Peter Feldman
JENNIFER Rush, one of music’s most enduring names, is heading to South Africa at the end of the month for concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg. She was last here in 1999 and fans will remember this dynamic performer with a potent voice for such memorable hits as Power of Love, Ring of Fire and Flames of Paradise, a duet she performed with Elton John.
She’s an evergreen singer who has been going strong for more than three decades and shows no signs of slowing down.
Rush said from New York that she was excited she would be able to spend more time in South Africa.
“I was there recording the video to the song Credo, but had no time to spend in other parts of the country. And unfortunately have not had the time to go back.”
Rush is delighted to gig at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on April 26 and 27. Another highlight will be the supporting acts, the SA Youth Choir and Romanz.
What struck Rush on her last trip here was hearing the different languages and dialects which, she said, she loved. “The country itself, as well as the people, is the most beautiful place I have ever been to. One can only use the word ‘magical’ to describe it.”
Asked what fans can expect from her concerts: “I will be performing many of my hits. I will be bringing my own band and two back-up vocalists with me. They, too, are excited to be coming to South Africa.
“I asked my South African friends and their acquaintances which songs they thought South Africa would like – aside, of course, from hit songs – and I think we have come up with a great song list, which will even include a few songs from the last CD, Now is The Hour.”
Rush said, “I love what I do”, adding that it was “quite a blessing to have a job you truly enjoyed.”
As with every other job, however, singing had its challenges, she said, and she could understand when other artists at times hated to travel or when they spoke only one language.
She also had to take care of her voice, Rush said.
“Singers cannot go out on the town the night before a performance.
“Talking a lot is the worst for your voice. But as I grew up with parents who were opera singers, I know how to take care of my voice.”
Talking about the influence her parents had on her, Rush said her parents had not pushed her into music.
“I grew up with my dad and his second wife and my biological mother – and we all got along very well.
“However, they were all musicians, as were most of the grown-ups to whom I was exposed.
“Everyone was a dancer, a singer, a writer or people of that ilk. It was very New York.
“My older brothers knew at an early age they wanted to be musicians. I was not so sure about that. Now they all say they knew I was going to be a singer, but they didn’t want to push me. Being a mom, I can understand that. This is no easy business to be in.
“It was my father who had me go into a studio to sing a bunch of songs and who sent my cassettes out to countless record labels, unbeknownst to me. Having grown up in different countries, and seeing what the demands of this business are, was a big influence.”
Rush has recorded material for a new CD, but is keeping mum on the subject. Her last CD was released in 2010.
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