The Independent Review 

June 1, 2004

The former Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, is best known for her songs 'I Feel Love', 'Love to Love You Baby' and 'Hot Stuff'.

Who is the most inspiring person you know?

Probably Jesus Christ - for the obvious reasons.

What is the secret of happiness?

Getting up every day and being joyful about the little things - not letting the big things crush your world. If you're anticipating a big job and you don't get it, go out and look at flowers and appreciate the amazing way that they look and smell. Every morning I usually get up and go out in the garden, cut flowers, look for four leaf clovers and talk to God. I also talk to flowers, pretend they are my friends - and I am joyful.

Has a DJ ever saved your life?

Probably. He probably saved my career a few times too.

Alicia Keys or Beyoncé Knowles?

Oh gosh, they're two different people. I couldn't make that call. They're both great. It's peaches and apples. They're both delicious, but they're both different flavours.

What was the last work of art that moved you?

I have a particular attachment to Van Gogh, especially Sunflowers, because I believe God used those flowers to point out something to me when I was first starting out in music. In front of my window there were all these sunflowers. One day, I went outside to look at them and there was one that was much larger than the others - the flower was about a foot in diameter. And I really felt like that was God saying to me: "That's you... that's what I'm going to do with your life." Ever since, I've had an attachment to sunflowers.

When was the last time you lied?

Sometimes we all exaggerate, but I don't like lying for no reason. I tell the truth if at all possible.

What's your favourite household chore?

Doing the dishes. I like cleaning up and I like things to be neat. If I'm over at someone's house for dinner and they don't have a housekeeper, I help clean up. I have help in my house so it's not something I have to do, but I like doing it for other people.

Define diva.

Of course, originally it meant a female opera singer who had achieved great success, but now there are some people who define it as over-demanding and rude - someone who takes themselves too seriously. I don't believe that was the case when they applied the term to me.

What happens when we die?

Well, I don't know what happens when you die, or when someone else dies. I'm hoping to go to heaven.

The Journey: the very best of Donna Summer' is released on Mercury on 14 June.

 © 2004