Exclusive Interview | Gloria Gaynor
Written by: Katherine Brodsky & Marianne Moro

GLORIA GAYNOR is probably best-known as the 'disco diva' as result of her smash hit, "I Will Survive." Since releasing the song in 1979, more than 2 decades ago, Gaynor has managed to snap a Grammy award, sway audiences across the world and find direction in her life with the aid of her newly found faith. Modamag caught up with this inspiring diva in an exclusive interview:

ModaMag: Are you surprised at the staying power and universal appeal of "I Will Survive?" 
Gloria Gaynor: From the time I first read the lyrics of "I Will Survive", I fully
expected it's popularity to last for as long as it could be heard in the media. 

MM: What do you think that it had such an appeal, beyond just being a good song? 
GG: I attribute it's appeal to the fact that it's title alone is uplifting, encouraging, and empowering to anyone who has been or is faced with daunting situations or circumstances in his or her life.  And that's everyone at one time or another. 

MM: Does fact that you are often recognized as, "Oh, she's the one who did I Will Survive," bother you at all?
GG: I'm only bothered my association with the song if a person thinks that is the extent of my contribution to the music industry.

MM: You perform at various corporate and special events in addition to
regular concerts.  Which one(s)have been especially memorable, poignant, or
funny?
GG: Especially memorable was performing for Princess Grace's last red cross
ball and meeting Princess Grace, Prince Renier, Frank Sinatra, Sophia Loren,
and Gina Lolabrigida. Especially poignant was performing for the U.S. troups
in Lebanon during the war.  Especially funny was falling on my face, doing a
belly whop, sliding head long into the front monitors of the stage and
standing up asking the dignitaries of East Germany how they liked my new
stage entrance, just before performing at the opening of the new terminal of
their airport, only to have them stare at me in disbelief.

MM: What was it like performing in "Smoky Joe's Café?" Would you do another musical?
GG: Performing in Smokey Joes Cafe was a rich and rewarding experience,
with a cast that was very kind, funny and supportive. I would definitely do another musical if I could do only 2 or 3 weeks.  8 shows a week is a bit
much for me.

MM: Considering your huge following in Europe, what are the differences
between American and European audiences?
GG: Because American audiences are used to so much great talent which is
available to them at all times, we are not as appreciative as European
audiences or as loyal.

MM: When did you first decide on music as a career - did you choose it or did it choose you?
GG: I choose music as a career right after high school.  It was one of my two career choices.  The other was teaching.        

MM: How does your faith impact your musical career and your life as a whole?
GG: My faith permeates every area of my life.  I try to honor Christ Jesus as
my Example, Guard, Guide and Governor in all I do.  Therefore my faith has
effected both my career and life by changing my motivation, and purpose to
sharing the love and knowledge of Christ through them both.

MM: Why did you decide to publish your autobiography "I Will Survive"? Was it a tough experience to bare your soul to the masses?
GG:  I decided to write my autobiography because the publishing company,
Harper and Collins of London, asked me to.  The experience was not difficult
but enlightening and cathartic.

MM: Your new album is terrific & I'm pretty certain that you've got some hits
in there -- what do you hope the reaction would be to it? How are the songs
different from previous work you've done?  
GG: Thank you for the compliment.  I hope the reaction will be tremendous to the point of the public demanding I do a concert tour.  The songs are different in the production process and outcome of music in that they have elements of yesterdays music in the meaningful lyrics and live musicianship, mixed with techno and todays sound.

MM: Where do you hope to go from here?
GG:  I hope two do a multi-media concert to expose and share the music of the new CD as well as lots of old favorites of my fans.  I hope to do some TV
commercials, l clothing line and perfume and even some screen acting.

MM: That's pretty specific! When people think of the name Gloria Gaynor, what do you want them to immediately recall?
GG:  How inspirational I can be in song and conversation.