What if Mary had recorded " holiday" ?

[nomis]

In early 1983 dj john jellybean benitz had a demo of a song called holiday he offered it to Mary to record she declined telling him it wasn't up to much it was ultimately recorded by a then pretty unknown club artist called madonna...it would become her first top 20 u.s. hit and she would make her american tv debut singing the track on american bandstand ,....in the u.k the songs hit was staggering charting in the top 10 on three separate occasions '84 then again in '85 and again in '91...benitz would tease Mary everytime he saw her after madonna got it and she would laugh and say " I know I know "..would it have worked for Mary ? And launched solo chart success for her ? Was her voice right for the track ?...

[Ollie9]

In early 1983 dj john jellybean benitz had a demo of a song called holiday he offered it to Mary to record she declined telling him it wasn't up to much it was ultimately recorded by a then pretty unknown club artist called madonna...it would become her first top 20 u.s. hit and she would make her american tv debut singing the track on american bandstand ,....in the u.k the songs hit was staggering charting in the top 10 on three separate occasions '84 then again in '85 and again in '91...benitz would tease Mary everytime he saw her after madonna got it and she would laugh and say " I know I know "..would it have worked for Mary ? And launched solo chart success for her ? Was her voice right for the track ?...

I think it might have gone on to become a hit, but not nearly the success it was for Madonna. Probably a bigger club hit as opposed to pop.
Madonna was young and relatively new to the scene. Her youthful, high pitched voice lent the song the energy it needed. It’s nice that Mary could laugh about it..
I wish it could have been the lead single on Ross 83. It would have gone down a storm in Central Park. [[No pun intended).

[Bluebrock]

I think it might have gone on to become a hit, but not nearly the success it was for Madonna. Probably a bigger club hit as opposed to pop.
Madonna was young and relatively new to the scene. Her youthful, high pitched voice lent the song the energy it needed. It’s nice that Mary could laugh about it..
I wish it could have been the lead single on Ross 83. It would have gone down a storm in Central Park. [[No pun intended).

It would have suited Diana's voice much better than Mary's, but i am glad it was given to Madonna.
Both Diana and Mary were too old at this point to be performing a youthful ditty such as this. I don't believe it would have been a hit for either lady.

[djessie]

It would have suited Diana's voice much better than Mary's, but i am glad it was given to Madonna.
Both Diana and Mary were too old at this point to be performing a youthful ditty such as this. I don't believe it would have been a hit for either lady.

I agree 100%. I´m sure it would have fitted Diana´s voice better than Mary´s but it was perfect for Madonna.

[Ollie9]

It would have suited Diana's voice much better than Mary's, but i am glad it was given to Madonna.
Both Diana and Mary were too old at this point to be performing a youthful ditty such as this. I don't believe it would have been a hit for either lady.

I think with Nile Rodgers at the helm it could have worked for Diana.. Beefed up bass line and guitar licks a plenty would have lent it a more funky, sophisticated feel.
I can imagine Diana conducting a huge singalong with the Central Park crowd. Everybody together “HOLIDAY”.
It certainly would have proved a bigger crowd pleaser then “Pieces Of Ice”.

[lucky2012]

I think with Nile Rodgers at the helm it could have worked for Diana.. Beefed up bass line and guitar licks a plenty would have lent it a more funky, sophisticated feel.
I can imagine Diana conducting a huge singalong with the Central Park crowd. Everybody together “HOLIDAY”.
It certainly would have proved a bigger crowd pleaser then “Pieces Of Ice”.

Interesting points! I agree, Ollie.

[Bluebrock]

I think with Nile Rodgers at the helm it could have worked for Diana.. Beefed up bass line and guitar licks a plenty would have lent it a more funky, sophisticated feel.
I can imagine Diana conducting a huge singalong with the Central Park crowd. Everybody together “HOLIDAY”.
It certainly would have proved a bigger crowd pleaser then “Pieces Of Ice”.

Not sure i agree Ollie. The standard of his production on Workin Overtime was shockingly bad. Without Bernard he just wrote tunes that were either bang average and /or were in the wrong key for Diana.
I know he was under the influence during the sessions, but he had seemingly forgotten how to write or choose a song sympathetic to Diana's vocal strengths.
I am not sure Diana would have accepted the song at that stage of her career. She was already too old for such fodder, as indeed she was for Girls. That ill thought out ditty was bad enough.

