March 2004 article from the ''Birmingham Post' newspaper.
HIT AFTER HIT IN THE BAG AND BARBARA'S BEST IS YET TO COME; FROM THE FOLK CLUBS OF EDINBURGH TO INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
By Magda Ibrahim
Glitz, glamour, Glenfiddich. What better words to describe matriarch of the musical, Barbara Dickson.
And now the Scottish sensation is back with a 19-date UK tour and a new album which hits the shops on Monday. Describing the tour, Barbara said: 'It is going fantastically well so far. I'm doing one-night stands in various places around the UK with a band of three people. The show is very intimate and I am incredibly happy with it musically. 'Both the show and the album are basically a collection of existing material with a few surprises thrown in. The music should appeal to fans both old and new and will feature all my best-loved songs.'
Hard-working Barbara's career spans 40 years and includes TV and film appearances as well as her musical accolades.
Little surprise, then, that the softly spoken Scot was awarded an OBE in the 2003 New Year's Honours list.
'It was incredible to receive my OBE from the Queen. I am a great fan of hers and I think it makes people's lives very special when they are given the opportunity to be invested with such an honour.'
Despite having reached such heights in her professional life, Barbara has remained committed to her family and home throughout.
Juggling work with bringing up a family is a fact of life for most women, but have fame and fortune taken their toll on Barbara?
'I have three teenage children who are at boarding school so in the holidays I try to spend as much time with them as possible. I'm really enjoying the fact that they are more independent now that they are a bit older as it gives me more time to myself.
'My sons aren't really into the music I play; they seem to prefer American rock. But they are very proud of me and try to come and see me in work that I am doing. They especially like to come to my theatre performances.
'I hope that I am an inspiration to other women who have a similar hectic life -that it is possible to achieve whatever you want to.' The 57-year-old international star still finds that it is difficult to fit everything into such a busy schedule.
'Like most women my age I don't really have much time for hobbies. One of my loves is doing needlepoint as I find it very relaxing to be able to make my own tapestry. I've been doing it for about 12 years now but again, it is something that I don't have as much chance to do as I would like.'
After remaining at the chart top spot for 16 weeks with one of the biggest songs of the eighties, I Know Him So Well, Barbara and co-singer Elaine Paige were catapulted into the limelight and the stellar glow of immortality.
From the Webber/Rice musical, Chess, the record sold a massive 950,000 copies and led Barbara to exotic and exciting places. But the singer insists there really is no place like home.
'I think that anyone who does a lot of travelling and leads a fractured life finds home very important. I certainly try to get home as much as I can.'
When away everyone needs their home comforts, and Barbara's no different. Although even the most homesick might find Barbara's quirky secret a bit much.
'Like most theatrical types I am quite superstitious and like routine. When you are on the road, in a different dressing room every night, it's quite difficult to get comfortable and relax in strange surroundings.
'But I do have one habit that helps me to feel at home, putting on my dressing gown. I've had the same Japanese kimono since 1977 so it's starting to look a bit shabby now.'
Barbara's album, The Platinum Col-lection, is being released to coincide with the current UK tour. Barbara said her label, Sony, thinks that a lot of people may pick up the album even if they are not already fans.
Included is Barbara's first hit single of 1976, Answer Me, alongside Another Suitcase in Another Hall (from Evita), January February and a new rendition of Wayfarin' Stranger which has been especially recorded.
For those who don't fancy the album packed with classic hit after hit, busy Barbara is currently recording another new album which comprises traditional and world music.
So perhaps after all this, the glamorous mother-of-three will be ready to step off the stage and out of the spotlight.
'I love to keep myself busy and can't help working hard. I appeared in Fame in Edinburgh over Christmas and to be perfectly honest I couldn't stand not working.
'I tend to look forward rather than back over my life and the things I've done, so in that sense I think the best is to come!'
And the Lincolnshire-based singer hasn't stopped yet, with a family move back to Edinburgh in the pipeline and a special show planned at the Imperial War museum in London to promote women's rights, Barbara can hardly be accused of lethargy.
'I'm really looking forward to appearing at the Imperial War museum. It will be very special as I'm promoting women, along with Geraldine James and June Whitfield. I think it's something to get very excited about.'
With fans worldwide, and a list of accolades to rival any current celebrity, the legendary singer really should be excited.
Play it again, Babs.
Copyright 2004 Midland Independent Newspapers plc
