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Tracey: I believe you played a butler in an American reality series called “High Maintenance 90210?” For our readers who are not in America – is the show still running and do you continue to appear in it. If not, was it a pleasurable experience for you?
Norwood Young: Actually, on the reality show, I hired the butler to tend to myself, and for my estate in Los Angeles. The show is no longer running. However, I am starring in my own new upcoming reality series called, “All Things Norwood.” Yes, the experience was pleasurable, however, having cameras filming my life, took some getting used to.
Tracey: You were in the chorus of the off Broadway production “Don’t Get God Started” alongside Patricia Heaton of “Everybody Loves Raymond” who is now one of your neighbours. Please tell me she has an easier life, in real life - than as Debra Barone in the series?
Norwood Young: Yes. I can tell you that “Patty’s” life is much easier. However, she has 4 boys which I am sure is still hard work. Her husband David is a great guy, and she does not have an overbearing mother-in-law.
Tracey: Was your time as lead singer in “Pieces Of A Dream” an enjoyable time and how did it feel to receive your first gold record for “What Can I Do?”
Norwood Young: Yes. It was an enjoyable time and a great learning experience as well. When I received the news of the gold record, it was one of the greatest days of my life as a singer – I can’t wait to get another.
Tracey: You toured Germany, starring in a rock version of Bizet’s Carmen – do you enjoy listening to classical music and if so which composer would you chose to sit down and relax to?
Norwood Young: Yes. I love classical music. I enjoy Bach to relax to; most of his compositions are soothing to me.
Tracey: My previous question leads me on to your seventeen “David” statues by Michelangelo which you have on your front lawn – why so many?
Norwood Young: I have 17 statues of David in my front lawn. My answer would be … why not so many? I have long admired the piece. Actually, I put them there as a way to adorn my lawn, and to have complete visibility for security purposes at the same time.
Tracey: In 2005 you founded “Feed His People” which is a non-profit organisation to feed the hungry (www.wefeedhispeople.org). Can you explain a little bit about this and how the foundation is doing now?
Norwood Young: The foundation is growing everyday. Here in America, the amount of excess food that is thrown away daily is criminal. Feed his people was designed to create partnerships with restaurants and bakeries that donate their food to us before discarding it. We then have volunteers who pick it up and feed the hungry.
Tracey: What is your most prized possession?
Norwood Young: A Rolex watch that was awarded to my late father when he retired at a young age from IBM.
Tracey: Can you share with us any plans you have for 2008 with your soul music?
Norwood Young: My plans are to hopefully get a recording deal in the UK, as well as the re-release of the “JUST NORWOOD” CD, complete with new songs and new artwork.
Tracey: What if anything makes you angry?
Norwood Young: Phoney, dishonest, and “elitist” people make me very angry!
Tracey: You used to own a nightclub in Germany. Was the music scene as good then as it is now for soul/jazz music?
Norwood Young: The music scene in Germany as well as the UK has always been consistent. In Germany, my fans, or just lovers of great music would stand in lines that would reach for many blocks long every night. I love the appreciation for soul music in Europe much more than here in the U.S.
Tracey: Whilst touring in Europe, Lima Peru and Japan, where did you eat your most favourite soul food and what was it?
Norwood Young: Wow… was there soul food in Europe, Peru, or Japan?
Tracey: You seem to enjoy wearing elaborate clothing – what has been the most embarrassing outfit you have worn…to date?
Norwood Young: This is a funny question! The most embarrassing outfits I actually wore in Europe. One in particular, was a full-bodied, long sleeved, black spandex “cat suit.” I wore it with about 6 silver and leather different style belts, all at one time. I wore it with black knee high leather-riding boots. It was all the rage then, but when I go back and look at the old photo’s…how embarrassing!
Tracey: You took on the leading role of James “Thunder” Early in the off Broadway production of “Dreamgirls.” How did those shows compare to your live soul gigs?
Norwood Young: When performing in a theatre production, you are scripted and choreographed with little room for person creativity. So magical performance moments are rare. When performing a live soul gig, I can go with the flow, and talk to my audience, and have fun. It becomes something magical every single time.
Tracey: As a young teenager, whose music did you listen to most often?
Norwood Young: I listened to everyone. A lot of jazz, Ella, Sarah Vaughn, Johnny Mathis, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Teddy Pendergrass, almost all of the greats.
Tracey: Putting aside the glitz and glamour of your life and after seeing you cover “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” via You Tube technology – where does your heartfelt soul come from to produce such a passionate sound which enchants and endears me to you and your music?
Norwood Young: My passion comes from a place of real truth and the real belief in the power of love, and the idea and desire and memories of being in love.
Tracey: Please leave us with your website addresses and My Space address so our readers can keep up with what is going on in the Norwood Young camp in 2008.
Norwood Young: www.justnorwoodmusic.com and www.myspace.com/norwoodyoung and my non-profit foundation, www.wefeedhispeople.org.
On behalf of Just Soul it’s been a pleasure getting to know more about you. Thank you for completing this interview Norwood and I wish you continued success in all you do.
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