# Irene Cara—Escalera

> American singer and actress (1959–2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q234169](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234169)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_Cara)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irene-caraescalera

## Summary
Irene Cara—Escalera was an American singer, actress, and dancer known for her contributions to film and music. Born on March 18, 1959, she gained prominence for her roles in musical films and her chart-topping songs, including the Academy Award-winning "Flashdance... What a Feeling." Her work spanned multiple genres, including pop, R&B, and disco.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 18, 1959
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School
- **Known for**: Academy Award-winning singer and actress
- **Employer(s)**: Casablanca Records, Elektra Records, Geffen Records, RSO Records
- **Field(s)**: Music, Film, Dance

## Contributions
- **Academy Award for Best Original Song**: Won for "Flashdance... What a Feeling" (1983), which also earned a Golden Globe Award.
- **Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album**: Recognized for her work in the dance music genre.
- **Film Roles**: Starred in *Sparkle* (1976), *The Wiz* (1978), and *City Heat* (1984).
- **Music Releases**: Recorded albums such as *Anyone Can See* (1982) and *Carasmatic* (1987), with hits like "Why Me?" and "The Dream (Hold On to Your Dream)".

## FAQs
**What were Irene Cara's most notable awards?**  
She won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for "Flashdance... What a Feeling" and received a Grammy Award for her dance music contributions.

**Which record labels was she associated with?**  
Cara worked with Casablanca Records, Elektra Records, Geffen Records, and RSO Records throughout her career.

**What were her key film roles?**  
She appeared in *Sparkle*, *The Wiz*, and *City Heat*, showcasing her acting and singing talents.

**What genres did she perform in?**  
Her music spanned pop, R&B, and disco, reflecting her versatility as a performer.

## Why They Matter
Irene Cara—Escalera's achievements bridged music and film, influencing both industries. Her Oscar win for "Flashdance... What a Feeling" solidified her legacy, while her genre-spanning music career inspired later artists. Her early start in show business and training at LaGuardia High School underscored her dedication to the performing arts.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award Winner**: First Hispanic woman to win an Oscar for Best Original Song.
- **Multi-Genre Artist**: Successfully performed in pop, R&B, and disco.
- **Film and Stage Career**: Transitioned between film, television, and stage acting.
- **Influence on Dance Music**: Contributed to the evolution of dance and electronic music genres.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Born on March 18, 1959, Irene Cara—Escalera began her career at a young age, attending Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in New York City, a renowned institution for the arts. This early training laid the foundation for her multifaceted career in music, film, and dance.

### Music Career
Cara's music career was marked by collaborations with prominent labels, including Casablanca Records, Elektra Records, Geffen Records, and RSO Records. Her 1983 hit "Flashdance... What a Feeling" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. She released several albums, such as *Anyone Can See* (1982) and *Carasmatic* (1987), blending pop, R&B, and disco styles.

### Film and Theater
Cara's film debut came in 1976 with *Sparkle*, followed by roles in *The Wiz* (1978) and *City Heat* (1984). Her theatrical background and vocal talent made her a sought-after performer in musical films. She also appeared in stage productions, showcasing her versatility as a singer, actress, and dancer.

### Awards and Legacy
Cara's awards included an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy Award, recognizing her impact on both music and film. Her ability to excel in multiple genres and mediums left a lasting influence on the entertainment industry. She remains a notable figure in the history of Hispanic artists in American show business.

### Later Life and Death
Cara passed away on November 25, 2022, at the age of 63. Her death was met with tributes from the music and film communities, highlighting her enduring legacy as a talented and pioneering performer.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. BnF authorities
4. datos.bne.es
5. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1984)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. [Source](https://www.vip.de/cms/daran-starb-flashdance-saengerin-irene-cara-63-tod-im-november-5028538.html#:~:text=Schlussendlich%20wird%20eine%20arteriosklerotische%20und%20bluthochdruckbedingte%20Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankung%20genannt%2C,2022%20in%20ihrem%20Zuhause%20im%20US-Bundesstaat%20Florida%20verstorben.)
10. [Source](https://deadline.com/2023/02/irene-cara-cause-of-death-coroner-1235248078/)
11. SNAC
12. Discogs
13. [Mor Irene Cara, protagonista i cantant de "Fama" i "Flashdance". 2022](https://www.ccma.cat/324/mor-irene-cara-protagonista-i-cantant-de-fama-i-flashdance/noticia/3198517/)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Source](http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/newartist.htm)
16. CONOR.SI
17. BBC Things
18. ISWC Network
19. [Source](https://irenecara.com/contact/)
20. Carnegie Hall linked open data
21. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
22. YouTube API
23. The Movie Database