Born to be alive - Patrick Hernandez

Patrick Hernandez will always be remembered for this one song. 'Born to be alive' was written by him in 1973, but it took six years to get it released. When it was finally released, it was a worldwide hit. It sold 25 million copies around the world and went gold in over fifty countries. Even thirty years later, Hernandez is still performing the show in television shows and concerts. His performances never last longer than the one song.

There is one more fact associated with this song: a certain Louise Ciccone (a.k.a. Madonna) was employed to dance behind Hernandez in 1979, while he was singing his song. She was discovered during auditions in New York and went with Patrick to France. She didn't stay in his company for too long. She was brought in contact with several producers, so she could go her own way. Says Hernandez: 'She didn't want to sing at the time. She was only interested in dancing and acting'.

My collection: 7" single no. 11

Found: London, 1979

Cost: 10p

Tracks: 'Born to be alive' / 'I give you rendez-vous'

Download: here