Bruce Sudano: Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Bruce formed his first band at age 13. At age 20, he scored his first hit on the music charts with “Ball of Fire“, which he co-wrote with Tommy James (Hanky Panky, Crimson and Clover, I Think We’re Alone Now). Sudano had written many of the songs for his band, Alive N Kickin’, but James’s mentorship elevated his work.
Hear Bruce talk about going to Hollywood, creating the band Brooklyn Dreams which provided background vocals for Donna Summer on her album I Remember Yesterday. When Bruce and Donna fell in love and married, their joined creativity grew. They co-wrote her smash hits including Starting Over Again which Dolly Parton recorded and became No. 1 on the Billboard Country Music Charts. Sudano also co-wrote Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ (Too Good to Be True) that Jermaine and Michael Jackson sang on Jermaine’s album. The track was nominated at the 1985 Grammy Awards.
When Donna passed away, Sudano was grief stricken. But he grew to understand that creativity exists even in the depths of sorrow. His great loss ultimately led to a period of creative growth, releasing 6 albums and many singles, and now: Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies.
Be inspired by Bruce’s podcast interview: CLICK HERE
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