[sup_fan]

Not sure i agree Ollie. The standard of his production on Workin Overtime was shockingly bad. Without Bernard he just wrote tunes that were either bang average and /or were in the wrong key for Diana.
I know he was under the influence during the sessions, but he had seemingly forgotten how to write or choose a song sympathetic to Diana's vocal strengths.
I am not sure Diana would have accepted the song at that stage of her career. She was already too old for such fodder, as indeed she was for Girls. That ill thought out ditty was bad enough.

lolol well you know i sort of like Girls. for the period and times, i think it works. it's superficial and more style than substance.

[lucky2012]

I clearly remember the first time I heard Madonna's Holiday in 1983. I didn't like it. More than repetitive and boring, it was irritating. I've since learned to like it and its importance to her career.

I don't know if Mary could have had a big hit with Holiday. Her voice is just not that distinctive or special. Neither is Madonna's, but her youthfulness helped.

The other song I initially found too repetitive, boring and irritating was Donna Summer's I Feel Love. I soon learned to love it! It's a landmark recording for Donna and dance music history.

[sup_fan]

this would have been a disaster for Mary. her voice is too smokey and thick for such a lightweight pop confection

Diana's voice was more appropriate for the tune but by 83 or so it would be too teeny bopper for her.

[Ollie9]

I

Diana's voice was more appropriate for the tune but by 83 or so it would be too teeny bopper for her.

What even more then say “Girls”.

[Bluebrock]

I

What even more then say “Girls”.

That was one dire song. It spoils an otherwise very listenable album.

[Nitro2015]

That was one dire song. It spoils an otherwise very listenable album.

I agree with you. The 1983 album is one of my favorite ones.

To be fair, songs like "Love Will Make It Right", "Let's Go Up", "You Do It" and "Love Or Loneliness" are top quality recordings. They are among Diana's best 80's songs.

I also love "Pieces Of Ice". It is so atmospheric, artsy and contemporary for 1983. Not sure if it is lead single material, probably not...and I know the lyrics are a bit off. But I do love the song!!!!


"Upfront", I like the production, but I'm not crazy about the song. But I don't dislike either.

"That's How You Start Over" is a bit bland, like most of her previous RCA stuff, but I don't dislike it. It could have been better produced.

"Girls" is the only really weak song on the record.

As for "Holiday"... unfortunately, it would not fit the album!!!! I can see it on 1980's diana - it had "Have Fun [[Again)" - but not really in 1983's Ross. It doesn't go with the overall feel of the record.

But something interesting here is the analogy between Madonna and Diana's suitability for the same song. I always thought Madonna was some kind of Ross-reincarnation for radio. And I know Madonna was very inspired by Diana. Diana's voice is much better, for sure, and Miss Ross is a much better vocalist, but both have a very similar presence in pop/soul/dance records, perfectly suited for radio.

[sup_fan]

I agree with you. The 1983 album is one of my favorite ones.

To be fair, songs like "Love Will Make It Right", "Let's Go Up", "You Do It" and "Love Or Loneliness" are top quality recordings. They are among Diana's best 80's songs.

I also love "Pieces Of Ice". It is so atmospheric, artsy and contemporary for 1983. Not sure if it is lead single material, probably not...and I know the lyrics are a bit off. But I do love the song!!!!


"Upfront", I like the production, but I'm not crazy about the song. But I don't dislike either.

"That's How You Start Over" is a bit bland, like most of her previous RCA stuff, but I don't dislike it. It could have been better produced.

"Girls" is the only really weak song on the record.

As for "Holiday"... unfortunately, it would not fit the album!!!! I can see it on 1980's diana - it had "Have Fun [[Again)" - but not really in 1983's Ross. It doesn't go with the overall feel of the record.

But something interesting here is the analogy between Madonna and Diana's suitability for the same song. I always thought Madonna was some kind of Ross-reincarnation for radio. And I know Madonna was very inspired by Diana. Diana's voice is much better, for sure, and Miss Ross is a much better vocalist, but both have a very similar presence in pop/soul/dance records, perfectly suited for radio.

good assessment of the Ross 83 tracks.

overall i think the album is good. all of the songs are contemporary and fortunately she'd finally gotten over those nostalgia songs like So Close and Fools

my biggest complaint of the album were the lukewarm vocals. it's like she's singing at 80% rather than 100%. the opening [[That's How You Start Over) is an energetic track that was perfect for track 1. But Diana doesn't really come alive until the fade when she finally starts ad libbing and giving it some oomph.

