Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor, born Gloria Fowles on September 7, 1943, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and began her professional music career in the 1960s as a member of the band Soul Satisfiers. She achieved international fame during the disco era, most notably for her 1978 hit single "I Will Survive."

In 1982, Gaynor experienced a personal religious conversion to Christianity. This faith journey later influenced her music, leading to the release of the roots-gospel album Testimony in 2019, which featured collaborations with various Christian music artists. The album earned her a Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2020.

Over her career, Gaynor has also recorded songs including "Never Can Say Goodbye" (1974), "Let Me Know (I Have a Right)" (1979), "I Am What I Am" (1983), and "Just Keep Thinkin' About You" (2001). She received a Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording in 1980 for "I Will Survive." In 2015, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Music from Dowling College.

Gaynor’s contributions to music were further recognized when she received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2025. Her career spans both mainstream and gospel music, reflecting her continued activity in the industry over several decades.