Check out Out's Feature interview with Vanessa Williams below. You can also check out their website located at
Out.com.
Out: You remarked the songs on The Real Thing are about relationships and how they relate to the modern-day love affair as seen from a woman’s perspective. How would you describe a modern-day love affair? Vanessa Williams: What is love? I did a whole song called “Love Is.” But what is it? It’s a theme that seems to be universal -- no matter what language, no matter what sexual orientation. People love. People fall in love. They get hurt by love. Their heart gets wounded by love. Their heart is opened by love. Their heart is hopeful by love.
What is one of the fondest memories you had making this album? The day they surprised me by bringing Bill Withers in the studio to listen to me record his song, “Hello Like Before.” He came in with his daughter, and I was completely emotional. I called my mom and burst into tears because he reminds me so much of my dad, and he was a huge Bill Withers fan [Williams’ father died in 2006]. Growing up we would listen to him on 8-track in the van all the time on long family trips. Bill Withers is very much a part of my musical background, and it’s great to have his song live on because he’s such a great singer and songwriter.
You’ve been married twice. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned about relationships through your journey with love? That you never know. It’s always different. There are no answers. I’m one of those people who likes to say, “If I do this; I’ll get a result.” Or, “If I do this; this will happen.” But with love you just never know. Your strength and your vulnerability are always in question. Love is just one of those things that you always strive for. You’re lucky when you get it, and it hurts when it goes away.
One person you love is President Obama. Before he was elected you said, “He would be great for our nation.” How do you think he’s doing? I think it’s a tough job, and he’s done an excellent job thus far. Just watch his Notre Dame speech. He came out and confronted the issue [abortion] immediately. He basically said you can have your own beliefs, but people need to be tolerant of other people’s ideas. He’s always searching to create dialogue between people, and that is the most intelligent thing to do because with an education that’s how you grow, learn and change. He’s just been a maverick by listening to others, and he’s done it brilliantly.
I know that this is NOT a Michael Jackson fansite, but I felt the need to say something about his passing. I remember when my Mom bought me my first Michael Jackson jacket, penny loafers and Michael Jackson doll. Yeah the 80's were the best of times. In our family he was always popular and someone we all loved and valued as an entertainer. No one will ever take his place or be anything like him. He was truly in a class of his own. He will be sadly missed. My tears are now for his family now, who will have to go on living without him.