[charlene]

Yes. Like I said, I can’t wait to read it myself. And I’ll make sure to tell people that if they want to want to know the “best bits”, they are going to have to get the book and read it themselves! But can you give maybe one anecdote from “the heyday”, like maybe a story about one of your fellow peers in the music business?

I can tell you the story about Gordon Lightfoot. He was one of my favorite songwriters and singers. When we were working in clubs back in the 1970’s before we finally had a hit, I used to do Gordon’s songs. I also did songs by Elton John, Carole King, Carly Simon, Billy Joel— we were your “Top 40 band” in the club. And then I’d throw in some of the songs that I had written as well. That’s what we did for years. It was wonderful because it helped me learn how to program a show: to take the audience on an “emotional arc”. You bring them up and make them feel good, and then make them feel some different emotions. It’s a gift to program a concert and take people along with you on this arc. Anyway, one of the funnier things that happened was when we were performing in Toronto, at the Canadian National Exposition. Gordon Lightfoot lives there. This was about 1977 or 1978. We got an invitation by Gordon’s people to come to a party at his house. I just couldn’t wait. My sister Louisa was performing background vocals with us, and she came along. We got to Gordon’s house, and there were all sorts of other people there. There was some kind of party thing going on that I really didn’t understand, but Louisa did! Gordon took us through this gorgeous home of his— a beautiful, beautiful home. He had this great big kitchen, and he opened the kitchen door, and about ten raccoons just walked into this kitchen. They went on the counters and just made themselves at home. Evidently, Gordon let these raccoons into his kitchen every night to do whatever they wanted. I found out from Louisa on the ride home that there was a lot of “druggy” stuff going on at that party— but I didn’t even notice. I was still thinking about the raccoons! (Laughs) Years later, Gordon did a concert at one of the local casinos in La Quinta, down in the Palm Desert area where Daryl and I had a summer house. We went to see him, and sat in the front row, and he looked old. He was what we used to say, “rode hard and put away wet”. But when he started to sing, it was the same voice— the same songs that I had sung in the clubs before I ever knew him. I sat there and I cried. I was so moved by it. Thank God it was the front row, so that people couldn’t see me cry! But then I went backstage and met him, and it was very moving to me. I almost thought I spotted a little tear in Daryl’s eye, but probably not! (Laughs)

(Laughs)

Maybe if he would have taken his sunglasses off, you would have known for sure! (Both laugh) For those who don’t know, what were some of Gordon Lightfoot’s songs?

He did Sundown, and If You Could Read My Mind...

Ah yes! If You Could Read My Mind is another timeless, sensual song. It goes perfectly with Do That To Me One More Time!

Oh, thank you!

I have to ask: You have so much youthful energy. Do you have any secrets for being this way?

I wish I did! I really do. I don’t know. I’m curious about life. I’m truly interested in people. That’s not to say that I want them all over my house, because I’m a very private individual. I have family with whom I’m very tight, and I have friends who I love, some of whom I’ve had to leave behind in Nevada and in Prescott where I lived for so many years. Those are the people who I love and trust. My niece Caroline and her boyfriend Michael are helping me with social media, because I didn’t know diddly about it! I still don’t understand Twitter! But as for the people who write on my Facebook page, I am fascinated by their take on things and what they have to say, and what they share with me— such as videos they like and that kind of thing. I am fascinated by that. I like to chat back and forth with them, and to hear what they have to say. I think that’s what keeps you young: curiosity and interest in things. That’s all I can say! I’m blessed with a good constitution. I’m trying to stay healthy. It may come one of these days, but I don’t want anyone to have to take care of me and fuss with me. When I die I just wanna go “Boom!” I’m curious about things and about people, so that may be it. I have been very lucky with what I’ve had in my life so far.

Wow! Thank you for sharing! So, lastly... You’re now a single woman for the first time in a long time. Is there anyone special in your life now?

Are you kidding? No! And there never will be! I’m done with men! I mean, bless men’s hearts. But no. I’m perfectly happy with my dogs and my friends. Actually, my idea of a great “man friend” is a gay man, who loves theater— to go see a play, to go to a concert, and that’s it! You can just be really good friends. That’s my ideal. So there!
(Laughs!)

Gotcha! Thank you so much for speaking with me.
You are welcome!