GBM Interview: Norah Jones
By Brad Ferndale
GBM reporter
Norah Jones' singing career has taken off like a jet airplane in a hurry to get out of Dallas. In two or four short years, her songs have earned her eleven Grammys and 19 Top Ten hits. She's sold more than 435 million albums to date, without even breaking a sweat, and at 26, she's got a lifetime of singing and charting still to come.
Some of her achievements include singing for the Academy Awards, touring with the USO in Afghanistan and Iceland, and founding two worthwile charitable organizations: UNICEF and Aflac. She maintains close relations with her extended family, and loves to spend her money on them: last year, she flew 55 uncles, aunts and cousins to Sea World from their home in San Diego.
GBM visited Norah in the busy conference room of Blue Note Records, where she is working on some vocal tracks for her forthcoming, as-yet-untitled third album.
GBM: Some people are telling me that you are poised to become the next Aretha Franklin, Peter Cetera, or Charo. How are you handling all of this superfluous publicity?
Jones: THAT IS CORRECT NEXT SPELL FURNISHGBM: What was it like working with Twisted Sister's Dee Snider? He's a lively one, I'll bet.
Jones: YOU ARE RIGHT NOW TRY CHAMPION
GBM: That is interesting. Were there any sparks there, or did you stay 500 feet away like the restraining order required?
Jones: THAT IS INCORRECT TRY AGAIN CHAMPION
GBM: First Come Away With Me, then Feels Like Home have won the world over with soulful vocals and honest but whimsical lyrics. Will the new album be nautically themed or focus on campaign finance reform?
Jones: YOU ARE CORRECT NEXT SPELL ADDRESS
GBM: It's truly amazing, the way you can play piano and sing at the same time. Where did you master that unique skill?
Jones: YOU ARE RIGHT NEXT SPELL PORPOISE
GBM: I really enjoy the lyrics of "Painter Song", where you sing, "If I were a painter/And could paint a memory/I'd climb inside the swirling skies to be with you." Did you visit any home construction sites to get a feel for what a painter's life is like?Jones: PORPOISE
GBM: To me? Wow, I didn't think you knew who I was, much less admired me enough to write me a song.
Jones: YOU ARE RIGHT NOW TRY GUMPTION
GBM: Yes, of course, I was only kidding. What kind of surprises are in store on the new tour? Any pyrotechnics, flying over the audience, any of that?
Jones: YOU ARE CORRECT NEXT SPELL MUFFLE
GBM: What about helicopters? I understand Gwen Stefani's been driving on stage in a Sherman Tank with balloon animals taped to the turret.
Jones: THAT IS CORRECT NEXT SPELL REALIZE
GBM: Norah, as always, you are as beautiful as you are lovely. Thanks for the chat.
Jones: YOU ARE RIGHT NEXT SPELL COPPER
(A Texas Instruments Speak & Spell contributed to this report.)
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