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She made a song an anthem – but what about Gloria and cannabis?
She is timeless disco icon best known for the anthem “I Will Survive,” has openly revealed she needed help in managing the relentless pressure of touring—not as a dependency, but as a tool for stress relief. Gloria Gaynor and marijuana is an example of how the green plant can help those in need. Gaynor described using “marijuana to offset the stress of a hard-hustling touring schedule,” noting it was her go-to choice during moments of overwhelm—“Champagne was my drink. My drug of choice at the time was marijuana”
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Importantly, Gloria insists she never battled a drug addiction. Her usage appears controlled and contextual—something to help her stay grounded amid touring rather than fueling any substance dependency narrative.
Cannabis is increasingly recognized—especially in journalistic and wellness circles—for its potential to ease anxiety. Many experience benefits such as lowered stress, improved mood, and enhanced relaxation. These anecdotal and studied outcomes align with what Gaynor experienced: a way to soothe nerves and maintain mental equilibrium during grueling work periods.
He most well know hit “I Will Survive” was released in late 1978, it was quietly placed on the B-side of the single “Substitute.” But the song had a backstory making it anything but ordinary. Gaynor had recently undergone spinal surgery, a moment leaving her uncertain about her career. The lyrics, written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, resonated deeply with her own journey of recovery and resilience.
“It spoke to everything I was going through — physically, emotionally, spiritually,” Gaynor recalled. “I knew this song could give people hope.”
Rather than letting it languish in obscurity, she personally handed the track to DJs at New York’s Studio 54. The club’s pulsating lights and late-night crowd became the launchpad for its success. Within months, the single shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually winning the only Grammy ever awarded for Best Disco Recording.
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With its driving beat and defiant lyrics, “I Will Survive” became more than just a dance floor hit — it was a lifeline for listeners facing breakups, illness, discrimination, or personal loss. Rolling Stone would later rank it among the greatest songs of all time.
Beyond “I Will Survive,” Gaynor’s catalog includes the exuberant “I Am What I Am” (1983), which found special resonance in the gay community, and disco hits like “How High the Moon” and “Casanova Brown.” Each reflects her unmistakable voice and her ability to connect with listeners through themes of authenticity and self-belief.
Today, Gaynor’s story is one of longevity, not cringe. She continues to perform, inspire, and advocate for resilience in all forms — whether through music, faith, or a little help from a plant which, for her, was simply another way to survive.
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Sarah Johns
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