In Loving Memory of Donna Summer

(LaDonna Adrian Gaines -December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012). 
 Donna Summer Live tribute interview with Jeanette Wilson- 3rd Jan 2014 (Ex employee of Donna Summer)... 
Question for Jeanette - 
1. How many years did you work for Donna & did you meet anybody we would know? 
Gary 
It was more like per schedule performance, within 1 year for example “The Harpers Bazaar” segment of the top female artist’s who won Platinum Albums I was the stylist and hired the hair stylist Nantille Hansberry in Harry Landon studio in LA. In New York I work with the Producer, VP of WEA International Tracey Bledsoe, Donna and I. On the video of “State of Independence“ shot in New York City and Jones Beach. I chose her wardrobe and continue to groom her on the set. Support staff for some of her Satellite Interview’s. I met a lot of people through Donna. Studio Giorgio Moroder, Peter Bellotie, Paul Jabara, actor Ray Vitte recording artist Stevie Wonder so many more.
Jeanette.
Did she influence your life in anyway?
Gary
“Yes“ her HEART of LOVE, I've seen Donna give money to the homeless and her Mother‘s Prayer Group?. Donna was a giving artist and loved her fans. She and Bruce was so wonderful with my son’s, who would spend the night at her mansion and she would sing and tuck them in bed. We would join the family for Christmas and Thanksgiving, it was a beautiful and bless time for all of us.
Jeanette.
was Donna Summer like to work for?
Gary
“Oh my Lord”. It was such a delight every moment of working for Donna was indeed a blessing, even though I was a model an knew the craft of illusions, Donna amazed me on here different transformation’s. of her looks.
Jeanette.
Did you go on tour with Donna & did you see all the shows?
Gary
No, I worked for Donna in between her tours as “Personal Assistance“. Yes, I attended many concert’s with my son‘s. My son‘s first concert in LA, Donna, called them on stage to dance with her, my kids frozen. another show in Atlantic City she told the crowd that I was her “Mentor”.
Jeanette.
Do you still keep in touch with Donna's family?
GARY
Yes, her sister‘s Linda Gaines in Boston, Dara Gaines Bernard of Atlanta. Within a few years I’ve seen Mary Ellen Bernard and Jeanette Yancy and spoken with Donna on the phone a few times.
Jeanette.
Tell us if you can about the other members of Donna's family
Gary
The Gaines family comprised of (7) 1 Male & 6 Female’s 1. Jeanette Yancy, 2. Ricky Gaines, 3. Donna Sudano (Summer)“deceased”, 4, Amy Gaines “deceased”, 5. Linda Gaines, 6. Mary Ellen Gaines Bernard and 7. Dara Gaines Bernard. 3 of her sister at one time was Donna’s background singer’s Amy, Dara and Mary. Mary remained background singer with her sister “Donna” until the end. Her Mother Mary Gaines & Father Andrew Gaines are deceased.
Jeanette.
What did Donna Summer enjoy the most recording or touring ?
Gary
I think it was touring as she loved her fans.
Jeanette
Did Donna encourage her family to sing?
Gary
Yes, I remember hearing Mimi practice “Woman in Me” and through out Donna’s career Mimi sang on stage with her mother a few times.. Brooklyn, Amanda and her husband has a group called JOHNNYSWIM and Mimi’s and her daughter’s Savannah and Vienna Dohler are Solo Artist‘s. Linda Gaines is singing in Boston Clubs.
Jeanette.
Jeanette can you tell us please, what do you think made Donna so magical?
Gary
Yes, Donna knew when she was very young that she would become famous, her platform was the Church and the rest is history
Jeanette.
Which of her own songs did she like & were there any she regretted recording or disliked ?
Gary
With out a doubt “Love to Love you baby” Although it was the song that put her towards fame, it was the one she mostly didn't like. She had  wonderful vocal’s moaning and groaning, but was not what she wanted to do with her voice, or career.  At times Donna & her sister Linda and I would make up skits and character's and recorded them.