Crystal Waters came from singing royalty; her dad, Junior Waters, had a hit record in 1960 and appeared on American Bandstand and her great aunt, Ethel Waters, was a Grammy Hall of Fame inductee. Her first major hit, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” hit the charts in 1991 and she has not looked back since. In addition to this, Crystal does a lot of advocacy work. She is involved with the homeless as well as with Fair Play for Airplay. It was my pleasure to sit down with Crystal for an exclusive interview.
When was the first time you sang for people?
It was in 1991 at the Palladium. That was my first show in front of an audience. I had performed on TV shows overseas, but this was the first major event for me and the first time I took a drink of scotch because I needed to calm down.
When and how did you decide to sing professionally?
I always loved music. I was working at the DC Parole Board and I was unhappy with my life so I went to a psychic who told me I was supposed to be doing something with my voice. After that I got a job as a background singer. Once I went into the studio to record I knew this was it!
How did it feel the first time you heard your song on the radio?
It was strange as I had a Walkman on and heard it as I was walking to work. I was in the middle of the street and it was a shock to my system. It is still weird to this day!
You have travelled all over the world. What is your favorite city and what is your favorite concert venue and why?
Frankfurt Germany, is my favorite city because I have made so many friends there and I love the town square. As for venues, I can’t pick one but one but my favorites are the outdoor festivals, especially gay prides.
“100% Pure Love” was one of the longest charting singles on the Hot 100, lasting 45 weeks. How did that feel and how did it affect your career?
“100%” started very slow and we really thought it was going to disappear, so it was really unexpected and very exciting. Everyone thought I was going to be a one hit wonder after “Gypsy Woman,” so “100%” really gave me longevity in the music world.
You have recorded for 3 different record labels (Mercury Records, Strictly Rhythm and Ministry of Sound ). What was the difference in working with these 3 companies and do you have a favorite?
Those were major record labels and I was under contract and had to stick to their rules and regulations. Now I am a freelance artist, so I am not tied down to anyone so I can work with as many labels as I want on individual projects.
Your talent and brand has sustained over 20 years. How do you continue to entertain your fan base and how do you engage new fans?
I always pride myself on having a good show and I think that’s what accounts for my longevity with my fans. As for new fans, I think I am garnering them with my new music and with the fact that I am very entrenched in the social marketing websites.
When did you realize you had a gay following and what are your feelings toward and for the gay community?
From day 1 at the Palladium. I always appreciated the gay community because they have stuck with me from the beginning. I have learned a lot from the gay community, even how to put my make up on from the drag queens. I consider myself very lucky to have them as a fan base!
Tell me about ClubHeadsRadio.com?
It is an internet radio station I started because it was hard to get good dance music. I also wanted an outlet for the DJs and artists. It’s a global space for international DJs and we get music from all over the world and all the record companies. You should all check it out as it is free to listen and there is new music every week.
What’s ahead for Crystal Waters?
Well, I am planning on making ClubHeadsRadio.com even better than it already is and I am working on Club Heads TV, which I am currently pitching to television. I also have some new releases coming out this year.
Catch Crystal Waters performing live at Georgie’s Alibi St Pete on Saturday, January 30th at 11 pm.
