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Irene Cara, Oscar-Winning Singer From ‘Flashdance,’ ‘Fame’ ‘Sparkle’ Dies At 63,

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Rep Says Irene Cara, an Oscar-winning soprano best known for singing the themes of the venerable movies Fame, Flashdance, and starring in Sparkle has passed away. She was 63. Cara’s publicist, Judith A. Moose, confirmed releasing a statement via Twitter: “It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family, I announce the passing of Irene Cara.” Cara grew up in the entertainment business, first starring in the children’s show, The Electric Show from 1971-1972. She starred in the 1976 film Sparkle and came into her own performing the theme song for Flashdance and Fame, the latter in which she played Coco Hernandez.  The Fame theme song earned Cara two Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. She also held the top spot on the Billboard chart for six weeks for “Flashdance…What A Feeling.”  The song was certified Gold and won Best Original Song and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 56th Academy Awards in 1984. That same year, the song won Grammys for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. Cara released four studio albums, 1982’s Anyone Can See, 1983’s What a Feelin’, 1987’s Carasmatic, and 2011’s Irene Cara Presents Hot Caramel.


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