Shivangi Sinha
Directed by Alicia K. Harris under the Robin Roberts Presents banner, Lifetime’s ‘I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story’ follows the journey of singer Gloria Gaynor, who began her career in the 1960s. As she carves out her place in the music industry, she experiences a thrilling rise, but not without its challenges. The film highlights the many obstacles she faces, from health struggles to a crumbling marriage and the relentless pressures of her career. Despite everything, Gloria repeatedly finds the strength to rise above it all. Through her story, the film offers a powerful glimpse into the resilience and courage of a woman who continually finds strength for herself within herself.
I Will Survive is Based on the Real Story of a Legendary Singer Who Started From Scratch
‘I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story’ pays tribute to the legendary singer Gloria Gaynor in the most beautiful and exquisite way and captures the many facets of her life with remarkable depth. Written by Njeri Brown, it masterfully brings nuance to the portrayal of her extraordinary journey—one that almost seems too incredible to be true. Gloria Fowles was born on September 7, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey. While her mother, Queenie Mae Proctor, was pregnant with her, her father, Daniel Fowles, left the family. Raised by her mother and grandmother, Gaynor grew up alongside five brothers and one sister in a household where music was ever-present. Her brothers sang gospel, and even her father was a skilled musician who played several instruments and performed professionally in nightclubs.
Having grown up surrounded by music, Gaynor pursued her passion after graduating from South Side High School in 1961. A neighbor recommended her to a local band called The Soul Satisfiers. She soon joined as a singer for the jazz and R&B group and never looked back. In 1965, she recorded her first song, “She’ll Be Sorry,” but her big break was still ahead. A talent manager discovered her, and in 1973, she signed with Columbia Records and released her first song under the label — “Honey Bee.” Though it didn’t gain much traction, she later signed with MGM Records. In 1975, she released the album ‘Never Can Say Goodbye,’ which became an instant success. One of the tracks topped Billboard magazine’s Dance Chart and gained international recognition, which marked her first push towards stardom.
That same year, she also released another album, ‘Experience Gloria Gaynor.’ While several of her songs and albums performed well, nothing could have prepared her for the overwhelming reception of her 1978 album, ‘Love Tracks.’ The single “I Will Survive” became an instant sensation, earned her a Grammy, and catapulted her to unprecedented success. However, 1978 was also marked by a life-altering event. During a performance, Gaynor fell over a monitor on stage. Initially, the injury seemed minor, but the next morning, she woke up unable to move her legs. The accident proved to be far more severe than she had realized and changed the course of her life.
Gloria Gaynor Faced Many Adversities But Was Never Defeated by Them
Gloria Gaynor underwent spinal surgery, which led to numerous post-operative complications. Despite the pain and difficulty walking, she continued to perform at venues across the country through the pain and discomfort. During this challenging period, her record company also ended their contract with her, and she started considering a transition in her career. During this time, she was particularly moved by the care and support of Linwood Simon, a former police officer who had taken on the role of her manager. Their bond grew stronger, and in 1979, the two got married.
The following years were not easy for Gaynor. Her career declined in the 1980s, and when she shifted to gospel music, she released 19 albums but received little recognition. Throughout this period, her back issues persisted, and she later alleged that her husband was unfaithful and exercised excessive control over her career. The sudden loss of her sister, Irma Proctor, in 1995 had a very deep impact on her, but Gaynor simply marched forward. However, the 1990s brought a renewed interest in her music, leading to a resurgence in popularity. Capitalizing on this momentum, she released a new album, “I Wish You Love,” in 2002.
In 2006, at around 65 years old, she divorced her husband and started a new chapter in her life. Coincidentally, that same year, both she and her iconic song “I Will Survive” were inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. ‘I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story’ has managed to capture her life not just in factual detail but also in the spirit with which Gaynor moved through these phases of her life. Joaquina Kalukango, who plays the lead character, also takes the intention of the film very well and delivers a performance that is worth witnessing.
Gloria Gaynor Won Another Grammy For Her New Album in 2020
Gloria Gaynor has cemented herself as a cultural icon adored by fans across generations. Her 1978 Grammy-winning anthem has stood the test of time and remained as powerful and beloved as ever. Despite her success, she always had a deep desire to further her education, and in 2011, she fulfilled that dream by earning a psychology degree from Walden University. Her contributions to music were further recognized in 2015 when Dowling College bestowed upon her an honorary Doctor of Music degree. Over the years, Gaynor made guest appearances on numerous television shows and even took on cameo roles in films, which expanded her presence beyond the music industry. A defining moment in her career came in 2016 when “I Will Survive” was officially preserved in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry as it underlined its historical and cultural significance.
Gaynor’s book, ‘We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song,’ was released in 2013 and earned a Grammy nomination in 2015 for Best Spoken Word Album. This was not her first literary endeavor—she had already authored two books prior. Never one to slow down, she remained active in both her personal and professional life. In 2018, at the age of 74, she made a bold decision to undergo a complex spinal surgery and emerged from the procedure with her signature resilience. Then, in January 2020—four decades after her first Grammy—she claimed another, this time for her gospel album “Testimony.” She proved once again that her talent knows no bounds.
Gloria Gaynor is Celebrated as an Icon of Strength and Perseverance Today
Even in her later years, Gloria Gaynor has continued to embrace new challenges. She took the decision to step into the world of reality television. In 2022, she captivated audiences as a contestant on Season 8 of ‘The Masked Singer,’ and in 2024, she made a special appearance on ‘The Masked Singer: France.’ In 2023, Betsy Schechter released a documentary about the legend, which renewed the interest of another generation. Gaynor remains as driven as ever, constantly pushing herself to new heights. Over the years, she has been deeply involved in various philanthropic efforts. One notable example was when she rewrote the lyrics to her iconic song and participated in a music video to help raise awareness and funds for Miami Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she contributed in the capacity of a scripture narrator to Mark Conklin’s “The Gospel According to Mark,” a project that earned a Grammy nomination in 2025.
Her dedication to her craft continues as she delivers electrifying performances around the world. In December 2024, she brought the house down with an unforgettable show in Mexico, proving that she is still at the top of her game. Beyond her music, Gloria has become a fierce advocate for survivors of abuse and also an icon for the LGBTQ community. She has courageously shared her own life experiences with her fans as well. She revealed the abuse she endured from her mother’s boyfriend and the latter’s cousin when she was just a teenager. Through therapy and counseling, she has found healing and strength, and today, she stands as a testament to courage. Gaynor continues to shine brightly, thriving and living her best life, just as she always has.
