st<\/sup> Ladies of Disco<\/strong><\/p>\nBy Chris Astrala<\/p>\n
It was the time of Studio 54, Saturday Night Fever, platform-shoes, glitter, and glitz and good times. We\u2019re talking about the age of Disco. Where discoth\u00e8ques were the places to be and these ladies reigned supreme. On May 3 AAP & Evening Under the Stars takes us back to the time\u00a0 of Boogie Nights and afro picks with an out of this world performance by The First Ladies of Disco. We were very fortunate to sit down with these ladies and ask them a few questions about the upcoming event and why their music has endured for so long.<\/p>\n
First of all, a little awe struck to be in the presence of such Disco Royalty and yes I was around to dance to your hits when they first hit the airwaves and clubs; so thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to speak to The Standard. So ladies\u2026
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Which one of your hits is your favorite and why?<\/b>\u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n
Alfa Anderson<\/b><\/p>\n
My favorite hit is I Want Your Love. The lyric makes a bold statement, Bernard’s bass line establishes the groove, Nile’s trademark guitar riffs take everything up a notch, and the bells and the string lines are just classic.<\/p>\n
Linda Clifford<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cIf My Friends Could See Me Now.\u201d That was the song that really got my career started. It gave me the life, the joy, and the chance to do what I love so much and always wanted to do, which is sing.<\/b><\/p>\n
Martha Wash<\/b><\/p>\n
Probably “Carry On.” A lot of people have been touched by that song, which in turn touches me.<\/p>\n
France Joli <\/b><\/p>\n
Which one of your hits is your favorite and why? I have two favorites for two different reasons\u2014and they just happen to be the songs I\u2019ll sing at Evening Under the Stars. “Come To Me\u201d will always have a special place in my heart. Not only for the beautiful melodies and arrangements, but also for the success it gave me at the young age of 16. My second favorite, “Gonna Get Over You,” is probably the funkiest song I\u2019ve ever recorded and it\u2019s my favorite song to perform live. It\u2019s just got such an incredible groove. I feel it all the way to my bones.<\/p>\n
Evelyn Champagne King<\/b><\/p>\n
After all these years I never had a favorite, I love all my hits. If I had to choose one, it\u2019s probably “Shame” because this is where it all started for me and I was recognized around the world for that song.<\/p>\n
Anita Ward<\/b><\/p>\n
Of course, “Ring My Bell” is my favorite. That song has become very profitable and rewarding.
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Norma Jean<\/b><\/p>\n
My favorite hit song by Chic is probably \u201cGood Times.\u201d I like the overall groove and vibe of the song, plus Bernard’s bass line is so distinct in character that it took on a life of its own, influencing other artist such as Queen, on \u201cAnother One Bites the Dust,\u201d and the Sugar Hill Gang with \u201cRappers Delight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pamala Stanley<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cComing Out of Hiding.\u201d To watch people run to the dance floor when that song was played in the clubs was an absolute thrill. Then every time I sing it, and everyone sings along, it warms my heart. I produced that track with my ex-husband, and every note of it was carefully thought out. We mixed it three different times until we just knew in our gut that it had arrived.<\/p>\n
Maxine Nightingale<\/b><\/p>\n
“Right Back Where I Started From” because it brings back such happy memories for people when they hear it.<\/p>\n
Why do you think Disco music has such endurance?<\/b>\u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n
Alfa Anderson<\/b><\/p>\n
Disco music endures because it allows us to do our happy dance. We don’t care how we look. We just throw caution to the wind, groove to the beat and just go for it. It’s so liberating.<\/p>\n
Linda Clifford<\/b><\/p>\n
Because it’s fun! People enjoy getting on the floor to shake their groove thang!<\/p>\n
Martha Wash<\/b><\/p>\n
Because it was a time when people just wanted to have fun and be carefree.<\/p>\n
France Joli <\/b><\/p>\n
Disco music offends no one, and creates such a diversity of emotions. It can make you happy, feel romantic, it can awaken your sexual senses, and it can inspire you to dance fearlessly. I\u2019ve never been to a party without hearing a Disco song.<\/p>\n
Evelyn Champagne King<\/b><\/p>\n
I think disco\/dance has such endurance because it’s the kind of music that makes you think and makes you happy. It also keeps you on the dance floor, it\u2019s the type of music you can sing along to, and made you feel free.<\/p>\n
Anita Ward<\/b><\/p>\n
Disco music is a reflection of the easy breezy life and the beat went on and on.<\/p>\n
Norma Jean<\/b><\/p>\n
