Gloria Gaynor is an American singersongwriterand actressbest known for her 1978 disco anthem “I Will Survive”which became a global symbol of empowerment. Crowned the “Queen of Disco”she has sustained a career spanning over six decadescrossing genres from disco and R&B to gospeland has won two Grammy Awards.
In 2025Gaynor was honored with a Kennedy Center Honor by President Donald Trump and released the single “Fida Known” from her upcoming EP Happy Tears (June 2025). A devout Christianshe lives in Englewood CliffsNew Jerseyand is divorced with no children.
Gloria Gaynor Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Gloria Gaynor |
| Date of Birth | September 71943 |
| Age (2025) | 81 |
| Profession | SingerSongwriterActress |
| Hometown | NewarkNew JerseyUSA |
| Current Residence | Englewood CliffsNew JerseyUSA |
| Nationality | American |
| @gloriagaynor | |
| Height | 5’5” (1.65 m) |
| Weight | ~60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Gloria Gaynor Early Life
Born in NewarkNew JerseyGaynor was raised in a working-classmusically inclined family. Her fatherDaniel Fowleswas a singer and ukulele playerand her motherQueenie Mae Proctorwas a homemaker. She had six siblings and began singing in local clubs after being discouraged from joining her brothers’ gospel group. She graduated from Malcolm X Shabazz High School in 1961later taking business courses and beauty school training before committing to music.
Family
| Parents | Daniel Fowles (father)Queenie Mae Proctor (mother) |
| Siblings: | Six (including Irma Proctor and Arthur Gaynor) |
| Marital Status: | Divorced — married Linwood Simon (1979–2005) |
Career Highlights
| Year | Milestone |
| 1965 | Released first single“She’ll Be Sorry / Let Me Go Baby” |
| 1975 | Released Never Can Say Goodbye — 1st Billboard Dance Chart No. 1 album |
| 1978 | Released “I Will Survive” — Grammy winner (1980Best Disco Recording) |
| 1984 | Released I Am Gloria Gaynor — “I Am What I Am” became a gay pride anthem |
| 2019 | Released gospel album Testimony — Grammy winner (2020Best Roots Gospel Album) |
| 2025 | Received Kennedy Center Honor and released “Fida Known” |
Net Worth
| Estimated | $10–$22 million |
| Sources | Music royalties ($1–$2M/year)touring ($500K/year)actingand real estate investments |
| Assets | Sold Green BrookNJ home for $1.4M; built Englewood Cliffs home in 2021 for $1.1M |
Controversies
- Disco Backlash (1979–1981): Sales declined during the anti-disco movementprompting a genre shift.
- Kennedy Center Debate (2025): Her honor under President Trump drew mixed reactions; Gaynor emphasized the award’s cultural prestige.
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