Donna Summer, the famous American singer and songwriter, had two important partners in her life. She got married twice, and her experiences in marriage shaped her personal life and career in interesting ways.
Her first marriage was with an Austrian actor, and later on, she married a fellow musician. Donna’s relationships brought both happiness and challenges.
Through these experiences, she left a lasting impact not only as a music legend but also as a woman who faced the complexities of love and family in the public eye.
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Who is Donna Summer’s Husband?
Donna Summer was married to two different men in her life. Her first husband was an actor named Helmuth Sommer, and they got married in 1973.
They had a daughter named Natalia Pia Melanie Sommer, also known as Mimi, but they divorced in 1976. Even after the divorce, Donna decided to keep her ex-husband’s last name, “Sommer,” as her stage name.
Donna Summer and her first husband, Helmuth Sommer:
Donna Summer and her first husband, Helmuth Sommer, who she met during her German period (tho he was Austrian), and who she got her anglicized surname from. pic.twitter.com/twadJKT2ZR
— babylemonade (@skinlikevinyl) May 22, 2023
Later, on July 16, 1980, Donna Summer got married again, this time to Bruce Sudano, who was a singer in the group Brooklyn Dreams. They had two daughters together.
Their first daughter, Brooklyn Sudano, was born on January 5, 1981. She is known for her work in acting, singing, and dancing.
The second daughter, Amanda Sudano, was born on August 11, 1982. She is a talented musician and singer-songwriter. Amanda is part of the musical duo called Johnnyswim, where she performs alongside her husband, Abner Ramirez.
In addition to her music career, Donna Summer was also involved in founding Oasis Church in Los Angeles, which showed her spiritual side and dedication to her faith.
How Did Bruce Sudano’s Musical Journey Begin?
Bruce Sudano was born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York City, to parents Margaret Alessio (1924–2012) and Louis Sudano (1923–2008). When Bruce was just four years old, he began teaching himself how to play the accordion.
Later on, he taught himself to play the piano and guitar as well. He quickly became known as a talented musician in his neighborhood, and when he was twelve years old, he got the opportunity to play his first paid gig.
In the 1960s, Bruce joined his first band, called Silent Souls, where he played the bass guitar. He practiced hard and soon started performing live shows at famous nightclubs in New York City.
In the latest ep of A Journey Through SAW, Donna Summer’s husband and manager, Bruce Sudano, talks about their 80s experience: from The Wanderer on Geffen to collaborating with @SAW_MUSIC on Another Place And Time.
Apple: https://t.co/WB6E9bZa6D
Spotify: https://t.co/KFrM88kGsB pic.twitter.com/J6VKSuKrX7— Chart Beats (@ChartBeatsAU) April 13, 2023
Bruce Sudano’s Music Career
In his music career, Sudano became a keyboard player for the pop rock band Alive N Kickin’, which he co-founded with Pepe Cardona in 1968. They collaborated with Tommy James, who co-wrote their song “Tighter, Tighter” with Bob King.
Tommy James not only provided backup vocals but also produced the song. “Tighter, Tighter” became a hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, after being released by Roulette Records.
During a nationwide tour to promote their music, Alive N Kickin’ had the opportunity to be the opening act for famous bands like Chicago and Frank Zappa.
However, in 1972, Sudano left the band and moved to Los Angeles, California, where he pursued a solo career in folk music.
FAQs
Who is Donna Summer?
Donna Summer, whose birth name is LaDonna Adrian Gaines, was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born on December 31, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away on May 17, 2012.
Who is Donna Summer’s husband?
Donna Summer had two husbands. Her first husband was Helmuth Sommer, and her second husband was Bruce Sudano.
