TMZ reports the singer died in Florida. She had not made her cancer public. Friends who had seen her in recent weeks say she “didn’t seem too bad.”

Her family released a statement Thursday saying Summer died and that they “are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continue legacy. Words truly can’t express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time.”

Summer had been living in Englewood, Fla., with her husband Bruce Sudano. The 5-time Grammy winner had also been working on a new album.

Remembering Donna Summer

Leave your Donna Summer memories in the comment section below.

What’s your favorite Donna Summer? Tweet us at #1015.

Born on December 31, 1948 in the Dorchester section of Boston, she was one of seven children raised by devout Christian parents. Influenced by Mahalia Jackson, Summer began singing in the church at a young age. In her teens, she formed several musical groups including one with her sister and a cousin, imitating Motown girl groups such as The Supremes and Martha and the Vandellas in Boston.

Her sound was a mix of genres, and helped her earn Grammy Awards in the dance, rock, R&B and inspirational categories.

Summer came to prominence just as disco was burgeoning, and came to define the era with a string of No. 1 hits and her beauty queen looks.

But unlike some other stars of disco who faded as the music became less popular, she was able to grow beyond it and later segued to a pop-rock sound. She had one of her biggest hits in the 1980s with “She Works Hard For The Money,” which became another anthem, this time for women’s rights.

Soon after, Summer became a born-again Christian and faced controversy when she was accused of making anti-gay comments in relation to the AIDS epidemic. Summer denied making the comments, but was the target of a boycott.

Summer released her last album, “Crayons,” in 2008. She also performed on “American Idol” that year with its top female contestants.

What’s your favorite Donna Summer? Tweet us at #1015.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Donna Summer, who died this morning at the age of 63.  Summer, who had a lengthy string of hits in the 70′s and 70′s , had been suffering with cancer.

Sources told TMZ, “The singer was trying to keep the extent of her illness under wraps, and was focusing on trying to finish up an album she had been working on.”

It was back in 2010, when I spoke with Donna on the Lite Rock Morning Show as she came in to Atlantic City for a show at the Taj Mahal, which I believe was her final appearance in A.C.  I have posted that conversation in its entirety for you here.

Click the link to hear my interview with Donna Summer…Donna Summer August 2010

YouTube

The weather is warming up, Memorial Day is coming and your thought are turning to ….THE BEACH! Beginning Monday, May 21st, a Lite Rock start-of-summer tradition returns with more free beach tags for some of South Jersey’s hottest beaches  where you need a beach tag.

This will be the tenth year I’ve gone out the week prior to Memorial Day… weekend to hand out free beach tags.  It’s a blast!  I love it, and so do the listeners lining up for their free, season-long beach tag.  I would suggest not being late if you want a free beach tag.  They don’t last long!

Stop One – Monday:  The Lite Rock Free Beach Tag Tour 2012 kicks of this year in Ocean City this Monday, May 21st at noon.  The first 96 lite Rock listeners to meet up with me at the Ocean City Free Public Library at 1735 Simpson Avenue in Ocean City get a free, season-long beach tag courtesy of Lite Rock.  The Ocean City Free Public library is “The Whole World Under One Roof”, online @ oceancitylibrary.org

Stop Two – Tuesday: Brigantine- Mad Dog Morgans, “Mad Dog …mad good”! 3000 West Brigantine Avenue

Stop Three -Wednesday: Margate/Ventnor – check back here for location

Ichabod the cat

Ichabod the cat, a one-year-old pure black cat,  is the new Lite Rock Pet of the Week.  The folks from The Humane Society of Ocean City always tell me they have a harder time placing black cats because of people’s superstitions about them.  I think this is a little silly!  Having owned a black cat who was a wonderful pet and not the least bit unlucky, I can wholeheartedly… suggest that you think about adopting Ichabod.

The Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Barks On The Boards” is next Sunday, May 27th.  Barks on the Boards, from noon ’til 2p.m., gives you one of your only chances of the year to walk your dog on the Ocean City Boardwalk, and to help The Humane Society of Ocean City at the same time.  The cost is $15 in advance and $20 the day of the walk.  Contact the Humane Society of Ocean City at 399-2018 for details.

