Elaine Paige, the celebrated singer and actor, has shared her most personal musical choices, revealing the songs that have shaped her life and career. In an exclusive interview, she discusses everything from her first musical love to the song she would want at her funeral.
First Musical Love and Early Influences
Paige's first musical love was the Everly Brothers' 'All I Have to Do Is Dream,' which she sang with a schoolfriend when she was just 11 or 12. She sang the harmony part while her friend took the melody. This early experience foreshadowed a life in music that would span decades.
The first single she ever bought was Perry Como's 'Magic Moments,' purchased from a record shop in Barnet High Street for her mother's birthday. Her mother was a fan of crooners like Perry Como, Andy Williams, and Matt Monro, a taste that influenced Paige's own musical appreciation.
Karaoke and Stage Fright
Paige's only karaoke experience was on holiday in Nice, where after a dinner with too much rosé, she ended up singing Édith Piaf's 'Hymne à l'amour' – fitting, as she was about to play Piaf in the West End. Her friend sang 'Fools Rush In.'
She also recalls a terrifying moment in 1968 during the run of 'Hair' when she had to go on at short notice for the lead, Jeanie, who was off. Despite the panic, she knew every word of 'Air,' a song she still knows by heart.
Party Songs and Unforgettable Tracks
When it comes to party playlists, Paige chooses the Police's 'Roxanne,' saying she loved the band from the get-go. For more intimate moments, she admits a penchant for Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game,' though she coyly adds she's not saying she's tried it.
One song she can no longer listen to is 'Shall We Dance?' from 'The King and I.' After her co-star Jason Scott Lee pulled out after three months, she had to dance with a series of different kings while wearing a huge crinoline dress, thick stockings, suspenders, corsets, and layers of underwear – a memory she'd rather forget.
Morning Rituals and Life-Changing Songs
Paige wakes up to Radio 4, then switches to Radio 3, being a big Mozart fan. One of the first things she ever sang in public was a Mozart aria, 'Deh vieni, non tardar' from 'The Marriage of Figaro.'
The song that changed her life is 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' from 'Evita.' She credits it with her entire career, saying, 'without it, I probably wouldn't be talking to you today.'
Emotional Connections and Funeral Choices
'Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye' by Cole Porter makes her cry, as it reminds her of her mother. Her father was an estate agent who also had a band, the Arcadians, and would go out gigging. She and her mother would wave him off, then listen to records on the radiogram.
For her funeral, Paige hesitates, saying she doesn't want to think about it. But she suggests George Michael's cover of 'The Long and Winding Road,' as she was a huge fan and found his voice beautiful.
Elaine Paige's new album, 'Miscellaneous Paige,' is out now.
