Summer performs in Norway in 2009. Photo credit: AP Photo/John McConnico

The news that Donna Summer died at 63 today was met with disbelief by most fans of the disco superstar.

Gone too soon. Yet another legendary musician. Never lost her verve.

What pop music lovers didn’t have one of those thoughts cross their minds?

It was especially sad to learn that the sassy, big-voiced singer behind such radio classics as “Last Dance,” “She Works Hard for the Money” and “Hot Stuff” was reportedly putting the final touches on a new album.

In August 2010, Summer talked to the AJC prior to her performance at Chastain Park Amphitheatre.

“What I’m most proud of is that I’m still here and that there are groups of people that still like my music and still want to hear it and are still interested enough to listen and hear something new that I’m bringing out,” she said. “I can’t take pride in that so much as I feel blessed by God to still be here and make a living out of what I love.

At the show, the cheeky Summer entered the venue to the strains of ‘The Queen in Back” and joked to fans about her wardrobe changes, “Cheer for yourselves because you did pay for them.”

(Here’s a look at Summer throughout the years.)

Though Summer didn’t place much importance on awards, she did earn five Grammys in her career — the last in 1997 for Best Dance Recording — and was named — for the fourth time — as a nominee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, but not chosen for induction.

Elton John, miffed about the slight, said in a statement: “Her records sound as good today as they ever did. That she has never been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame is a total disgrace especially when I see the second-rate talent that has been inducted,” he said. “She is a great friend to me and to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and I will miss her greatly.”

Quincy Jones: Rest in Peace dear Donna Summer. Your voice was the heartbeat and soundtrack of a decade.

Betty Wright: Lord have mercy..My sister in song and spirit, Donna Summer…May u rest in daddys arms….we shall meet again in God’s time.

Mary J. Blige: RIP Donna Summers!!!!!!!!!

Nile Rogers: For the last half hour or so I’ve been lying in my bed crying and stunned. Donna Summer RIP

Questlove: Donna Summer. Man I can’t believe this— like “My Baby Understands” was on my workout playlist this morning! This MORNING!

Kylie Minogue: One of my earliest musical inspirations, RIP Donna Summer #BadGirlsForEver

Mario Lopez: R.I.P Donna Summer…I remember roller skating to hits like “Last Dance” “Hot Stuff” & “Bad Girls.” Synonymous with the 70’s.. #QueenOfDisco

What are your memories of Donna Summer?