New Jersey-native Gloria Gaynor is indeed the Queen of Disco. Gaynor’s music debut was in 1960 with the Soul Satisfiers, a jazz/pop band. She signed her first record deal at the ripe young age of 19 years old.

Her first album, Never Can Say Goodbye was the album that truly launched her wondrous career. In 1973, Gloria Gaynor made history when Billboard established a new chart called Disco Action Charts. Instantly her singles were showcased in the number one spot; her first single on the chart was "Never Can Say Good-Bye". It also became the first Dance Song to reach #1 status in dance music. And she has been continuing to constantly set the standards for truly out-of-this-world music.

The disco goddess is known for her outstanding, timeless hits like “Honey Bee”, “Never Can Say Goodbye”, and of course who could forget “I Will Survive.” However she has many lesser known hits that are just as breathtaking as those. I highly suggest you take a moment or two to give them a listen if you are familiar with them, you won’t regret it...I promise.

Aside from her music, Gaynor has also dabbled in acting guest starring in some popular 90’s shows such as The Wayans Bros, That 70’s Show, and Ally McBeal. She also took part in a limited engagement performance in Broadway’s Smokey Joe’s Cafe. These television appearances brought her to the eyes of younger fans that weren’t even born when she was rocking the stage in the 70’s disco era.

Throughout the years, her career has seen it all; the good times, the hard times and most everything in between. Yet here she is in her 60’s and she has still got the knack for sending shivers of goodness up the back of your neck when you hear her sweet songbird voice. Times Square was fortunate to speak with the disco queen about her upcoming show in New York.

Times Square (TS): What’s in store for your audience for the upcoming show at B.B. King’s on November 12^th?

Gloria Gaynor (GG): Something old, something new, something borrowed...nothing blue.

TS: You were discovered on 45^th street many years ago at The Wagon Wheel. What was New York like back in those days?

GG: A very fun place, very much a city that never sleeps. It didn’t cost you $75 to park even before you could get into a place to have a decent time or a meal, like it does now. It was great; very much alive and vibrant.

TS: Did you enjoy the old New York as opposed to what it has become today?

GG: [Laughing] Oh yeah a lot more!

TS: Do you have any specific memories about New York that you’d like to share with us?

GG: Yeah, performing on the moving catwalk at Studio 54. It was great, again very vibrant, alive, and full of fun. Good times!

TS: There was a revival of disco in the early 90’s followed by another in 2000 and onwards. Do you believe music is cyclical and that great music, genres will keep coming back?

GG: Yeah it’s definitely cyclical because it has been coming back ever since the 60’s. When people were doing what they called swing music to the shuffle to whatever they are calling it today. When people are dancing together, disco music is very good for that. And it will keep coming around. It’s a fad and they’ll keep changing the name... it was pop, and disco, and now dance, you know.

TS: You and one of your greatest hits “I Will Survive” were inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in New York in 2005. How did it feel to receive that award?

GG: It was so wonderful; because the people that voted me in made the music, created the music, performed the music...so to be voted in by your peers is a wonderful thing. It’s a great feeling!

TS: Aside from touring what kinds of things do you like to do with your free time?

GG: Well most of my time is spent touring. But when I’m at home, I have friends and family over. I make dinners. I try to recreate some of the dinners I’ve had and experienced in other countries. Most of the time I get them all wrong, but as long as they taste good and they take home a doggie bag...that’s all fun. Shopping and trying to upgrade my wardrobe. And I do try to relax and pretend to be normal for a minute [laughing].

TS: Well Gloria, it has been an extreme pleasure talking with you. Thank you again and good luck for the upcoming show in New York.

To learn more about Gloria Gaynor, take a look at her website: www.gloriagaynor.com.

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