Had she done that on some of the more up beat songs, then her more mellow reading of songs like Love Will Make It Right provides a lovely contrast. but without the peaks on the higher energy songs, it makes the whole album just never really go to that next level

[copley]

The right singer got the right song, the rest is history. Mary did have a turntable hit in the UK with 'Don't Get Mad Get Even' which was huge in the clubs. I bought it but not many did. It was an Ian Levine production which held it back. With a different producer and musicians she would have had a hit.

[jobeterob]

The 80's were classic for crappy music as well!

[Nitro2015]

In early 1983 dj john jellybean benitz had a demo of a song called holiday he offered it to Mary to record she declined telling him it wasn't up to much it was ultimately recorded by a then pretty unknown club artist called madonna...it would become her first top 20 u.s. hit and she would make her american tv debut singing the track on american bandstand ,....in the u.k the songs hit was staggering charting in the top 10 on three separate occasions '84 then again in '85 and again in '91...benitz would tease Mary everytime he saw her after madonna got it and she would laugh and say " I know I know "..would it have worked for Mary ? And launched solo chart success for her ? Was her voice right for the track ?...

Probably not. I like Mary Wilson's voice but she didn't have the x-factor/charisma/magnetism that Madonna or Diana had in their vocal performances. Her recordings are a bit boring because they lack that fire or distinctive quality. She always sounds like she is going through the motions. I don't think it would even have charted on the Hot 100. Maybe a minor club hit in U.S. and a minor hit in some european countries.

Madonna was an average singer at best, but she had such a presence, not just visually, but on record too. And she always found the right direction, production-wise. Her 80's records are so classic, so joyful, so timeless. It's a bit like The Supremes in the 60's. Pop perfection.

[Bluebrock]

Probably not. I like Mary Wilson's voice but she didn't have the x-factor/charisma/magnetism that Madonna or Diana had in their vocal performances. Her recordings are a bit boring because they lack that fire or distinctive quality. She always sounds like she is going through the motions. I don't think it would even have charted on the Hot 100. Maybe a minor club hit in U.S. and a minor hit in some european countries.

Madonna was an average singer at best, but she had such a presence, not just visually, but on record too. And she always found the right direction, production-wise. Her 80's records are so classic, so joyful, so timeless. It's a bit like The Supremes in the 60's. Pop perfection.

I tend to agree with you. Madonna was more charismatic and more mtv friendly than Mary. Holiday was perfect for her. Less so for Mary.

[lucky2012]

Probably not. I like Mary Wilson's voice but she didn't have the x-factor/charisma/magnetism that Madonna or Diana had in their vocal performances. Her recordings are a bit boring because they lack that fire or distinctive quality. She always sounds like she is going through the motions. I don't think it would even have charted on the Hot 100. Maybe a minor club hit in U.S. and a minor hit in some european countries.

Madonna was an average singer at best, but she had such a presence, not just visually, but on record too. And she always found the right direction, production-wise. Her 80's records are so classic, so joyful, so timeless. It's a bit like The Supremes in the 60's. Pop perfection.

I agree. My thoughts and opinion exactly.

[Guy]

Madonna was an average singer at best, but she had such a presence, not just visually, but on record too. And she always found the right direction, production-wise. Her 80's records are so classic, so joyful, so timeless. It's a bit like The Supremes in the 60's. Pop perfection.

"Holiday" is 80s pop perfection. It is all Madonna -- her charm, her edge, her exuberance, her swagger. Don't think it could have been a hit for anyone else.

[Deepdishus2001]

"Holiday" is 80s pop perfection. It is all Madonna -- her charm, her edge, her exuberance, her swagger. Don't think it could have been a hit for anyone else.

It is a perfect pop song with the perfect singer. This Sunday past there was another "Story of Their Songs" on Reelz that featured Madonna and they highlighted this song as well as Like A Virgin and Material Girl. They mentioned that the song was offered to two others singers but did not mention that Mary Wilson was one of them. The writer of the song, Curtis Hudson, mentioned that Madonna was there for the recording of every part of the song and even questioned the guitar lick he was playing. She is also the solo writer of 5 of the 8 tracks on the first album including its biggest hit, Lucky Star.

Madonna was always going to be a huge success. She has been maligned for her ambitions, re-inventions, overt sexuality, etc. Every producer from Nile Rodgers to Patrick Leonard to William Orbit to Pharrell, Babyface, Timberland, Timberlake, Diplo, Shep Pettibone, Jellybean, etc. has mentioned her work ethic and how involved she was/is in the making of her records, videos, tours, etc. Also, being a New Yorker, I remember all the earlier tracks, Everybody, Physical Attraction and Burning Up being played in all the clubs and on the local radio stations across every format.

