Mr BioFile Interviews by Scoop Malinowski
By Mark Scoop Malinowski
Two-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Sheena Easton will perform at The Center of Anna Maria Island on December 14 at 7 pm. Click here for ticket information.
DOB: April 27, 1969 In: Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland
First memory of music: My sister Marilyn singing in church.
Music inspirations: Barbra Streisand and Joni Mitchell were the two artists I listened to the most when I was younger.
First famous person you met or encountered: Esther Rantzen. The British TV producer, journalist and personality was the first famous person I ever met, and she is also the person who gave me my big break and launched my career.
Favorite movies: That changes often. Once I say one title, I immediately regret that I didn’t say another. I love movies and going to see one in the afternoon was my favorite way to decompress when I was most stressed.
Last book read: Wolf Hall (…a 2009 historical novel by English author Hilary Mantel, published by Fourth Estate, named after the Seymour family’s seat of Wolfhall, or Wulfhall, in Wiltshire. Set in the period from 1500 to 1535).
Childhood dreams: I always wanted to be a singer.
Greatest moment of your career: Just getting to do this job professionally straight out of college and continue 40 plus years has been a miracle. Let’s face it, it is almost impossible to not need a day job in this business. So having a career in music, period, is the greatest.
Most painful career moment: Every time you pour your heart and soul into a project, and it fails or is not well received is a blow to your confidence. So, you must suck it up and move on to the next thing. I learned early on not to dwell on the pain.
Most memorable performance(s): Honestly, I don’t have just one that stands out. I have been so blessed to have many moments on stage, either in musical theatre or with my band.
Funny career memory: I laugh constantly with my band. Usually, the morning after a gig on the way to the airport when we tell road stories. I’m not sure that is what you mean but being around musicians usually ends up being funny.
Embarrassing career memory: I have a few of those. I have, on occasion, completely blanked on the lyrics to some of my biggest hits. I can happen out of the blue and you are there onstage like a deer in the headlights. I usually make something up on the spot. It is terrifying. But we always end up laughing about the nightmare after the gig. So the embarrassing can become funny after the fact.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Rocky road or coffee.
Favorite artists: I assume by artists you mean musical artists. I would answer that, and favorite performers the same way. Too much great talent out there to single out one or two and it depends on the day and the mood. I listen to a lot of great artists.
People qualities most admired: I guess I am no different than most people. I admire loyalty, patience, trustworthiness, humor, resilience, creativity and intelligence.
Career Accomplishments: Won two Grammy Awards – Best New Artist in 1982 and Best Mexican-American Performance in 1985 for her duet with Mexican singer Luis Miguel on the 1984 single “Me Gustas Tal Como Eres”. Her discography includes 15 studio albums, 55 singles and 20 consecutive US singles, including 15 “Top 40” hits, 7 top 10s and one number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1981 and 1991.
Easton’s other hit singles include the James Bond theme “For Your Eyes Only”, “You Could Have Been with Me”, “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)”, “Almost Over You”, “Strut”, “U Got the Look” and “The Arms of Orion” with Prince, “The Lover in Me” and “What Comes Naturally”. She has worked with prominent singers, writers, and producers, including Prince, Kenny Rogers, David Foster, L.A. Reid, Babyface, Patrice Rushen, and Nile Rodgers.
Sheena Easton For Your Eyes Only live performance
