Vanessa Williams reflects on her multifaceted, decade-spanning career ahead of McCallum Theatre show

Singer, film and television actress, Broadway star, activist, author, host and media personality: Vanessa Williams has one of entertainment’s most varied resumes, and has achieved success in a variety of artistic fields. She will be gracing the McCallum Theatre stage Saturday, performing many of her hit records, some Broadway highlights and a few personal favorites.

The Desert Sun spoke with Williams recently about her life and career, and what continues to motivate and inspire her.

The Desert Sun: Vanessa, we’re looking forward to your performance on Saturday evening at the McCallum. In putting the show together, how do you go about picking the song set?

Vanessa Williams: Well, I always try to figure out who the audience will be. For an evening with, say, the National Urban League, I’ll do something that’s a little R&B heavy. I have certain performances that are all symphonic, so I make sure to pick songs that can highlight those beautiful arrangements. Sometimes, it’s just a solo band, so we make those adjustments. 

Since we are so close to Los Angeles, do you work with certain L.A.-based back-up singers and musicians?

Oh, all the back-up singers that I have worked with, they’re all moms now, so I need to figure out who’s nursing and who needs to get their kids to school, etc.  As far as musicians go, it really is the same rotation. My musicians, they are all brilliant and have their own music careers. It’s always fun to get together and reconnect.

Before we move on to discuss your work, I can’t overlook that today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  What’s especially significant about today for you? 

It is an area of frustration. I was only 2 years old when The Voting Rights Act passed. I was crowned Miss America and I thought, it’s 20 years later, we’ve made some progress. But then I’m confronted with severe hate and death threats because of who I was as a representative of Blackness in America. And now, it’s still the same. The discord is still palpable. What Martin Luther King, Jr. represented was resilience. Never stopping and never giving up. We all have dreams for equality and inclusion, but you can’t give up the fight. There’s still more work to be done. That’s the sad part of the reality.

Last year, we lost two legendary entertainment figures, Cicely Tyson and Stephen Sondheim, both of whom you worked closely with. Can you describe those experiences, and what those collaborations meant to you?

Oh, both were real trailblazers! The fortunate thing for me was that I got a chance to listen to their wisdom. Just being in the room with them and soaking up how they operate was instrumental. I worked with Cicely three times in my career, most recently in “The Trip to Bountiful” on Broadway and then in the television production. “Sounder” and “Roots” and “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” were all pivotal in my early family viewing in terms of history and of watching an acting master at work. With Stephen, I think it’s that we all got a chance to live with his thoughts. The stories he told through his work are so instructional about life. Like in “Children Will Listen” from “Into the Woods,” where he talked about how we can be devastated by others’ cruelty, and then distance ourselves from that pain and turn it into beauty.

Let’s go back now. It’s 1992, and “Save the Best for Last” was the No. 1 song in America for five weeks. How did that make you feel at the time, and how does it feel in retrospect? 

You know, when I’m in the moment, I’m always already looking for what’s next. I certainly see myself as a futurist. It’s hard for me to relish in glory, because there is always something that you will need to overcome. But, back in 1992, I traveled around the world promoting “Save the Best.” I was 29, and already a mother of two. But, yes, it was wonderful! Both Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler passed on the opportunity to record the song. The songwriters were dubious about having me do it, even though “Dreamin’” had already been a rather successful ballad for me. But, eventually, it ended up being just a huge win-win for everyone across the board.

From being on television to hosting an event, doing a concert date, acting in a film, being interviewed — all with four children and a husband. Are you doing it all? Can you have it all? 

It’s certainly easier now that I’m older. I’m an empty nester, so I don’t have to juggle school activities and my schedule. Also, I come from a family with a very strong work ethic. To me, jumping off a red-eye and doing a performance and then going on to the next thing is a bit of a no-brainer. I take care of my body and I’m not running myself ragged. But I do love the variety! That’s the bottom line ... I love doing lots of different things. It’s what energizes me. 

I don’t know if there is another performer out there that’s into such an assortment of activities.

Jennifer Lopez! Now she’s the perfect example!

You've received 10 Grammy nominations, four Emmy nominations, a Tony nomination, and your song, “Colors of the Wind,” from “Pocahontas,” won the Oscar. Does the recognition from your peers in the industry mean something to you?

It is special. Many of us feel sometimes like outsiders, that we are not worthy. But, for instance, with “Ugly Betty” and three back-to-back Emmy nominations, that was wonderful. Same thing with the recording industry. I got the Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and for several of my songs in both the Pop and R&B categories. But there’s always the question in the back of your mind: does the industry really accept me as an artist? Then the reality sets in for me, which is … in the end, I really don’t care. I’m very proud of my achievements and I am going to always do the best I can. 

You’ve certainly traveled down your own road. Now, you’re such a consummate and dedicated professional, but tell us: what’s the ideal Vanessa Williams vacation?

I’ve done two yachting adventures to Greece and Croatia. I think that’s my jam! You’ve got the freedom to go anywhere, and you have an amazing staff and crew. It’s very nice to be wined and dined.

And the perfect Vanessa Williams day?

Oh, the New York Times crossword puzzle with a nice cup of coffee. Then, a kickboxing class followed by lunch with a girlfriend. A delicious Nicoise Salad with a side of french fries and a glass of Sancerre. And later in the evening, going to the theater and taking in a show.

Lastly, Vanessa, which do prefer?  Singing or acting? Or both?

Well actually, I’d have to say … dancing!

Vanessa Williams performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at The McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.

Sergio Garcia is a contributor for The Desert Sun who focuses on charities and acts of goodwill in the community. He’s also a big Vanessa Williams fan. You can reach him at sergio071364@aol.com.