Sheena Easton, whose career spanned four decades, was born in Bellshill, Scotland, the youngest of six children. She is the proud mother of two children of her own, Jake and Skylar. Her recording career has included Gold and Platinum albums in the United States, Europe and Asia. She has sold over 20 million records worldwide, and has received two Grammys, and was the first – and still only – artist to have top five records on five major Billboard charts. In addition to her recording success, Sheena is a top concert attraction around the world.
Sheena also has a list of notable acting credits including a five-episode appearance on Miami Vice, a co-starring role opposite Stacy Keach in a John Carpenter-directed trilogy for Showtime titled “Body Bags,” as a guest star in the syndicated cult series “The Highlander,” and a starring role in UPN’s “Ghost Stories.” Other appearances have included guest roles on “Brisco County” and “Tech Wars,” as well as a starring role in Showtime’s “Outer Limits.”
On Broadway, Sheena starred as Aldonza/Dulcinea in “Man of La Mancha” opposite the late Raul Julia’s “Don Quixote.” Throughout its yearlong run, the play remained one of the top five grossing hits at the box office. She also starred on Broadway as Rizzo in the hit musical “Grease.” The 2017 season saw Sheena’s return to the UK as she starred as Dorothy Brock in “42nd Street” at the Theatre Royal in London’s West End.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Sheena Easton (fan boy-ing a little bit) for this Hotspots exclusive interview just days before her appearance at Mizner park on Saturday May 3 for 2 shows: 6:30pm and 8pm.
At what age did singing become an interest of yours and when did you know singing was going to officially be your career?
I have always sung since I was a little kid. It was in my body. I never consciously thought of it, I just always sang. When I was a teenager, I knew I would make an attempt to make this my career.
Who were your inspirations in the recording industry?
I listened to such a broad collection of artists. I was the youngest of 6 in my family and everyone was into music, and it was playing constantly. Therefore, I was exposed to so many different styles, from 40’s music, to opera, to 70’s rock bands, and the singer songwriters, so I had many inspirations, but when I discovered Barbara Streisand she blew my mind.
I know it was a long time ago, but do you remember how it felt to win the Grammy for Best New Artist?
Shocked and it’s one of those things that took me by surprise. You psych yourself out not to win, and I genuinely didn’t expect to get it…it really was a thrill to be nominated. I was just so happy to have some success in this crazy business but to get he Grammy blew me away.
You have performed all over the world. Do you have some favorite cities or venues?
I don’t travel as much as now I have a balanced life. I do have to say I have performed in a great deal of countries, and I have always loved performing in Japan, they are such a loyal fan base., I also love London. Doing the West End (theater) there for a year was an amazing experience.
You have also collaborated with many performers; do you have any favorites that stand out to you?
Oh yeah, Prince! It was just an amazing experience every time we worked together. The privilege of being in the room and watching him work was magical.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I’m a gamer…a very serious video gamer! I love World of Warcraft, I like role playing open format.
Describe yourself in three words.
Do you ever really know yourself honestly enough to describe yourself?
What do you do for fun?
I love to go out and see nature, so my favorite vacations are in Tahoe. My other favorite thing is 4 hour lunches with my friends. Being with the people I love is what it’s all about!
Are you excited about coming to South Florida and what should our readers expect from your performance(s)?
I’m always excited, as I just love working and performing live. In the old days I was so self-conscious, and now I love it and I love my band, and I love seeing the look on the fans faces when you start a song and you can see that is the song they came to hear…I am looking forward to seeing that in Florida!
What does the future hold for Sheena Easton?
God Knows, but I think I am at a point in my life that I am much more relaxed than I have ever been. I work but not so much that I am burning myself out. I have a good balance of family life, work, and private time. I keep my mind open for the future. We shall see.
To purchase tickets for either of Sheena’s show on Saturday, May 3 at the Studio at Mizner park, which starts at only $39, go to: https://thestudioatmiznerpark.com/events/sheena-easton/.
