The famous singer Irene Cara (63) has passed away

American singer and actress Irene Cara died on Friday at the age of 63 in her hometown in Florida. She was best known for movie title songs Fame in Flash Dance, great successes in the eighties. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

Born in New York, to parents with Puerto Rican and Cuban roots, Irene Cara sang and acted from a young age. At the age of 21, she landed the role of her of her life as singer Coco Hernandez in musical film Fame (1980). In it, a group of music and dance students from the High School of Performing Arts in New York dream of becoming famous „Fame! I will live forever. Baby, remember my name,” Cara sings the title song which became a mega hit.

She was originally cast as a dancer in the film, until the filmmakers heard her sing. Cara won two Grammy Awards (including Best New Artist) for her portrayal, as well as an Academy Award for Best Score.

Flash Dance

From the title song of the film about dance Flash Dance was successful again in 1983. Leaning heavily on synthesizers by Giorgio Moroder “Flashdance… What a Feeling” became a number 1 hit in the US with vocals from Cara. “What A Feeling” also won several major music and film awards, including the Grammy for Best Song and an Academy Award.

Cara then starred in films such as City heat (1984), with Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds, and in the theatre. But her success never grew again. In 1999 she made another attempt with the girl band Hot Caramel. A remix with DJ Bobo of “What A Feeling” in 2001 resulted in some European success. In recent years, Cara has lived a secluded life in Florida.