Search
Search

PORTRAIT

An Oscar, Donna Summer and AIDS: the Lebanese godfather of disco

He embodied the madness and insanity of the New York party scene of the 1970s-1980s. Surrounded by the greatest female singers of the last century, Paul Jabara remained a mystery to the end. Thirty-three years after his tragic death, those close to him have agreed to tell his story for “L'Orient-Le Jour.”

An Oscar, Donna Summer and AIDS: the Lebanese godfather of disco

Paul Jabara and Donna Summer at the 51st Academy Awards in 1979. Photo from the collection of Dario and Hannah Salvi

Aug. 14, 1979. In a newly renovated studio in Santa Monica, two legendary figures are face-to-face. On one side, Barbra Streisand, an indisputable music hall icon with nearly 20 years of career and over 50 million albums sold. On the other, Donna...
Aug. 14, 1979. In a newly renovated studio in Santa Monica, two legendary figures are face-to-face. On one side, Barbra Streisand, an indisputable music hall icon with nearly 20 years of career and over 50 million albums sold. On the other, Donna...