Irene Cara ~ Fame 1980 Disco Purrfection Version

The cat was wondering what the hell happened to Irene Cara, where did she come from and when was the last time she had something out there? She was born in New York on March 18, 1959 and literally skyrocketed to fame with the title track from one of the hottest films of the year. She ended up at the pinnacle of the Disco/Dance chart, reached #4 Pop Chart in 1980. She was a musical prodigy, learning to play piano on her own. You may also remember seeing her in "The Electric Company". Her Spanish language recordings were well received in her community, and when word got around it led to local TV appearances and ultimately a Johnny Carson interview. She then worked for on and off Broadway productions, becoming a soap opera star, then starred in the supremely familiar "Sparkle" in 1976. Aretha Franklin is the only person who could have power topped then unknowns Lonette McKee and Irene Cara who were the actual perfomers of the showstopping soundtrack. But then again, Ree did put her soulful stamp of approval on the Curtis Mayfield tunes and wound up with a huge R&B hit, while Cara and McKee cooled their heels and paid their dues. More TV followed with her appearances on "Roots:The Next Generations" and "The Story Of Jim Jones. When "Fame" began production, she had been originally slated to be one of the dancers, but when film producers and the screenwriter heard her voice they rewrote the part of Coco Hernandez, and Cara delivered on the two showstopping powerhouse tunes that had commercial releases, "Fame" and "Out Here On My Own". Erica Gimpel played the Coco Hernandez role when Irene turned down the Fame TV series role she created so she could concentrate on her music. Her last commercial solo outing was in 1987 with her "Carasmatic" LP which spawned no hits. In 2011, she released a CD of her new group, Hot Caramel.

[jaymonster]

While a sad reason today, it's always a comfort to come to Disco Cat's remixes and relive the greatness of our departed artists. RIP Irene Cara.

[derricklovelace]

Rest In Peace to a truly legendary singer Irene Cara this song truly inspired me and many others who are making talented music and all dancing your song fame makes you believe in yourself to make your dream come true and never give up.

[GetBenched]

That guitar solo is still one of the all time best.

[stevenalex]

We most definitely will remember your name R.I.P Ms Irene Cara.

[starexplorers]

I am surprised Irene didn't get to make it to 2023. She deserves a memorial museum since since was so influential in lifting up the human spirit. ❤‍🔥

[donaldduncan]

Thanks to FAME Gonna Live Forever !!! ♾💜 RIP

[lolakhan]

We will always remember you. Dear Irene..so beautiful...a Pisces..like my Mom.. Rest..now

[cordovp]

I need a train going to the 70-80’s destination!

[Taranau]

The Anthem, , , for all of us who dreamt of making it big in that world...
The world she DID make it big in...
No one can take that from her...

[camarada]

This song was and is something very special. A different way to make Disco Music. She was great with her vocals

[gabe]

✝️ RIP ✝️
Irene Cara
Thanks for your music 🎶
Your music always lifted
my spirits when I was feeling down. You will
always live forever in
my heart.
I will always remember
your name!
I Love you 💝

[cbsteffen]

True fame starts with good brain health, choosing talent carefully, studying the subject involved properly, and graduating from a “class” (whether real or not). I still think of Irene Cara and certainly won’t forget her name or who she was!

[AndyGGLA]

I loved this movie, but the song was phenomenal. It was popular in the clubs I went to then the tv series gave it another lease of life. No one had forgotten Irene Cara’s name by the time Flashdance gave her another flash of fame, with an Oscar to boot.

[fortromuloalmendras]

RIP..Miss Irene Cara your songs will always lives on..loved it here in the Philippines..👍🙏🏼💖💿🇵🇭

[darrellsadler]

Not only was Miss Irene was a great singer and songwriter, she was a terrific actress to the screen too!

[melissamcdonald]

Irene Cara you will never be forgotten! Rest in paradise.😢😭

[koolertrek]

Praise! I searched and here is the ultimate best version of this personal and world classic. Give thanks!!!

[IyaPatsyOriginalEgunlady]

Rest In Peace, Power and Beauty, Irene Cara 11/26/2022❤

[carlitoscountry]

I love this music my heart feels alive again

[markastoforoff]

I don't care what anyone says there were some great Disco songs.