In 1978, discos all over the world were gifted with the perfect song to end the night–every night–for the next several years. Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” came from the film “Thank God It’s Friday,” and it won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

It also topped Billboard’s Dance Club Chart…and went to #3 on the Hot 100.

The film weaved together several plot lines about the staff and patrons of a fictional Los Angeles disco over the course of a single Friday night…with a large cast that included a couple of up-and-coming actors named Jeff Goldblum and Debra Winger. The film also featured Donna and The Commodores.

Donna’s character, Nicole Sims, repeatedly tries to onvince the DJ to play her new single–to no avail. Finally, she sneaks up on the stage, grabs a microphone and starts singing “Last Dance.”

On a personal note: More often than not, my nights as a Club DJ at She-Nannigans, Trader and Trapper and Wagner’s (here in Eau Claire) ended with this song.The crowds never got tired of hearing it, and knowing it was literally the “last Dance,” they always flocked to the floor!