On May 13, Gayle performed at Adelphi University’s Performing Arts Center in Garden City New York, where her show garnered a rave review.”It was great. That’s a beautiful hall, and the sound was great. We had a wonderful time and everything. The people there made everything wonderful,” she said.
“I grew up singing all different styles of music from folk, pop, rock as well as country. Country has always been my roots , and it’s a part of me. Country is definitely my foundation. When I grew up, my mother sang around the house, and she would take the banjo around and sing ‘Pretty Polly.’ I love country and the story songs,” she said.
While it was extremely difficult for her to select a personal favorite song of hers, from her lengthy catalog, two songs that stand out to her include her Grammy-winning “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “When I Dream.” “It was written by a very special friend of mine that we lost a couple of years ago, Sandy Mason, and she was just so special. I titled an album over that song,” she said, referring to the latter tune “When I Dream.” “It is just beautiful, and it was actually my mother’s favorite song of mine, so that also has an extra meaning.”
Another fun song for Gayle is “Why Have You Left The One You Left Me For.” “That’s a good one,” she said, with a sweet laugh. “I always remember thinking: ‘I’m going to be tongue-tied trying to do this song’.”
This past January, Gayle was officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, where she was inducted by her older sister, living country legend Loretta Lynn. “It felt wonderful, but I’ve always thought I was,” she said. “Now I have the paperwork for it, and it was extra special because my sister, Loretta Lynn, was the one that brought me into the family. It was a great night.”
Other memorable moments was when Gayle appeared on such television shows as Sesame Street and The Muppets. “I was in New York City walking down the street, and all of a sudden, a lady with a child (that was probably three years old) in a stroller started pointing to me, since she recognized me from Sesame Street. I thought that was so neat,” she said. “I also did The Muppets show, and they were incredible. I actually got to take my mother with me when I filed The Muppets in England. My mom wanted to see Miss Piggy, and she came out and took pictures with mom. That was great.”
Each day, Gayle is motivated by her family and friends. “I have made so many great friends, and that’s enough motivation right there,” she said.
On the key to longevity in the music industry, she said, “I’ve had great producers. Allen Reynolds is one of them, and he is just fantastic. I would always find great songs that other people wrote, and I wanted to put out really really good songs. I am just very lucky to have had the success I’ve had all these years.”
For aspiring country singer-songwriters, she said, “It is definitely not easy in this business. Get those songs written and try to sing anywhere you can, in front of an audience.”
She had nothing but the fondest memories about the late country songstress Lynn Anderson. “I loved Lynn! We did some shows together. She was just a great person. We miss her a lot. I loved her singing. She had an incredible voice, and she put on a great, great show. Lynn was special,” Gayle said.
“I appreciate all of the love that the fans have given me through the years, listening to my music and buying my music, and hopefully, they will continue to,” she told her fans.
The Grammy winner defined the word success as “being happy with your life.” “That’s success,” she said.
For more information on Grand Ole Opry star Crystal Gayle, check out her official website.