Last night I went to see Jennifer Holliday in concert. Katy Perry, Gaga, Britney, Selena et al., take a seat. This woman sings. You lovely young ladies simply push air past your vocal cords.
Ms. Holliday has a sweet and tiny speaking voice but her singing! She becomes possessed. Growling in an impossibly low range then holding a high note for several minutes, she is the most emotional, powerful and controlled singer I have heard.
It’s been 32 years since Ms. Holliday starred as Effie in the original production of Dreamgirls. She’s better today. Even she admits that. “As a 21 year old, I did not know about love or begging for a man. Now when I sing And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, I know what I’m singing about.”
Ms. Holliday also acknowledged her dramatic physical change. She’s downright petite. “I’ve lost nearly 200 pounds. And I’m really hungry!”