I Am What I Am (Broadway musical song)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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"I Am What I Am" (1973) is a song originally introduced in Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles. The song is the finale number of the musical's first act, and performed by the character of Albin Mougeotte, first played by George Hearn. His version appears on the original cast album released in 1983. The song was composed by Jerry Herman, an openly gay man.
Gloria Gaynor version
The song was released as a single by Gloria Gaynor in 1983 and went on to become one of the singer's best known songs. Producer Joel Diamond recognized the song's disco potential when he saw La Cage Aux Folles on Broadway and arranged for Gaynor - whose 1978 ...Park Avenue Sound album he'd produced - to record it. A club hit in America, Gaynor's version of "I Am What I Am" was a Top 40 hit throughout Europe becoming established as a global gay anthem.
Other versions
- Eddie Fisher recorded the song for his 1983 album The Best of Times - is Now!.
- Shirley Bassey recorded the song for her 1984 album I Am What I Am. That version was released as a single from the album, with "This Is My Life" as the B-side, but did not chart.
- Pia Zadora recorded "I Am What I Am" on her 1986 album of the same name and released it as a single.
- Amanda Lear covered "I Am What I Am" on her 2009 EP Brand New Love Affair
See also
