Astonishing Old Photos of Donna Summer, the First Lady of Love

  • Summer’s career began in Munich, where she starred in a German production of <em>Hair</em>.
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    1966

    Summer’s career began in Munich, where she starred in a German production of Hair.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • In a gold-tinted publicity still.
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    1976

    In a gold-tinted publicity still.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Recumbent at her home in Los Angeles.
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    1976

    Recumbent at her home in Los Angeles.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Promoting her hit record “Love to Love You Baby” in the UK.
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    1976

    Promoting her hit record “Love to Love You Baby” in the UK.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Mid-flight (and finely feathered) during a performance.
    5/20

    c. 1977

    Mid-flight (and finely feathered) during a performance.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Going full-tilt in leopard spots.
    6/20

    1978

    Going full-tilt in leopard spots.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • In the midst of a theatrical show in Los Angeles.
    7/20

    1970s

    In the midst of a theatrical show in Los Angeles.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • In London.
    8/20

    1976

    In London.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Flanked by her dancers at a Los Angeles show.
    9/20

    1970s

    Flanked by her dancers at a Los Angeles show.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • With her eldest daughter, Mimi Dohler (née Sommer).
    10/20

    1977

    With her eldest daughter, Mimi Dohler (née Sommer).
    Photo: Getty Images
  • From an album cover portrait session in Los Angeles.
    11/20

    1978

    From an album cover portrait session in Los Angeles.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • On <em>The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson</em>.
    12/20

    1978

    On The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • In full, glorious color.
    13/20

    1978

    In full, glorious color.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Performing at the Atlanta Civic Center.
    14/20

    1978

    Performing at the Atlanta Civic Center.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Clad in a swishy fringed dress as she engages the crowd.
    15/20

    c. 1979

    Clad in a swishy fringed dress as she engages the crowd.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • With Helen Reddy and Glen Campbell at the American Music Awards.
    16/20

    1979

    With Helen Reddy and Glen Campbell at the American Music Awards.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Seated for a <em>20/20</em> interview.
    17/20

    1980

    Seated for a 20/20 interview.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Having her portrait taken by Harry Philmore Langdon in Los Angeles.
    18/20

    1980

    Having her portrait taken by Harry Philmore Langdon in Los Angeles.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • With her sisters, who joined Summer on the road as her background vocalists.
    19/20

    1980

    With her sisters, who joined Summer on the road as her background vocalists.
    Photo: Getty Images
  • Sporting a dazzling jumpsuit for a concert in Chicago.
    20/20

    1983

    Sporting a dazzling jumpsuit for a concert in Chicago.
    Photo: Getty Images
Summer’s career began in Munich, where she starred in a German production of <em>Hair</em>.
In a gold-tinted publicity still.
Recumbent at her home in Los Angeles.
Promoting her hit record “Love to Love You Baby” in the UK.
Mid-flight (and finely feathered) during a performance.
Going full-tilt in leopard spots.
In the midst of a theatrical show in Los Angeles.
In London.
Flanked by her dancers at a Los Angeles show.
With her eldest daughter, Mimi Dohler (née Sommer).
From an album cover portrait session in Los Angeles.
On <em>The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson</em>.
In full, glorious color.
Performing at the Atlanta Civic Center.
Clad in a swishy fringed dress as she engages the crowd.
With Helen Reddy and Glen Campbell at the American Music Awards.
Seated for a <em>20/20</em> interview.
Having her portrait taken by Harry Philmore Langdon in Los Angeles.
With her sisters, who joined Summer on the road as her background vocalists.
Sporting a dazzling jumpsuit for a concert in Chicago.
Vogue

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Originally Appeared on Vogue