Irene Cara Dead: The Life and Legacy of the ‘What A Feeling’ Hitmaker Explored

The news of Irene Cara's sudden death shocked the world as she was one of the most renowned musicians of her generation. Even though she didn't have many songs in her music catalog, two of her hits were beloved by listeners from all over the world.

Irene Cara was a New York native as she was born in the Bronx. She grew up with four other siblings with her mother Louise, a Cuban-American who worked as a cinema usher, and her father Gaspar Escalera, a Puerto Rican factory worker who also worked as a musician.

At an early age, the actress showed interest in the performing arts as she studied acting, piano, and dance. She made her Broadway debut in "Maggie Flynn" at the age of nine.

According to The Guardian, One of the songs that struck the hearts of listeners was the title song of Alan Parker's movie called "Fame."

The film revolves around the everyday lives of New York's High School of Performing Arts students. Initially, Cara's character, Coco Hernandez, was supposed to be a dancer, but it was later changed for her to showcase her voice.

With lyrics that read, "I'm gonna live forever, I'm gonna learn how to fly ... I'm gonna make it to heaven, Light up the sky like a flame," the song became an anthem for many people who wanted to get a big break in the industry and not give up on their passion.

Irene Cara's Most Successful Hits

"Fame" wasn't the only song from the movie that got the attention of fans as "Out Here on My Own" was also nominated for an Academy Award. This led Cara to get the rare feat of singing two songs at an Oscars Ceremony.

Little did the singer know, it was only the beginning of her life-long success as another song of hers, "What a Feeling," would be one of the biggest hits that even younger generations recognize in the present.

The song, which was an official soundtrack of the movie "Flashdance," dominated the Billboard Hot100 chart for weeks and even became a massive hit in different countries.

Co-written by Keith Forsey and Giorgio Moroder, the track also won an Oscar for best original song. Not only that, but she also snagged two Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe.

"Flashdance" revolves around the story of a dancer who wanted to be successful at an elite dance conservatory.

Unfortunately, the famed 80s pop dance hitmaker died at her home in Florida at the age of 63, but the legacy of her music will live on forever.

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