RIP Irene Cara, 63, Grammy and Oscar Winning Singer of Two Iconic Hits, “Flashdance” and “Fame” of the 1980s

Irene Cara has died at age 63 in Miami. Cara rose to fame quickly with the Alan Parker movie, “Fame.” She sang the theme song, which became a massive hit that has lived on and on for over 40 years. Lightning struck twice when she recorded the theme to “Flashdance (What a Feeling)” which became an even bigger hit soon after and is still played every day. For that song, Cara won an Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe.

Cara co-wrote the lyrics to “Flashdance” with famed producer Giorgio Moroder and drummer Keith Forsey. For a couple of years after, Cara had minor hits, but her chart days were over by 1985.

But Cara didn’t write “Fame” so there was not much money in it for her beyond the initial sales of the records. With “Flashdance,” she split the writing credit three ways. When “Fame” and “Flashdance” are heard on the radio, only the writers get paid. For commercials she would have been paid a small fee if anything. And that made her career an uphill battle. Legislation is constantly being proposed to get performers their royalties. Imagine what her life would have been like if that had been the case.

This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I’ll be reading each and every one of them and know she’ll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans. – JM pic.twitter.com/TsC5BwZ3fh

— Irene Cara (@Irene_Cara) November 26, 2022

Rest in peace.