
On this day June 13, 1983, Donna Summer released her eleventh studio album She Works Hard for the Money. The album marked a return to form for the Queen of Disco, combining pop, soul and dance music with themes of female empowerment and resilience. The title track became one of her signature songs and a major hit during the early 80s music scene.
The album reached number 9 on the US Billboard charts and proved that Donna Summer could thrive beyond the disco era. The song She Works Hard for the Money told the story of a working woman’s strength and determination, inspired by a real life encounter Summer had with a waitress. The album also included tracks like Unconditional Love and He's a Rebel, showcasing her range as a vocalist and her ability to evolve with the changing sounds of the decade.
80s insight: Donna Summer showed that her voice and message were just as powerful in the 80s as they had been in the 70s. She Works Hard for the Money was more than a dance hit—it was a tribute to women everywhere balancing work, dignity and strength.
The album reached number 9 on the US Billboard charts and proved that Donna Summer could thrive beyond the disco era. The song She Works Hard for the Money told the story of a working woman’s strength and determination, inspired by a real life encounter Summer had with a waitress. The album also included tracks like Unconditional Love and He's a Rebel, showcasing her range as a vocalist and her ability to evolve with the changing sounds of the decade.
80s insight: Donna Summer showed that her voice and message were just as powerful in the 80s as they had been in the 70s. She Works Hard for the Money was more than a dance hit—it was a tribute to women everywhere balancing work, dignity and strength.