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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCARA, Irene(b 18 March '59, NYC) Pop singer who found Fame by singing title song of film. Father and brother both musicians; first pro work as infant on Spanish-language radio/TV NYC; first Broadway musical Maggie Flynn at eight, sang in Madison Square Garden tribute to Duke Ellington with Roberta Flack, Sammy Davis Jr at age ten. Films, TV followed from age 16, incl. part in Roots TV film; won part of Coco Hernandez in Fame '80, Alan Parker film about New York's High School for the Performing Arts. Title song sung by Cara made no. 4 USA, no. 1 UK two years later; Dean Pitchford/Michael Gore composition nominated for Oscar, won over another nomination from same film: 'Out Here On My Own', also sung by Cara (top 20 USA). Avoided profitable cul-de-sac of spin-off TV series; made first solo LP Anyone Can See '82, adding to laurels by writing or co-writing half the songs. Further film and TV roles, but next chart entry was second movie theme 'Flashdance/What A Feeling' no. 1 USA, no. 2 UK. Co-written by Cara, Keith Forsey and Eurodisco producer Giorgio Moroder, the up-tempo dance number was reminiscent of latter's previous charge Donna Summer; won second Oscar. LP What A Feelin' '83 incl. hits 'Why Me?' (no. 13), 'Breakdance' (no. 8), chart entries falling either side of yet another film theme: 'The Dream (Hold On To Your Dream)' from DC Cab made top 40. She also appeared in The Cotton Club '84, other films incl. Maximum Security '91. |