By Debbie Stevens

The British invasion had ended and the Beatles had left their mark on the world forever.

The Vietnam war was finally over, the 'hippies' quietly retreating, but what lay in the waiting, was a sound destined to wake us all and bring everyone to their feet!

For those of us that remember the early seventies, it was a strange but wonderful place to be, and the music made us feel alive!

Just think of songs such as "Dance little Lady Dance" and "I love to Love"....like disco music, Tina Charles had arrived to add more spark into our steps.

The best news is, she's back!

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DS: Most of your fans would recall your songs and your great success. Would you share your early days, and where it all began?

TC: I started singing at the age of four. My first public appearance was at the tender age of 15 where I was the lead singer in a band entertaining American NCO's at a base in Ruislip.

At the age of 15, Tina recorded four singles with CBS at Chapels Studio in London, one of which 'Good To Be Alive' had the backing vocals of an unknown young man called Reg Dwight, later known as the one and only Elton John - "I can see him now coming in and asking me what I thought of his new crocodile shoes!"

Most of the time I was working with The Tony Evans Orchestra and was performing at the Empire Leicester Square six nights a week.

I was the lead singer on “I’m on fire” with 5000 volts.

Tina started singing before she could walk; however, started to hit the right notes during her time at Coroner Academy of Arts and Drama.

DS: Was this the only time you supported another artist? 

TC: I went on a National and European tour with Englebert Humperdink, Tom Jones and Gilbert O’Sullivan.

DS: The United States was dominating the charts during the 'disco era'. How did you make your way onto the scene as a solo artist?  

TC: “I love to Love” was number 1 within 3 weeks of release; CBS promoted the single worldwide.

DS: Was this a challenge, and if so, how did you break down the barriers?

TC: I didn’t believe there were any barriers for me to break down; the challenge was allowing my natural ability to be recognised.

DS: Who were you listening to?  

TC: Diana Ross, Dusty Springfield and the Jacksons.

DS: Did you find any inspiration from other musicians/artists?  

TC: Diana Ross and Dusty Springfield inspired me to become a professional.

DS: In early 1976, "I Love to love" (But my baby just loves to dance) was #1 on the UK charts. Can you remember your first reaction to the news?  

TC: In a word Ecstatic!

DS: During the seventies, here in Australia you ranked well in our charts, and in our nightclubs. During those years, did you ever travel/tour overseas?  

TC: I travelled the whole world touring, then having my  baby boy “Max” I came home from touring. The last place I visited was Singapore, instead of going on to Australia

DS: As a 'baby boomer', I know almost all of your songs. How many were there in total, and did you have any favourites?  

TC: I really have never actually counted the number of songs I recorded; however, I recall recording three Sony Albums “I’m on Fire”, “I love to Love”, and “Love me like a lover”.

DS: If you could go back in time and make any changes, what would they be, and why?  

TC: With hindsight, I would like to have had a manager looking after my interest. During the seventies it was very different with the demands placed upon you.

DS: It's great to hear you're back in the recording studios! What can you tell us about this latest project?  

TC: “Listen 2 the Music” is the title of my new album, consisting of some of my favourite songs. I am in the process of recording a bonus track “Feels like Sunday” written by Jack Robinson who wrote “I love to Love”.

I have not released a new album for 30 years. I wanted to record the tracks with real musicians, real instruments and songs that are full of emotion. I certainly did not want to rely on computers as some music has today.

To see more of Tina Charles, stop over to her Official website:

http://www.tinacharles.com

www.myspace.com/tinacharles  

from :  http://debra2760.tripod.com/globalmusicstar/tina.htm