~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~24~RS~)
President Obama leads Donna Summer tributes
Tributes have been left at Summer's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
President Obama has joined a host of showbusiness luminaries in paying tribute to Donna Summer, following the disco star's death at the age of 63.
"Her voice was unforgettable," said the US leader. "The music industry has lost a legend far too soon."
Singer Barbra Streisand, who duetted with Summer on the 1979 hit No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), said she was "shocked" to hear of her passing.
Dolly Parton, Dionne Warwick and Sir Elton John have also paid homage.
Summer, whose hit records included I Feel Love, Love To Love You Baby and State of Independence, is understood to have been fighting lung cancer.
In a statement released on Thursday, her family said they were "at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy".
The BBC's David Sillito looks back at Donna Summer's unique contribution to music
At the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, fans gathered to lay flowers in tribute to her life and career.
Born LaDonna Adrian Gaines in Boston in 1948, Summer began singing in church, before fronting a series of bands and appearing in stage musicals, at home and abroad.
"There was no question I would be a singer, I just always knew," she said in 1989.
"I had credit in my neighbourhood. People would lend me money and tell me to pay it back when I got famous."
Working as a session singer brought her into contact with producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, who established her as one of the biggest acts of the 1970s.
Moroder told BBC Radio 5 live she would be remembered "for her incredible voice and talent" and that her song I Feel Love "was really the start of electronic dance".
"I can't believe we've lost another wonderful singer," wrote Parton on her website, likening Summer's passing to the recent death of singer Whitney Houston.
"She was the disco queen, and will remain so. I knew her and found her to be one of the most likable and fun people ever."
On Twitter, R&B singer Mary J Blige said Summer was "truly a game changer". Producer Quincy Jones, meanwhile, said her voice "was the heartbeat and soundtrack of a decade".
Pop star Kylie Minogue saluted her as "one of my earliest musical inspirations", while Sir Elton John said "her records sound as good today as they ever did".
Producer and song writer Pete Waterman: ''She just wanted to sing''
"RIP Donna Summer, Queen of Disco!" tweeted chart-topping singer Rihanna, sentiments echoed by Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child.
"Icon! Legend! Her voice! Her spirit!" wrote Rowland. "Rest In peace, you truly inspired me."
In her own statement, Dionne Warwick said she was sad to lose a "dear friend". "My heart goes out to her husband and her children," she went on.
Summer had been living in Naples, Florida with her husband Bruce Sudano. She is survived by their daughters Brooklyn and Amanda and by Mimi, her daughter from her first marriage.
Sopranos actor James Gandolfini dies
Disaster on ice
Renegade reporter
Bad tip? 
Ye gods
On the move in Mumbai
Comment number 60.
Lazobra18th May 2012 - 11:32
Heard "Love to Love You" in 1975 and instantly fell in love with that voice. Best Summer album remains " I Remember Yesterday" (I still have the vinyl). She will always be remembered for that incredibly smooth voice and the rhythmic music that dripped a hundred pounds of perspiration as we danced to Hot Stuff, Unconditional Love and her other great hits. RIP Donna and thanks for all the music.
Link to this (Comment number 60)
Comment number 34.
ichabod18th May 2012 - 10:21
Paul Gambaccini used to do a USA top 20 show on Radio 1. At the end of the year he ran the top 20 of the year. In 1978 or 79 Donna had two in the year's top 10, maybe top 5 of the whole year, Bad Girls and Hot Stuff. I think Dim all the Lights was lower down the list. That was when I realised what a big player she was. Very sad news today
Link to this (Comment number 34)
Comment number 22.
Boudicca1218th May 2012 - 9:36
RIP Donna, an amazing lady with a fantastic vocal range. She is part of 70s legend, and her music (Love To Love You Baby) opens the first scene in the equally unforgettable 70s cult play Abigail's Party. Hope Donna is partying now with other stars that went before her. It'll be one heck of a party!
Link to this (Comment number 22)
Comment number 20.
Dave18th May 2012 - 9:25
I think many people will remember "I feel love" which shows what a great song it is. Donna's voice and the superb disco music by Gorgio Moroder was a sure winner. I played it a lot at the time, and because I've not heard it for a while it will seem even better. Goodbye to a superb talent!
Link to this (Comment number 20)
Comment number 13.
Paul18th May 2012 - 8:58
My Mum used to play "I Feel Love" at full blast on the hi-fi when I was a kid, so that great track is forever burnt into my memory, and what a monster track it was and still is. An absolute classic. RIP Donna Summer!
Link to this (Comment number 13)