[smallworld]

She is also the solo writer of 5 of the 8 tracks on the first album including its biggest hit, Lucky Star.

She has sole writing credit. Stephen Bray worked with her. They traded credits. For example, Bray got sole credit for "Ain't No Big Deal." Madonna took sole credit for "Lucky Star." And Reggie Lucas was given the publishing on "Physical Attraction."

[Deepdishus2001]

She has sole writing credit. Stephen Bray worked with her. They traded credits. For example, Bray got sole credit for "Ain't No Big Deal." Madonna took sole credit for "Lucky Star." And Reggie Lucas was given the publishing on "Physical Attraction."

I know who Stephen Bray is and that they worked together. Ain’t No Big Deal was not on the U.S. album. Reggie Lucas is ‘credited’ with Borderline as well as Physical Attraction. Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens for Holiday and Madonna for the other 5. They started sharing the credits on the Like a Virgin album. Loved ‘Each Time You Break My Heart’ that they gave to Nick Kamen. Wish that she had recorded it herself.

[nomis]

I think with Nile Rodgers at the helm it could have worked for Diana.. Beefed up bass line and guitar licks a plenty would have lent it a more funky, sophisticated feel.
I can imagine Diana conducting a huge singalong with the Central Park crowd. Everybody together “HOLIDAY”.
It certainly would have proved a bigger crowd pleaser then “Pieces Of Ice”.

That's a great take Ollie I can visualize that

[nomis]

Diana arrived unannounced at the studio where nile and madonna were recording like a virgin album with a bottle of champagne to toast madonna's new success telling her that her daughters loved her music.....soon after madonna debuted two new tracks at the Paradise garage nightclub Diana turned up to support apparently all eyes were on diana and not madonna's performance !

[Ollie9]

Diana arrived unannounced at the studio where nile and madonna were recording like a virgin album with a bottle of champagne to toast madonna's new success telling her that her daughters loved her music.....soon after madonna debuted two new tracks at the Paradise garage nightclub Diana turned up to support apparently all eyes were on diana and not madonna's performance !

Interesting snippet nomis. In a UK interview Diana mentioned how much she disliked Madonna. If my memory serves me correct, it was something to do with Madonna refusing to give her daughters an autograph.

[Bluebrock]

Interesting snippet nomis. In a UK interview Diana mentioned how much she disliked Madonna. If my memory serves me correct, it was something to do with Madonna refusing to give her daughters an autograph.

I am not going to go into this too deeply, but Madonna seemingly only did what Ms Ross has done on more than one occasion. I am fully aware of what went on here and Madonna's disgraceful behaviour [[of which this was just the tip of the iceberg) was unforgivable. Ms Ross was livid and let Madonna know exactly what she thought of her behaviour.
Suffice to say Ms Ross has blanked Madonna on the handful of occasions they have come face to face since then, including one very uncomfortable situation that i witnessed and wished i hadn't in London in the 90's.
These Diva's will be Diva's......

[Ollie9]

I am not going to go into this too deeply, but Madonna seemingly only did what Ms Ross has done on more than one occasion. I am fully aware of what went on here and Madonna's disgraceful behaviour [[of which this was just the tip of the iceberg) was unforgivable. Ms Ross was livid and let Madonna know exactly what she thought of her behaviour.
Suffice to say Ms Ross has blanked Madonna on the handful of occasions they have come face to face since then, including one very uncomfortable situation that i witnessed and wished i hadn't in London in the 90's.
These Diva's will be Diva's......

Interesting stuff. I would imagine both women have the same kind of tell it as it is, no nonsense personalities which wouldn’t help.

[djessie]

Diana arrived unannounced at the studio where nile and madonna were recording like a virgin album with a bottle of champagne to toast madonna's new success telling her that her daughters loved her music.....soon after madonna debuted two new tracks at the Paradise garage nightclub Diana turned up to support apparently all eyes were on diana and not madonna's performance !

This photo is from the Paradise Garage event. The only picture I have seen of my two favorite queens, Madonna & Diana, together.

[Ollie9]

This photo is from the Paradise Garage event. The only picture I have seen of my two favorite queens, Madonna & Diana, together.

A really nice pic. They obviously got on before the dreaded autograph incident. Thanks for posting.

