Love to Love You, Baby - Donna Summer (1975-76) 11/16/22

If yesterday's "Great Song of the '70s" ("Love Won't Let Me Wait") was Rated "R," TODAY'S song is Rated X.

"Love to Love You Baby" was written by Donna Summer and her producer, Georgio Moroder.

Donna considered herself a person with good Christian morals, but somehow, she was convinced to put as much sex into the song as possible. There was, however, one condition: the lights had to be completely off in the studio, so no one could see her sing it.

There has long been a rumor that she had someone else in the studio to help her make it realistic, but it's simply not true. Basically, with the lights off, she felt free to...let's put it this way: bring the song to a climax... several times.

The song was an immediate smash at discos around the world, and shortly thereafter, radio airplay sent it into the Top 20 in 16 countries--including #1 in Canada. In the US, it reached #2 on the Hot 100 and #3 on the Soul Chart.

Several different versions were released, from just over 3 minutes for the edited radio single, to almost 17 minutes for the full disco version.

"Love to Love You Baby" was Donna's first big hit...putting her on the road to being declared the "Queen of Disco."

After a while, unfortunately, she stopped performing it live--for safety's sake. In places like Argentina and Italy, groups of men would storm the stage...and sometimes, even her dressing trailer. Although nothing serious happened, she never felt safe.

But that said, the song had quite an impact on music--especially when disco was in its infancy...so much so, that it's on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's list of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock & Roll!

"Love to Love You Baby" by Donna Summer: a "Great Song of 1975-76!"

Short version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWD8raATiIY

Long version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFrXXqq7QvQ