I Will Survive: The Anthology

Performer: Gloria Gaynor
Engineer: Dirk Devlin; Bob Halsell; Jack Rouben; Michael DeLugg; Tony Bongiovi
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Producers include: Dino Fekaris, Paul Leka, Meco Monardo, Tony Bonjiovi, Jay Ellis. Compilation producer: Brian Chin. Includes liner notes by Brian Chin. Digitally remastered by Kevin Reeves (PolyGram Archives). Personnel: Dennis Harris, Robert White , Eddie Sierra , Bob Bowles, Jeff Mironov, Joe Beck , Lance Quinn, Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin, Roland Chambers, Jerry Friedman (guitar); Katie Kirkpatrick, Gayle Levant (harp); Richard Amorose, Anthony Sinagoga, Clarence H. Watson, Freddy Joiner, Tyrone G. Kersey, Christine Reeves, John R. Faith, John Wilson, Richard Genovese, Emma Kummrow, Davis A. Barnett (strings, horns); Peter Robinson (strings, keyboards, synthesizer); David Blumberg, Gene Orloff, Brad Baker (strings); George Young (reeds, saxophone); Sam Peake, Eddie Daniels, George Marge (saxophone); Pat Russo, Doc Severinsen, Alan Rubin, Marvin Stamm, Peter Ecklund, John Frosk (trumpet); Barry Rodgers, Alan Rhaph (trombone); Bruce Gray (piano); Jerry Cohen (keyboards, synthesizer); Clarence McDonald, Freddie Perren, Ron Kersey, Pat Rebillot (keyboards); James Williams (bass guitar); Keith Benson, James Gadson, Jimmy Young , Allan Schwartzberg (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (congas, percussion); Daryl Burgee, James Walker , Larry Washington, Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Bobbye Hall, Carlos Martin (congas); Alan Estes, Jimmy Maelen, Robert Zimmitti (percussion); Linda November, Evette Benton, Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson, Julia Tillman Waters, Arlene Martell, Julia Waters, Maxine Willard Waters, Stephanie Spruill, Marti McCall, Vivian Cherry (background vocals). Audio Remixer: Philip Kelsey. Liner Note Author: Brian Chin. Photographers: Joe Williams ; Norman Seeff. Arrangers: Eddie Sierra ; Greg Diamond; Harold Wheeler; Charlie Callello; Joe Beck ; Lance Quinn; Meco Monardo; Norman Harris; Andrew Smith. Gloria Gaynor was one of the main disco divas, scoring a number of crossover hits, including "I Will Survive" and "Never Can Say Goodbye," in addition to pioneering extended mixes on her 12" singles. Instead of relying on her hit singles, all of which are compiled on Greatest Hits, the double-disc I Will Survive: The Anthology concentrates on her dancefloor classics. In other words, if you're looking for brief, catchy disco-pop, look elsewhere; this has nothing but full-length album tracks and three extended disco medleys, each running around 18 minutes -- the length of one side of a 12" single. For some, this will be tedious listening, but any disco fanatic will find plenty of interesting material here, and for those with hardcore dance tastes, I Will Survive may even be preferable to Greatest Hits. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine Gloria Gaynor will forever be remembered for her anthem "I Will Survive." Played at office parties, big commercial discos and senior proms the world over, the unapologetic "I'm over you" mantra is presented here in its eight-minute extended version as well as in a shortened remix version that appeared on Polydor's 1997 compilation PURE DISCO 2. It's almost a shame that Gaynor's output is defined by this one song. Her career also includes solid R&B-influenced disco hits like "Honeybee" and "Never Can Say Goodbye" (later covered by Jimmy Sommerville of Bronski Beat) as well as the Ashford & Simpson-penned "You're All I Need to Get By," which was later turned into an urban love song by Method Man and Mary J. Blige. Gaynor was one of the first "disco divas" and had a close relationship with her club audiences. Her close work with other disco producers and DJs helped popularize the "segue" or "extended mix"--longer songs made out of two or more tracks that soon became the standard format for club play.

Best known for her exuberant, emotional 1979 disco anthem, "I Will Survive," which became a rallying cry for both women and gay men in the disco era, Gloria Gaynor broke new ground with tracks specifically produced and extended for dancing. Even when her backing tracks tend toward the robotic, Gaynor's passionate vocals fill her songs with life.

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