[Bluebrock]

This photo is from the Paradise Garage event. The only picture I have seen of my two favorite queens, Madonna & Diana, together.

I would be very surprised if there are any other photos of this pair of needy Diva's in existence.
Ms Ross even pulled out of presenting an award at the Brit Awards a few years ago when she learned Madonna would be performing on the same show.

[Deepdishus2001]

This photo is from the Paradise Garage event. The only picture I have seen of my two favorite queens, Madonna & Diana, together.

I remember seeing this photo in the NY Daily News. Always wondered if Nile had produced Diana for her 1985 release instead of the Gibbs. There were several albums he produced in 85-86 that had decent size success, Duran Duran's Notorious, Grace Jones' Inside Story and Sheena Easton's Do You. Would have loved to hear Diana do something like I'm Not Perfect [[But I'm Perfect for You) or Do You which went pop top 30 and probably would have gone higher with Diana singing it.

[Guy]

I remember seeing this photo in the NY Daily News. Always wondered if Nile had produced Diana for her 1985 release instead of the Gibbs. There were several albums he produced in 85-86 that had decent size success, Duran Duran's Notorious, Grace Jones' Inside Story and Sheena Easton's Do You. Would have loved to hear Diana do something like I'm Not Perfect [[But I'm Perfect for You) or Do You which went pop top 30 and probably would have gone higher with Diana singing it.

Thank you for reminding me of Sheena Easton's "Do You." That was a great album. I think that was another reason "Workin' Overtime" was such a shock. Nile was so gifted at creating soulful pop, it just doesn't make sense how WO came to be.

[Bluebrock]

Thank you for reminding me of Sheena Easton's "Do You." That was a great album. I think that was another reason "Workin' Overtime" was such a shock. Nile was so gifted at creating soulful pop, it just doesn't make sense how WO came to be.

As i have previously mentioned Nile had serious personal issues at the time.

[Ollie9]

Thank you for reminding me of Sheena Easton's "Do You." That was a great album. I think that was another reason "Workin' Overtime" was such a shock. Nile was so gifted at creating soulful pop, it just doesn't make sense how WO came to be.

From comments Diana has made about the kind of music she was listening to around the time of WO, i would say she was the one who pushed Nile in the direction the album went in.

[Deepdishus2001]

Thank you for reminding me of Sheena Easton's "Do You." That was a great album. I think that was another reason "Workin' Overtime" was such a shock. Nile was so gifted at creating soulful pop, it just doesn't make sense how WO came to be.

It was/is a great album. Very talented lady. Plus it has a cover of Jimmy Mack which would have been a hoot to hear Diana sing. As stated earlier, I think her MCA debut The Lover in Me would have been the perfect album for Diana's MCA debut or Motown return. Production by LA & Babyface, Prince, Angela Winbush, Prince and Jellybean. Current sounding but still age appropriate. There are 2 gorgeous ballads, Follow My Rainbow and Fire & Rain which I can definitely hear Diana singing.

I actually like Workin' Overtime. I like/love all the second Motown stint albums. As other posters have said, the right key would have made a difference. I think The Bottom Line and Going Through the Motions were in the right key. And the songs were great live. I have the vinyl 12" that house a house mix in addition to the extended mix of WO that was pretty good. I still maintain if the producers name was switched to Teddy Riley or LA & Babyface, the album would have been a success, not a smash hit but a decent size success.

As for whether a not someone is a good person, it doesn't stop me from liking their music. I try to separate the art from the artist. Don't care what Patti Labelle thinks about Madonna, Madonna about Diana, Diana about Madonna, etc. My three favorites are Diana, Madonna & Barbra. The three women who probably get crapped on more than anyone else in the business and that are probably the toughest. LOL I love their music. I also like Madonna because she doesn't hide her toughness, b-ness or prickliness for the camera. It is pretty much out there. I kind of appreciate the lack of warm and fuzzy if that make sense. T

[RanRan79]

There's nothing extraordinary about "Holiday". If not for the string of extraordinary singles released in it's wake, Madonna could've very well have been a one hit wonder. Did her voice add anything to "Holiday"? Sure. I think she gives off a fun vibe, and the song is a fun song. But this wasn't a Jennifer Holiday tune. The lyrics are so simple, most of what makes the song worth listening to is the track, so IMO only someone doing the most horrible of vocals could've failed to turn "Holiday" into a hit.

