Embodying the artistic spirit that is alive and well in our community today, Olympia’s very own Billboard hit singer and songwriter, Gretchen Christopher, invites us again into an emotional and musical journey with her upcoming album, 21: The Times of Our Lives (Tomorrow is Not Promised).
Christopher’s music career has spanned decades, performing solo and with her group, The Fleetwoods since her 1959 hit “Mister Blue.” Throughout her career, she has had Gold records, songs that have made it into the Billboard Top Hot 100, and an album that made Billboard Critics’ Pick for 10 Best Albums of the Year. Songs such as “Come Softly to Me” have spoken to millions of hearts around the world for decades. Fans can expect mostly, if not all original music on the new album.
The “21” from the album title comes from the celebration of Christopher’s “21st birthday” as “a Leap Year baby.” The deeper message behind the album title comes from an idea that has always been part of Christopher’s consciousness: we only get one life, and we must live it well, enjoy it, and always remind family and friends how much we love them. Christopher’s sister Sonia passed away this last year and in honor of Sonia, Christopher revised the lyrics to her song “I am an Angel” and transformed it into what will now be called “Survivor,” which will be on the new album. Sonia’s memory will live on through Christopher’s music and forever through the episodes of “Survivor” that Sonia participated in. There are a couple of songs the two sisters sang together that might be featured on the album … stay tuned. Gretchen is also contemplating adding a song to her album where her left hand is the base, her right hand is the vibraphone, and her voice is the flute. Written in 6/8 time, this is an exciting song with lots of intrigue. Again, stay tuned.
“Christmas is You,” Gretchen Christopher’s first solo single is streaming on all major platforms and included in the upcoming album.
When asked what it has meant to be a woman in music, Christopher responded with:
“Barbara and I were the only girls on tour because it was dominated by men … I was brought up in a very truthful family, and when somebody said something, I believed it. Well, it wasn’t that way in Hollywood and in the music business. After contract negotiations, we moved to Hollywood to record there instead of Seattle. And I felt like I was meeting people who I wouldn’t have as lifelong friends because they didn’t share my values.”
Christopher is a trailblazer and her brave spirit as a woman in the music industry continues to shine. For her, it has always been about, “Doing what I love and making that music that I like.” Her advice to all aspiring musicians is “to thine own self be true.”
As we wait for Christopher’s album to be finished and released, OLY ARTS invites you to listen to her most recent Christmas hit, “Christmas is You” and other hits from her previous album, Gretchen’s Sweet Sixteen (Suite 16). These can be found on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.
WHAT:
Gretchen Christopher’s new album
21: The Times of Our Lives (Tomorrow is Not Promised)
WHEN:
Release date to be determined