GIRLS SCOUT
AN INTERVIEW WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH
By Gregg Shapiro
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Gregg Shapiro: Kristin, the presence of Linda Ronstadt can be felt throughout your new album For The Girls, especially on songs she covered such as “Desperado,” “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” “Crazy,” and “I Will Always Love You.” In terms of your personal music influences, where would you place Linda? Kristin Chenoweth: I’ve got to say that she’s going to be up there with Dolly Parton. She’s going to be up there with Judy Garland. That’s where I place her. Also, I remember when I was growing up, Linda had those Nelson Riddle albums that I wore out. She can do any song there is, and sing like that, and also do Pirates of Penzance. I was impressed with that. It was a career that I’ve always thought, “I want to be like that!” I think I’m lucky because I can do a lot of things and so can she.
GS
Speaking of “I Will Always Love You,” you are joined on that song
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Photos by Gian Andrea Di Stefano
ony and Emmy Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth could potentially have a Grammy Award in her sights with her new album For The Girls (Concord). On her most contemporary pop-oriented studio album in nearly 10 years, Chenoweth pays tribute to several of her musical icons including Judy Garland, Eydie Gorme, Barbra Streisand, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton. Parton herself joins Chenoweth on a roof-raising rendition of the Dixie diva’s “I Will Always Love You.” Other guests joining Chenoweth on the album include Jennifer Hudson, Reba McEntire and Ariana Grande. A longtime friend and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, Chenoweth was kind enough to answer a few questions about the album. by the woman who wrote it, and whom you mentioned, Dolly Parton. What was it like to sing with Dolly?
KC
Just that I could retire now [laughs]. It made my musical life very complete. Honestly, since I was a little kid, it was Dolly Parton. Mainly because I felt like I kind of sounded like her, even the way she talks, and I know she’s petite and from the South. There were a lot of things about her that I understood. I’m also honored to know her not only as an artist but also as a businesswoman. I’ve watched her and learned from her. She does not sell any of the songs she writes! She owns them. When Whitney Houston did “I Will Always Love You” in The Bodyguard – which was an amazing version as well, a real barn burner – you go back to the original source and you listen to that. That’s what I connected with the most. And she’s never sold her music. She’s a smart lady!