See past Lite Rock Pets of the Week by clicking here.

Listen to the Lite Rock Pet of the Week Thursday morning at 7:15a.m. on the Lite Rock Morning Show.

Flickr

This week on Lite Rock Impossible Trivia, I have tickets to see Neil Diamond live at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday, June 18th.

This morning’s question: The average homeowners insurance claim for this is now over $20,ooo.  What is it?

The answer: Tammy from Manahawkin knew that claim was for a……dog bite!

Getty Images

Lite Rock continues to give you tickets to some of this summer’s biggest concerts and today’s schedule of giveaways is our strongest yet!

Listen to Lite Rock today during the 8-5 workday to win tickets to big shows like Jimmy Buffett at Boardwalk Hall,  Bruce Springsteen & the E Street …band, Seal at the Revel Casino and “win ‘em before you can buy ‘em” tickets to see  Carrie Underwood at Boardwalk Hall!

Here are today specific win times…

9:20a.m. – Jimmy Buffett at Boardwalk Hall August 14th

11:20a.m. – Carrie Underwood at Boardwalk Hall November 7th

1:20 p.m.Seal at Revel Casino July 20th

4:20 p.m. Bruce Springsteen &  the E Street Band at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia September 3rd

Keep listening for more winning from the  Lite Rock Ticket Window while you work with us from 8 ’til 5.

YouTube

The weather is warming up, Memorial Day is coming and your thought are turning to ….THE BEACH! Beginning Monday, May 21st, a Lite Rock start-of-summer tradition returns with more free beach tags for some of South Jersey’s hottest beaches  where you need a beach tag.

This will be the tenth year I’ve gone out the week prior to Memorial Day… weekend to hand out free beach tags.  It’s a blast!  I love it, and so do the listeners lining up for their free, season-long beach tag.  I would suggest not being late if you want a free beach tag.  They don’t last long!

Stop One – Monday:  The Lite Rock Free Beach Tag Tour 2012 kicks of this year in Ocean City this Monday, May 21st at noon.  The first 96 lite Rock listeners to meet up with me at the Ocean City Free Public Library at 1735 Simpson Avenue in Ocean City get a free, season-long beach tag courtesy of Lite Rock.  The Ocean City Free Public library is “The Whole World Under One Roof”, online @ oceancitylibrary.org

Stop Two – Tuesday: Brigantine- Mad Dog Morgans, “Mad Dog …mad good”! 3000 West Brigantine Avenue

Stop Three -Wednesday: Margate/Ventnor – check back here for location

delilah.com

Delilah is coming up tonight at 7…  Got a favorite love song or request?  You can call in your request or dedication at 1-888-633-5452. Delilah tonight and every night at 7!

uggboy ugggirl, flickr

Buying airfare shouldn’t be as complex as trying to handicap a race horse, but the truth is sometimes it’s trickier.

Most people at least have a fighting chance with a little beginner’s luck when making their first bet on the ponies, yet those of us who have been flying for years can’t seem to get a grip on this airfare game.

Americans typically get a little jumpy when they feel like they’re being ripped off, but losing money on a bet is just part of the fun.

However, there is nothing fun about paying too much for airfare. According to Jetsetter, there are some specific tips you can follow in order to get the best possible deal.

• Book airfare six weeks in advance during normal time (not during the holidays)
• Book airfare three months in advance to a popular location in high season
• Book airfare for Thanksgiving the day after Labor Day
• Book airfare as soon as possible during the summer months because rates get higher as summer progresses
• Book airfare two-to-four weeks in advance during the fall months because you can wait longer for last minute deals in the off-season
• Book airfare for winter vacations as early as September
• Book airfare for spring break three months in advance

So plan all of your trips well in advance to ensure the best possible bet on your next airfare purchase. And remember, it’s a gamble.

[LearnVest]