"State of Independence" is a song written by Jon Anderson and Vangelis. Originally recorded by Jon and Vangelis for their 1981 album The Friends of Mr Cairo, "State of Independence" was released as a single the same year but did not chart.
The song subsequently became better known when Donna Summer released a cover version a year later in 1982, which became a top 20 UK hit single and becoming a number one hit in the Netherlands.
In 1992, a third version of the song - retitled "Spiritual High (State of Independence)" - was recorded and released as a single by Moodswings, with vocals by the Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde.
Donna Summer covered "State of Independence" on her 1982 album Donna Summer produced by Quincy Jones. It was released as the follow-up to her hit single "Love Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)" in 1982. This version just missed the U.S. top 40, peaking at No. 41. It did much better in Europe, including a one-week stay at number one on the Dutch Top 40, making it Summer's second chart-topper in the Netherlands. The single was reissued in Europe in 1990 following the release of the compilation album The Best of Donna Summer.
Summer's version is notable for its all-star choir which included Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Brenda Russell, Christopher Cross, Dyan Cannon, James Ingram, Kenny Loggins, Peggy Lipton, Patti Austin, Michael McDonald, and Stevie Wonder.
Brian Eno has described it as "one of the high points of twentieth century art."