Gloria Gaynor

With a string of mid-70s, dance-heavy disco albums, Gloria Gaynor was instrumental in the genre's building of steam before its eventual explosion onto the musical world map. It wasn't until 1978's smash single, "I Will Surive" however, that Gaynor would wind up riding alongside the Bee Gees and Donna Summer as names synonymous with the disco genre. Gaynor continues to capitalize on her 70s success to this day, singing on talk shows, at benefits and even heading into the studio from time to time. Her star may not shine nearly as bright in the modern era, but Gaynor will always be remembered for the undeniable stamp her hit songs put on pop music.