Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves - January 7, 2010

World-renowned Barbara Tucker (BT) is an Award-winning recording artist, actress, writer, dancer, choreographer, stage developer, event/club promoter, stylist, and record label owner. BT who began performing 25 years ago, is known as The Queen of House (dance music), has performed with countless entertainers, appeared in Off Broadway musicals, and films. BT has been honored with numerous awards. Her 2005 single "Most Precious Love" was a sensational hit. Her current hot single "Feelin Like a Superstar" released by her own label B Star Music Group is climbing the Billboard dance charts. Her new single, "Love The Hurt Away" with Japanese artist Miss Envy of Soul Addict is out now. Barbara Tucker's 9th Annual And Let The Singer Be Heard in association with the Winter Music Conference 25th Anniversary (WMC25) will be held at The Ocean's Ten venue, Miami Beach, FL, Wednesday, March 24, 2010.

I had the honor of interviewing special guest celebrity host and performer Barbara Tucker, at the Soul NYC presentation of the legendary Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, held at The Union Square Ballroom, on Saturday, November 21, 2009.

ME: At what point in your life you became interested in the performing arts? 

BT:  It was a natural progression and I ran with it. My mother is a singer and father (Jayotis Washington) works with the music group The Persuasions.

ME: What was the first performance that pushed you to the public consciousness?

BT:  The performance that pushed me over the top, oh my goodness, I really can't say. I've been acting and performing as a singer, dancer, and choreographer for over 25 years. I played in the Off Broadway musical CLUB 12 (a hip-hop musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night) at the Billy Holiday theatre. I was cast in films Krush Groove, Def By Temptation, and The Godfather of Disco. I performed on stage with artists Sabel, Jay Williams, Shannon, Deee-lite, and many others. 

ME: What awards are you a recipient of?

BT:   In 1986, I received the TOR Award for Most Promising Artist with Distinguishing Artiste, at The American Theatre of Actors. In 1995, Best ArtistAward for "I Get Lifted" at the Chicago House Music Awards. In 2005, Best Song of the Year, Best Artist Performance on a Vocal, and Best Live Performance Awards, at the London House Awards. In 2006, the Lifetime Achievement Award , at the Nova Era Music Awards in Portugal.

ME: Name one of your biggest influence.  

BT: I love drag queens. I say, "Behind every queen there is a drag queen." I get my influence from the ladies, such as Lady Bunny. 

ME:  Where and what year were you born? 

BT:  I'm a Brooklyn girl, born in the 1960s.

ME:What inspired the song "Most Precious Love?" 

BT:  The song "Most Precious Love," produced and written by Blaze was actually very interesting how it came about.   Kevin Hedge originally wrote me a song, which he didn't like. While in Japan, Kevin became inspired by me to write "Most Precious Love." He said, "This is Barbara Tucker!"

Kevin Hedge's project Underground Dance Artists United For Life (UDAUFL) was another inspiration by me because I promote events at the Winter Music Conference (WMC) that showcase dance music artists to benefit LIFEbeat AIDS charity organization.  

ME: Any new projects currently in the works?  

BT:  Of course, my new song "Feelin Like a Superstar" is released on my own record label. I am currently, working on a song titled "Love The Hurt Away" with Japanese artist Miss Envy of Soul Addict. My event The 9th Annual And Let The Singer Be Heard in association with the Winter Music Conference 25th Anniversary will be held at The Ocean's Ten venue, Miami Beach, FL, Wednesday, March 24, 2010.

ME: Thank you, Barbara. 

For more information, please visit: http://www.myspace.com/missbarbaratucker.