Grammy Award, Academy of Country Music Award and Billboard Music Award winner LeAnn Rimes loves Christmas. In 2015, she brought her "This Is Christmas" tour to Fort Smith in support of her album of the same name and this year -- on Dec. 12 -- the singer makes her debut at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville with her fifth annual outing of the holiday tour.
Known for her powerful vocals on early hits like "Blue" and "How Do I Live," Rimes has continued her wildly successful career over the last two decades with 19 albums -- including two studio Christmas albums and an EP. At the WAC, Rimes will perform a few of her favorite traditional and original holiday songs from across her three recordings, plus some of her biggest hits. Just as the tour was kicking off, Rimes took the time to answer these questions for What's Up!
FAQ
LeAnn Rimes’
‘Today Is Christmas’ Tour
WHEN — 7 p.m. Dec. 12
WHERE — Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville
COST — $45-$75
INFO — 443-5600, waltonartscenter.org
Q. You've done the "Today Is Christmas" tour quite a few times and have recorded three Christmas albums -- what is it about the music of this holiday that draws you in? What makes it so special for you as both a listener and a performer?
A. The holidays are truly my favorite time of the year. The second Halloween passes, I start breaking out the Christmas decorations. There is something about the season, the weather, the spirit of giving, people coming together, and of course the music that makes the holidays so special.
As a performer, music unites people. During my shows on the "Today Is Christmas" tour, people come together from all walks of life and all different backgrounds, and they put their differences aside and come together to enjoy the music. I am thankful that my music can bring joy to so many and to play a part in bringing people together.
Q. How do you approach songs like classic Christmas tunes that have been recorded countless times? Do you try to bring a unique perspective or feeling to the performance?
A. Yes, it is always challenging to make the classics unique and different -- and sometimes we change them up a bit -- [but] some are still so beautiful as they are. I like to mix it up and see what feels good to perform, and as a listener what is attractive to the ear.
Q. What were your Christmases like growing up? Do you have any favorite memories you can share with our readers?
A. Like most other folks ... family, friends, food, music, the decorating, church choirs, Santa -- all of it was all so exciting for me as a child. My godmother Margaret, who is so special to me, was a wonderful influence on my childhood and taught me to treasure these times and keep them close to my heart. That's why I do what I do and why I tour during Christmas: to hopefully bring that joy and wonder to others.
Q. What is important to you now versus early in your career, and how has that evolved as you've progressed as a musician?
A. What is important to me now is music and writing about things that have impacted my life, and hope they touch or impact others. When I was younger, it was hard for me to relate to the words I was singing in "One Way Ticket," for example. But as I have gotten older and experienced more things in life, the words mean so much more to me now, and I can sing them from a different place now.
-- Jocelyn Murphy
jmurphy@nwadg.com
NAN What's Up on 12/10/2017