Tom Petty:  Runnin’ Down a Dream

Tom Petty: Runnin’ Down a Dream

I listened to a bunch of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in high school and college, but the soundtrack to my freshman year of college was Petty’s debut solo album, Full Moon Fever. I’d listen to the cd from top to bottom, only skipping over the ridiculous...
Jake Heggie:  The Moon’s Lullaby

Jake Heggie: The Moon’s Lullaby

I had the great pleasure of singing Three Decembers with Frederica von Stade at Chicago Opera Theater some years ago. The role of Madeline Mitchell was written for her and she premiered it in Houston a few years before we remounted the original production in Chicago....

Brandi Carlisle: Raise Hell

For the longest time, Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson (hosts of NPR’s All Songs Considered) were my podcasting companions on road trips and flights. They introduced me to Fleet Foxes, Arcade Fire, The Head and the Heart, The Civil Wars, and Dirty Projectors. Perhaps...
John Charles Thomas sings The Lord’s Prayer

John Charles Thomas sings The Lord’s Prayer

I started studying with the distinguished voice teacher Marlena Malas in 2002. She had a great influence on my life and I love her dearly, and in the years we worked together I learned everything I now know about beautiful singing. One of the perks of studying with...