Best known for her 1978 mega-hit “I Will Survive”—which sold 14 million copies in the first two years and launched her into mainstream superstardom—Gloria Gaynor’s prolific music career spans five decades. When “I Will Survive” was first released, it soared to #1 and remained on the US charts for 27 weeks. Not surprisingly, it immediately became an enduring anthem of female empowerment. And now, forty years later, “I Will Survive” is widely considered one of the greatest single recordings of all time. Among its many accolades, "I Will Survive" won the only Grammy ever awarded in the category "Best Disco Recording."
The impact of Gloria's breakthrough hit was felt not only in the music industry, but throughout American culture. It quickly became a rallying cry for the millions of people facing personal and societal challenges, helping them find the strength to press on through difficult situations. So it was no surprise when, in 2017, "I Will Survive" was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry, which honors recordings pivotal to American history and culture.
Little did Gloria know, her biggest hit would also become her greatest inspiration. The same year as the song’s release, she found herself facing the terrifying unexpected. After waking up one morning paralyzed from the waist down, Gloria was launched into a lifelong orthopedic health journey that has included knee replacements, spine surgeries, and the ongoing challenge of living with osteoarthritis.
According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. A degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips and spine. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, stiffness, loss of flexibility, a grating sensation, and bone spurs. It can be managed effectively with a healthy diet and exercise program and medication, but can result in the need for joint replacement surgery.
Finding strength and solace in the message of survival and empowerment she had gifted the world, the disco songstress has never let her health get her down. As Gloria continues to tour the world and release new music, she uses the message of hope and resilience to inspire others as they walk through difficult times.
On the 40th anniversary of her iconic survival song, Gloria Gaynor opens up to HealthPoint about her orthopedic health journey, how she’s used her story to inspire others, and the important health lessons she’s learned along the way.
What is the personal significance of “I Will Survive” as it relates to your health
journey?
“I Will Survive” is my go-to song whenever I’m going through a difficult time. And that includes the various health problems I’ve faced over the years, including my recent spine surgeries. I actually recorded the song while in a back brace, so it’s been my constant companion throughout my health journey. Thankfully I have rarely been ill in my life, other than orthopedic problems. I’ve had two knee replacements, one revision and five spine surgeries.
This song is my mantra, and I want to use it to inspire people around the world to join me in living out the message “I Will Survive” in the face of whatever hardship life brings.
When did you first suspect/learn that you had orthopedic health problems?
My first orthopedic problem resulted in spine surgery in 1978. I had awoken one morning paralyzed from the waist down after a performance the night before. The doctors gave me two treatment options: traction and medication or surgery. I was in the hospital for three months, first being treated with traction and pain medication, and then ultimately needing spine surgery.
I was surprised by the diagnosis because I knew nothing about orthopedic problems. And as far as I knew, back pain was a common malady, but not serious. It was shocking and eye-opening. But since my surgeries, I’ve enjoyed increased mobility and pain relief, which aid both my personal freedom and independence.
Can you tell us more about your joint replacement and spine surgeries?
Both my knee surgeries were total joint replacements. The first was done in 2005, with the revision four years later. Then in 2012 the second knee was replaced. My advice to people facing this surgery is to try and stay at optimum weight for your height, and be diligent regarding physical therapy afterward.
My spine surgeries have been more spread out throughout my life, from that first one in 1978, to the most recent this year. At times in the past, standing and walking had become increasingly more difficult, and there were times when I could not stand for more than a couple of minutes, or walk for more than a few yards, without severe pain. After each of the surgeries, I experienced less pain and normal mobility. Needless to say, I am very happy to finally be walking upright with no pain!
What lessons have you learned and what advice do you have for others facing similar health issues?
The biggest lesson is the importance of caring for our bodies. If we give it the proper exercise, nutrition and rest, it would be very difficult to get sick. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what that really looks like. I’ve heard a lot of people say they ate everything right and still got sick, but they aren’t aware of all the other factors at play. Simple things like knowing where your food comes from can make a big difference.
Do you have any final thoughts?
As I’ve said, I believe the most important thing is that we must take care of ourselves. We only get one body, and we must do everything we can to take care of it. Nutrition is key, and exercise must be a priority. We need to keep our bodies in shape for as long as we’re going to need them!