Tina Charles - Interview

This is a brief interview conducted with Tina Charles by Bernard Lopez of DiscoMusic.com (July 2007).

Tina Charles Interview by Bernard Lopez (DiscoMusic.com)

DiscoMusic.com: Could you give the readers of DiscoMusic.com a little background as to where and when you where born and a little about your family?

Tina Charles: I was born on 10th March 1954 in London, I took my fathers forename Charles (Charles Hoskins the British actor) as my stage name. My family are all Londoners, I had a fantastic upbringing.

(Additional info:

DiscoMusic.com: Although I understand you are from England, you always struck me as having a Mediterranean look. What is your families ethnicity?

Tina Charles: My family heritage is from London, although it has been reported incorrectly that I am of Greek descent.

DiscoMusic.com: I have to say that I love your voice and the "feel-good" energy behind it. Thank you for giving us some truly memorable songs. How were you introduced to music and when did you decide to make it your livelihood?

Tina Charles: I went to stage school, from there started to make demos when I was 15 years with Elton John and realised I would become a professional.

DiscoMusic.com: Could you tell us how you became involved with 5000 Volts?

Tina Charles: It was two friends Martin and Tony, I recorded it for a session fee for only �200.

DiscoMusic.com: Many may not know this, but you worked early on with Trevor Horn. How did you meet and do you still keep in touch?

Tina Charles: Trevor Horn and I go back a long way we were partners in the 70�s. I most recently sang at his �Producers� gigs with Lol Creme, Chris Brade, Ash Colke and Steve Lipson at the Jazz Cafe in London in July 2007.

DiscoMusic.com: What prompted you to go solo?

Tina Charles: I was always solo, however because I did was a session singer I was booked for all sorts of work.

DiscoMusic.com: You were extremely popular during the 1970s, did you have any challenges balancing your personal life and career?

Tina Charles: It was hard not seeing my son Max walking and talking for the first time, he has turned out a fantastic adult, I am proud to be a Grandmother to his 3 boys Josh, Alex and Zak.

DiscoMusic.com: Please tell us how you met up with Biddu and how was it working with him. Are you still in contact with him?

Tina Charles: Yes I am still in contact with Biddu and we met through a session singer called Lee Vanderbilt.

DiscoMusic.com: What is your favorite song from your solo career and why?

Tina Charles: I just love �Go� and really enjoyed recording it.

DiscoMusic.com: Which song was your biggest single as far as sales go?

Tina Charles: "I Love To Love."

DiscoMusic.com: Is there any unreleased material from that time that still hasn't seen the light of day and why?

Tina Charles: I recorded "Blame it on the Boogie" before Michael Jackson, Sony said it was not a strong enough song.

DiscoMusic.com: What are your feelings on Disco?

Tina Charles: I just love it.

DiscoMusic.com: Are you still performing today and do you have any new releases due out?

Tina Charles: I am still performing and have just recorded a new album �Listen 2 the Music� which consists of my favourite songs. The album is available on iTunes and Amazon.

DiscoMusic.com: What are your hobbies and interests outside music?

Tina Charles: I love cooking, dinning out and socialising with my dear friends. I regularly look after my grandchildren and love my dogs Monty, Suzie and Porcha.

DiscoMusic.com: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans at DiscoMusic.com?

Tina Charles: Thank you so much for your support, I send big hugs

DiscoMusic.com: Tina, thanks so much for taking time out to speak with DiscoMusic.com. All your fans here wish you the best and say, "Dance, Little Lady, Dance!"

Listing of Tina Charles entries at DiscoMusic.com.

The End.

Reprinted with permission from Bernard F. Lopez
http://www.discomusic.com

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