AMANDA McBROOM ON LUCK AND SUCCESS

WACJ- How long it took you before you became famous?
Amanda: I still find it hard to think of myself as famous. I'll take your word for it. I have been and still am actress. That came first. The singing thing and the writing came much later. The ROSE was the turning point my precognition factor. That would be 1980.
WACJ- What did you do before you reached the top? Did you go through what many other struggling artists experience and suffer from, such as odds jobs, double or triple shifts, trying everything…|knocking on impresarios and agents doors and such?
Amanda: I have been blessed with luck always. I take no responsibility for it. I have never worked in any other field than entertainment. I have been an actress since I was 10 years old. I still struggle. All artists do. All people do. And I still can't get in MANY impresarios' doors!
WACJ- When and what was your first big break?
Amanda: THE ROSE was my big musical break in 1980.
WACJ- Was it luck, right time/right place, talent or something else?
Amanda: A gift from Heaven...All of the above.
WACJ- And then, what did you do first or what did you decide to do right after your first break and great success?
Amanda: Kept trying to write more songs and get through impresarios' doors.
WACJ--Amanda, what does success mean to you?
Amanda: Another BIG question.  Professional success???? To have offers on your table without having to keep auditioning and submitting over and over again. To have a name people respect. Personal success...Health, happiness, just enough divine discontent to keep you creatively hungry.
WACJ- Frank Sinatra once said "Of course, it was luck at the beginning but hey, once you are in, you got to have talent." Is it always like this in show business or the way around?
Amanda: It is not always like this....And luck has everything to do with it. There millions of extremely talented people we will never have the privilege to experience because luck was not there to meet them.
WACJ- How do you explain and define your success?
Amanda: I don't know. Luck, of course. And, I guess, the ability to exchange feelings with others in a simple, clear way. Someone told me I let people know we all feel the same way about certain things, and there is great comfort in knowing you are not alone.
WACJ- What did you do to get noticed?
Amanda: After THE ROSE, for a while.
WACJ- And then?
Amanda: I disappeared again.
WACJ- Did your good looks help you in your career?
Amanda: You think I'm good looking? Bless your sweet heart, as we say in Texas! I don't think I was beautiful enough  or young enough to make a huge splash when my opportunity came. But I am not complaining. I am beyond happy with my life, with my art, and that you wanted to ask me ALL THESE QUESTIONS!

 

AMANDA McBROOM ON AUDIENCE, FANS AND PEOPLE
WACJ- Describe your audience, the people who go to see you?
Amanda: All ages, grandmas to teenagers. I always expect the older folks...always delighted by those young ones.
WACJ- While performing, do you look at your fans, at their faces, exchange expressions with them or you just focus on your artistic performance?
Amanda: I always love to make eye contact. It's a mutual art form, singing. A two person deal.
WACJ- Which faces attract you most? Faces that catch you attention ?
Amanda: People who are looking and listening intently.
WACJ--What do you see in people? All kind of people, fans, admirers, business associates, famous and obscure ones?
Amanda: YesWACJ- And then, what you do?
Amanda: Sing to them even more.
WACJ- Who approaches you more frequently? Who expresses more admiration toward you, men or women, young or adult?
Amanda: It seems to be pretty much across the board. And an equal amount male and female.
WACJ- Why is that?
Amanda: I think I am safe and friendly.
WACJ- Who is your best audience?
Amanda: The one that comes wanting to feel, laugh, and listen.
WACJ- Why?
Amanda: They're the ones who give back.
WACJ- Is it true, you don't like "encores"?
Amanda: Hardly. I love encores! Who told you that?  Ask, and I will sing till you tell me to go home.
WACJ- Amanda, if you had to choose between a "Grand Entrance" or "Grand Finale", which one, would you choose?
Amanda: Finale.
WACJ- Why?
Amanda: I like to sneak up on people...make them think they're safe...and then take them for a long, exciting musical ride.
WACJ- Do you get mad sometimes?
Amanda: Sure.                                                            WACJ- What makes you mad?
Amanda: Cruelty. Hypocrisy. Rudeness.
WACJ--And do you make people mad at You?
Amanda: I'm sure I do. Not often.
WACJ- What do you do to make them mad?
Amanda:It.varies.                                                  WACJ- Do you follow fashion?
Amanda: Somewhat. I don't have the body for most modern styles...I'm afraid, I'm built like a regular woman.
But I have my own style.

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