I think one of reasons Disco music has had endurance is because back then the recording process was multi-dimensional. Those involved in the creation and development of this music were generally consummate songwriters\/producers, singers\/musicians, and engineers. Disco music was also a hybrid of sorts, merging elements of pop, soul, funk, and more. Therefore, it appealed to a broader audience, and I believe all of these attributes have contributed to its endurance through several generations.<\/p>\n
Pamala Stanley<\/b><\/p>\n
It makes you happy, gives you energy, and it is downright fun. It can be clever, romantic, and innovative. But I think the biggest reason is it seems almost every age group loves Disco.<\/p>\n
Maxine Nightingale<\/b><\/p>\n
The mixture of rhythm and blues and pop music created a perfect blend during the 70’s with groups like Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang, and Chic. There has never been such a perfect marriage<\/p>\n
What are you looking forward to the most in performing at Evening Under the Stars?<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
Alfa Anderson<\/b><\/p>\n
I am really looking forward to being reunited onstage with Luci and Norma Jean. The fact that the performance benefits AIDS Assistance Program makes it even more special to me.<\/p>\n
Linda Clifford<\/b><\/p>\n
Meeting a few new people. I happen to love Palm Springs, and I\u2019ll be helping to raise money for this tremendous cause.<\/p>\n
Martha Wash<\/b><\/p>\n
Being with all the other ladies and hoping the audience will love this show!<\/p>\n
France Joli <\/b><\/p>\n
I really think I\u2019m most looking forward to just being in the desert. I have a long history in Palm Springs. My best friend Daniel lives there with his husband, David. I\u2019ve visited and performed here many times, have shot a video near Joshua Tree, and spent Christmas and my last birthday here. The entire Coachella Valley has an energy that I absolutely love, and Palm Springs is at the top of my list of places to which I\u2019d like to retire.\u00a0 Plus, helping to raise funds for AIDS Assistance Program makes me feel like I\u2019m already part of the community. I feel very grateful to have been invited to perform.<\/p>\n
Evelyn Champagne King<\/b><\/p>\n
Seeing all the ladies of disco come together, meeting all the fans, and contributing to this wonderful event.<\/p>\n
Anita Ward<\/b><\/p>\n
I am honored to be a participant in this performance for AIDS Assistance Program.<\/p>\n
Norma Jean<\/b><\/p>\n
I’m looking forward to reuniting with many of the other performers. Some of them are friends, and I haven’t seen them in a while. I will also enjoy the meet and greet, which will give me an opportunity to make new acquaintances and to interact with some of the audience members.<\/p>\n
Pamala Stanley<\/b><\/p>\n
I can’t wait to perform with these amazing women. Some of them I have never met, so to tell you the truth, I am excited to meet them! But the thrill of performing for all those wonderful Disco lovers will be phenomenal!<\/p>\n
Maxine Nightingale<\/b><\/p>\n
Performing under the stars. To be in Palm Springs in May is the perfect situation!<\/p>\n
You will be performing with 10 other \u201cLadies of Disco.\u201d Have you performed with any of the other singers before and what was your experience?<\/b>\u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n
Alfa Anderson<\/b><\/p>\n
Even though I have not performed with the other ladies before, I am sure that the “six degrees of separation” rule applies. I bet once we start talking, we will find that there are only “three degrees of separation.” In fact, I can document “one degree of separation” from at least three of these ladies.<\/p>\n
Linda Clifford<\/b><\/p>\n
I have performed with almost all of these incredible women, and I’m thrilled to do it again. The only Lady I’ve never worked with is Maxine, so I’m looking forward to working with her.<\/p>\n
Martha Wash<\/b><\/p>\n
I have performed with all of them at one time or another and it’s always been a great time.<\/p>\n
France Joli <\/b><\/p>\n
Yes, I actually have had the opportunity to perform with the majority of these other first ladies of Disco. It\u2019s always a great experience for me to be surrounded with such incredible talent. We\u2019re all soul sisters in a way, right? So when you\u2019ve got us all performing on the same night, it makes for great entertainment, and when we get to share a number, well, let\u2019s just say that if the O\u2019Donnell Golf Course had a roof, we\u2019d tear it off.<\/p>\n
Evelyn Champagne King<\/b><\/p>\n
Yes! I have worked with most of the ladies in the show, and the experience when we come together is just a great time laughing and enjoying each other.<\/p>\n
Anita Ward<\/b><\/p>\n
Yes, I have performed with several of the “Ladies of Disco.” Whenever we see each other, we attempt to catch up on what has been going on in our lives. It is an exhilarating experience!<\/p>\n
Norma Jean<\/b><\/p>\n
Yes, I have performed with several of the other singers, and the experience has always been positive. We all still love performing, and generally, we enjoy each other\u2019s company.
