The queen of British soul is back! Jaki Graham, who was the first black British female artist to have six top 20 hits, makes her return to the music scene with a brand new album, When A Woman Loves. Showcasing warmth and strength of character, the album is a fabulous testament to life, and gives fans more than a touch of the fabulous energy that helped to build her career in the 1980s. She spoke to Pride about what to expect from her new music, and how she’s managed to keep her big voice intact.
Hi Jaki – loving the new tunes! If you could pick, which songs are you most excited for the fans to hear?
Jaki Graham: Well, the album really is a journey. Lots of the inspiration came about during a difficult time: when my husband had a major heart surgery, a few years ago. We nearly lost him. I want it to have meaning for things in general that happen in a lot of people’s lives, whether it be financial, whether it be a loss or you’ve gained something or whatever it is, the whole journey is one. But the title track, ‘When A Woman Loves’ – I heard it and immediately said, ‘That’s me’.
As someone who has been in the music game for a long time, what have been some of the biggest changes you’ve seen, over the years?
JG: When we used to record, it was reel to reel, in a studio with a disc and all sorts. The kids are so bright now, and technology has moved on so much that, you know, things can get done from a laptop in someone’s bedroom! It’s all so tricky, and things are different from when I really started off, gigging in the Eighties. I’m still learning my craft; I’m still learning and I’m still growing. It’s just another world, baby girl.
Jaki Graham – Queen of Soul
Let’s go right back to the beginning. When did you first realise you had a talent?
JG: I suppose back in school, things like Top of the Pops, it was a big thing in our lives growing up. You’re hearing music and seeing them on the TV and doing their thing, and you’re watching and you’re in front of your mirror with a hair brush trying to emulate them. So I’ve always had that. But when I did some little concert at school, I think that’s when it really came out. Teachers and people at school were noticing me, like “okay, where did she come from”.
Me and my hubby went to school together, so at like 15 he got me started with local bands. The local Birmingham newspaper would be saying “soul singer wanted” and he put me forward for it without me knowing, so from that point on, I was working with bands, my darling. That’s where I learnt my craft.
Now, the way the kids are doing it, maybe getting on TV and doing that first, when they get out in the real world and have to do gigs, and the sound equipment isn’t as good as on production TV, it’s a little bit of a learning process. But I’ve done all that: I was a glorified roadie, as well as the singer in the band. I like to think that that my apprenticeship was there – but I’m still learning to this day.
Sadly with a lot of singers, it’s hard to keep your voice after a decade or so. How have you managed to keep up your vocals?
JG: I don’t know how I do what I do, darling! (She chuckes.) I like to think that I was sensible along the way, you know? I don’t drink to excess – I like a drink, don’t get me wrong, but you have to be sensible. But, you hear people saying that you shouldn’t have milk, or chocolate, or cheese because it harms your voice – I’ve never bothered! People say, ‘you should warm up before you sing,’ and that’s something I’ve never really done. But I’m older now – and I’m trying to pick up some tips. Rest, and a lot of fluids.
Jaki’s brand new album, ‘When A Woman Loves’, is out now
