Tribute: Women in Music: Olivia Newton-John, Whitney Houston, Donna Summer & Selena Quintanilla Pérez

As a musician, Olivia Newton-John’s numerous top ten hits included the 80’s aerobic anthem “Physical,” which catapulted her to fame. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, Olivia worked tirelessly to bring awareness and education to an illness afflicting millions. Gone too soon, Whitney Houston broke records in the music and movie industry. An idol to millions with the voice of an angel who couldn’t keep her demons at bay, her meteoric career defined a generation of music. Crowned “the Queen of Disco” due to hits like “Love to Love you Baby” and “Bad Girls” filled discotheques, LaDonna Adrian Gaines, better known as Donna Summer, became a household name. Selena Quintanilla is arguably one of the brightest performers of the 1980s and 1990s. Her popularity has surged recently, driven by her strong vocals and incredible stage performances. Her murder in 1995 sent reverberations throughout the world and is still felt by fans, new and old, today.