Diamond-award-winning hitmaker Toby Gad (@tobygadmusic), the creative force behind global hits such as John Legend‘s “All Of Me,” Beyoncé‘s “If I Were A Boy,” and Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” recently released a new posthumous single “Run (Piano Diaries)” with the late disco icon Donna Summer, known for hits like “Hot Stuff” and “She Works Hard For The Money.”
Donna Summer and Toby Gad – “RUN (Piano Diaries)”
Toby Gad and Donna Summer first connected in 2008, when Atlantic Records brought them together to work on Summer’s final studio album, “Crayons.” Their creative chemistry was instant. Gad co-wrote several songs for the project, including “Fame (The Game),” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance chart. Their partnership blossomed into a close friendship.
Reflecting on their bond, Gad shared, “Donna came to my studio in New York and we hit it off on the first day. She was such a warm wonderful soul and gave me a chance at the time when I was still the new kid on the block. I remember one session where I recorded her on a song we had just written. She sang it once. I asked, “Can you sing it again?” She asked, “Why, wasn’t it perfect?” I was so used to recording an artist 5, or 10 times on every vocal part, but I had to admit that her first performance was pretty much perfect. At the time I was working with Beyoncé on my song “If I Were A Boy” and the vocal-performance skills of the young Beyoncé were much like Donna’s, fierce and so in tune with her vocals, a true superstar.”
“Run” was originally written during the Crayons sessions but was never released. Gad always loved the song and hoped that one day he could share it with the world. With the blessing of Summer’s family, the song now finds a home as the second installment in his “Piano Diaries – Originals” series, following “Bad Valentine” featuring Angelina Jordan.
“Bad Valentine – Piano Diaries Version”
The “Piano Diaries Version” of “Bad Valentine” showcases the unique chemistry between Gad and Jordan, capturing the essence of the original while infusing it with a soulful, stripped-down arrangement. This version highlights Angelina’s raspy contralto voice, paired with a minimalist piano arrangement and cinematic strings that allow her powerful vocals to shine.
With a rich history of impactful collaborations and an ever-growing fanbase, this piano diaries version of BAD VALENTINE is poised to become a favorite for the fall season, solidifying the partnership between Toby Gad and Angelina Jordan as one of the most compelling in contemporary music.
Toby Gad expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “18-year-old Angelina Jordan, courtesy of Universal Republic Records, has a once-in-a-decade voice that is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Adele. Not often does such an artist come along, and I have worked with many, that are such a force on stage and in the studio.”
Listen to Toby Gad’s ” PIANO DIARIES: THE HITS (Deluxe)”
The Piano Diaries – The Hits project reimagines Gad’s greatest hits as timeless piano-vocal-string arrangements, offering an intimate lens on songs that once dominated global charts. In March, Gad released PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS (Deluxe), featuring reinterpretations of 16 of his classics with Madonna, Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, John Legend, and more, performed by a new generation of artists. 17 striking vocal performances by singers including Victoria Justice, Keke Palmer, Aloe Blacc, Johnny Orlando, and more.
Elijah Blake & Toby Gad – “HERE’S TO US” (Music Video)
Earlier this month, Gad released “Here’s To Us” with multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer Elijah Blake. The track was originally a #1 US Rock Anthem written by Toby and performed by rock band Halestorm with guitar legend Slash. The new version received an energetic trap-country makeover by Post Malone and Drake producer Roark Bailey’s hip-hop trap beats.
Donna Summer and Toby Gad – “RUN (Piano Diaries)”
We recommend adding Donna Summer and Toby Gad’s “RUN (Piano Diaries)” song to your favorite Adult Contemporary playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let us know how you feel. Your feedback helps us bring you more of what you love to discover. As always, thanks for reading another great article on BongMinesEntertainment.com, your go-to source for new music and entertainment news. Connect with us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to share your thoughts and stay updated. Subscribe to our newsletter, grab some merch, and support us as a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment, “the hot spot for new music.” Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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