9 Pics Of Donna Summer That Prove She's The Queen Of Disco

Stage names are common, but only the most elite entertainers enjoy the privilege of being knighted with a cheeky nickname on top of that. Count singer-songwriter Donna Summer among those. Dubbed the "Queen of Disco," Summer earned her title in the late '70s and early '80s with hit songs that'll still get the dance floor going today, like "Hot Stuff" and "She Works Hard for the Money." Any true disco diva needs outfits that live up to the hype, and we've got pics to prove that Summer was up to the challenge. And just in time, because some of your favorite '70s fashion trends are having a resurgence.

Her stage looks, in particular, were straight-up showbiz art pieces. Whether draped in a floor-length sequined robe or stomping in platform boots, Summer seemed always ready to embrace the glitz and glamour of the day. Summer sadly died of lung cancer in 2012, but the Queen of Disco's legacy forever lives on — as do her looks.

While in concert in Los Angeles in 1979, Donna Summer took an always-welcome playful approach to disco by donning a dress made up of zillions of sheer, rhinestone-dotted fabric panels. The scrap-like mesh of blues, reds, yellows, white, and lilac created a look truly fit for the stage and for a '70s icon. We can only imagine the movement as she belted out her singalongs while shimmying this way and that. After all, how can the Queen of Disco be expected to put on a performance without a show-worthy look?

Donna Summer started singing in her family's church as a child in Boston, and so, of course, it was only appropriate that the grown-up Summer bust out the humble church fan here and there — but, you know, make it fashion. While performing in Los Angeles in the '70s, Summer made a prop of a silver fan. It was the perfect complement to the long and extravagant glittery robe that let her light shine like a disco ball. Striped in sequins, we're sure that not even the cheap seats missed a moment.

The '70s did sexy glamour like no other era, and Donna Summer was able to encapsulate that energy like no one else. On stage in Los Angeles in the '70s, Summer rocked a little black dress that was saucy and chic, and perfect for a cocktail party or for the stage. Dripping in jewels and fringe, and showing plenty of leg, her look was disco but still totally timeless. We could definitely picture a young pop girlie — say, Sabrina Carpenter or Tyla — rocking this exact look today on the red carpet at the Grammys.

Surely, you didn't think a photo story about a '70s disco-era diva would not include an oversized white coat, covered in feathers and long enough to sweep the main stage, did you? Donna Summer was draped in exactly that for one late-'70s performance, thrown on over a slinky belted house dress of sorts. Talk about loud luxury. When she wrapped her performance, we imagine Summer headed straight to her dressing room to lounge on a gold chaise (kitten heels, of course, still on) to be fanned and fed by a few buff young men. 

When she was on the rise, Donna Summer took the stage in April 1976 in a totally cute asymmetrical frosty blue dress with feather details around the neckline. But here's where things get really fun: She paired the dress with funkadelic knee-high platform boots, and a disco star was born. To be sure, one of the best ways to incorporate platform shoes into your wardrobe may not be sky-high gold boots with sparkly soles. That look might be best left to the professional disco queens.

While belting it out during a performance in Oakland, California in July 1979, Donna Summer donned an electric blue dress accented with a radiantly red belt — both completely covered in sequins. The primary colors could clash, but on Summer, they work. And the classic silhouette kept this dress from veering into costume territory. By diva standards, it was pretty pared down but no less fit for the Queen of Disco. We bet she also rocked this dress to a dance party or two in her day.

Back in 1978, Donna Summer knew then what we all know now about the power and versatility of leopard print. Her A-line dress felt like a little nod to where the fashion was heading, as '70s glam would soon give way to '80s punk. But here, taken on by Summer and peppered with delicate sparkle throughout, the look was still disco-era-approved. We also love the bronze peep-toe slingback pumps and the flower adorning her curls for that extra bit of playful, party time energy. 

While performing in Los Angeles in the 1970s, Donna Summer wrapped herself in a dreamy gown covered in expertly placed sequins and rhinestones. The electric adornments on the sheer fabric remind us of shooting stars flitting across the night sky (Summer reaching up toward the heavens really adds to the vibe). The whole look comes together for an A-plus example of how to marry '70s glam and ageless elegance. Though, the droopy batwing sleeves leave no doubt that this here is disco decadence through and through. 

By the late '70s, disco was starting to lose its luster and face backlash from rock 'n' roll purists afraid that the genre — rooted in Black and queer culture — was taking over. On July 12, 1979 some 50,000 people came to Comiskey Park, the former home of the Chicago White Sox, for "Disco Demolition Night." They blew up disco records and rioted. But leave it to Donna Summer to bridge both worlds. That same year in New York, Summer performed with a rock band, and, forever the Queen of Disco, she donned a glamorous silver sequined dress.