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Pamala Stanley<\/b><\/p>\n
I have performed with Linda Clifford many times. She is an absolute blast. She is talented and charming and I am honored to say, she is my friend. Martha Wash is another friend of mine. What an incredible singer and performer. Some of my most beloved memories are of The Weather Girls, when we would get together with their husbands and manager, my husband, and me eating Kentucky Fried Chicken after our performances. They were a riot. I miss Izora.<\/p>\n
Maxine Nightingale<\/b><\/p>\n
Yes, I have performed with many of them and the experience varies from person to person.<\/p>\n
If I were to turn on your iPod right now, what five artists\/songs would I see on your recently played list?<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
Alfa Anderson<\/b><\/p>\n
The recently played music you’d see right now are the songs I’m working on for my solo CD.<\/p>\n
Linda Clifford<\/b><\/p>\n
You would see, Patti LaBelle, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Pharrell (Happy).<\/p>\n
Martha Wash<\/b><\/p>\n
Well I listen to a lot of gospel, so Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Richard Smallwood, Kurt Carr. But also Aretha, Charlie Wilson, and Ne-Yo.<\/p>\n
France Joli <\/b><\/p>\n
Lady Gaga\u2019s “Do What You Want With My Body,\u201d “Say Something\u201d by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera, “Knock Down\u201d by Alicia Dixon, Bruno Mars\u2019 Greatest Hits, and 20\/20 from Justin Timberlake.<\/p>\n
Evelyn Champagne King<\/b><\/p>\n
Gorillaz- “Feel Good,” Freddie Fox- “From the Heart,” Daft Funk- “Around the World,” Insanity- “15 Minute Workout,” Pepper Mashay- “Dive in the Pool.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anita Ward<\/b><\/p>\n
I do not own an iPod, but I love any and all songs by Charlie Wilson and Bruno Mars. \u201cHappy” by Pharrell, “All of Me” by John Legend, and “Roar” by Katie Perry are some of my favorites also!<\/p>\n
Norma Jean<\/b><\/p>\n
I have a management company and represent several songwriter\/producers, so often I’m listening to original songs created by them. I have recently played Pharrell’s “Happy” and Miguel’s “Adorn.”<\/p>\n
Pamala Stanley<\/b><\/p>\n
I have such an eclectic collection, but as far as pop music, I think this shows some of my loves: Lady GaGa, Kim Rooney, songs from the TV show Glee, Lady Antebellum, Katy Perry, and Rhianna.<\/p>\n
Maxine Nightingale<\/b><\/p>\n
I love Beyonc\u00e9, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Daft Punk, and pianist Les McCann.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Evening Under the Stars: Put On Your Dancing Shoes in Support of AIDS Assistance Program Since its founding in 1991, AIDS Assistance Program of Palm Springs remains dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of people living with HIV\/AIDS. Initiated by a small group of concerned citizens led by the late Gloria Greene and Jeannette Rockefeller, AAP provides food to members of the community with low incomes. It\u2019s what we do, and in fact, it is all we do. Only two employees manage AAP from a small office in Palm Springs. A Board of Directors, all volunteers, works to raise funds to support the organization and its food voucher program. Our budgeted food voucher expense alone is $600,000 annually, and 100% of operational expenses are generated through a growing private donor base, local business support, special events, and grant funding. On May 3, 2014, those efforts will culminate with the 21st annual Evening Under the Stars fundraising gala, which has long been distinguished as one of the most memorable annual events taking place in the Coachella Valley, and is considered by many to be the unofficial finale of the desert event season. Guests mingle under […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":561,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[149,148,157,155,82,147,150,152,151,158,156,153,159,8,154],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/560"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=560"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/560\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":562,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/560\/revisions\/562"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=560"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=560"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestandardps.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}