‘Fame’, ‘Flashdance’ Singer, Irene Cara Passes at 63

Irene Cara, most notably known for the 1983 smash soundtrack hits, "Fame" and "Flashdance (What A Feeling") has passed away at the age of 63.

Before winning an Academy Award (Best Original Song) and a Grammy Award (Best Female Pop Performance) for that 1983 gem, Cara was known for her role as "Coco" in the 1980 film, "Fame," which included her title track hit.

I was 13 when "Fame" came out. How many kids wanted to go that school after seeing the energy and passion that Irene's character, 'Coco,' portrayed?

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Some may remember Cara getting her start on the popular kids' program "The Electric Company." Having grown up in the '70's and 80's myself, I remember how my friends and I loved that show. It was for kids who were older than the kids that "Sesame Street" went after. I thought it was great.

We play "Flashdance" a lot, because it's a great song.

Take your passion and make it happen

Even today,  when I play that song on the radio, I can feel the inspiration it gave to a 16 kid. I imagine it helped to inspire millions of other youths to pursue their own dreams.

She will be sadly missed.