That being said, there's also no reason to believe that Mary Wilson's "Holiday" would've been exactly like Madonna's. Producers know their singers. Tweaks to tracks get made to suit the singer. Or maybe Jellybean just felt Mary was right for it. Sometimes I do get the feeling that some fans think too deeply about what makes a song a hit. Sometimes a song is just a song no matter who is singing it.

But for the record, it's hard for me to envision Mary singing this one because I can only hear Madonna and the two singers have two very different voices.

[nomis]

There's nothing extraordinary about "Holiday". If not for the string of extraordinary singles released in it's wake, Madonna could've very well have been a one hit wonder. Did her voice add anything to "Holiday"? Sure. I think she gives off a fun vibe, and the song is a fun song. But this wasn't a Jennifer Holiday tune. The lyrics are so simple, most of what makes the song worth listening to is the track, so IMO only someone doing the most horrible of vocals could've failed to turn "Holiday" into a hit.

That being said, there's also no reason to believe that Mary Wilson's "Holiday" would've been exactly like Madonna's. Producers know their singers. Tweaks to tracks get made to suit the singer. Or maybe Jellybean just felt Mary was right for it. Sometimes I do get the feeling that some fans think too deeply about what makes a song a hit. Sometimes a song is just a song no matter who is singing it.

But for the record, it's hard for me to envision Mary singing this one because I can only hear Madonna and the two singers have two very different voices.

Good points

[PeaceNHarmony]

Most likely, nothing.

[nomis]

Diana appeared on u.k tv show "t.f.i" in 1999 to promote not over you yet... interviewer chris evans said "madonna's just a flash in the pan compared to you.." Diana replied "no she's got some legs" the audience laugh and diana said " I mean longevity.."

[Bluebrock]

Diana appeared on u.k tv show "t.f.i" in 1999 to promote not over you yet... interviewer chris evans said "madonna's just a flash in the pan compared to you.." Diana replied "no she's got some legs" the audience laugh and diana said " I mean longevity.."

I was with her at this appearance. The programme did not run quite as smoothly as you might think.
Chris Evan's arrived late at the studio much to Ms Ross's dismay. He did not like to rehearse the show. Instead he preferred to be more spontanious and let the show flow naturally. Sometimes that would work. Other times it would be a disaster. Ms Ross did not appreciate any surprises. She needed to be entirely in control and was not given to be put outside of her comfort zone. All this created friction, and it is to the credit of both artists that the finished broadcast looked relaxed and slick.
The atmosphere after the show was not good, and Chris Evans flounced out of the studio like the spoiled diva he could be and pulled out of the recording of An Audience With Diana Ross 2 days later where he was supposed to ask Ms Ross a question as a member of the audience.
It was days such as this which made me realise i did not want to do this anymore.
P.s. Apologies for going slightly off topic.

[nomis]

I was with her at this appearance. The programme did not run quite as smoothly as you might think.
Chris Evan's arrived late at the studio much to Ms Ross's dismay. He did not like to rehearse the show. Instead he preferred to be more spontanious and let the show flow naturally. Sometimes that would work. Other times it would be a disaster. Ms Ross did not appreciate any surprises. She needed to be entirely in control and was not given to be put outside of her comfort zone. All this created friction, and it is to the credit of both artists that the finished broadcast looked relaxed and slick.
The atmosphere after the show was not good, and Chris Evans flounced out of the studio like the spoiled diva he could be and pulled out of the recording of An Audience With Diana Ross 2 days later where he was supposed to ask Ms Ross a question as a member of the audience.
It was days such as this which made me realise i did not want to do this anymore.
P.s. Apologies for going slightly off topic.

wow you would never know there was tension it's a fun interview witty,fast paced and interesting

[Bluebrock]

wow you would never know there was tension it's a fun interview witty,fast paced and interesting

Tell me about it! It looks like everyone was having a ball yet the whole day was an absolute nightmare. I still shudder at the very thought of it.

[Nitro2015]

Tell me about it! It looks like everyone was having a ball yet the whole day was an absolute nightmare. I still shudder at the very thought of it.

Bluebrock, it's very interesting to know about these occurrences. Not surprising, for sure.

The fact is, I don't exactly why, but everything Diana was involved in those years seemed to be filled with turbulence: VH1 Divas, the whole Return To Love debacle, the heathrow controversy... how can someone get so much in trouble in so little time?

I wonder if Diana unconsciously didn't like all the trouble, the fist fights... the backstage stories are always the same: a very challenging diva who was always upset, angry or in disagreement with something around her. Too much trouble for just one person!!!!!

[Ollie9]

Bluebrock, it's very interesting to know about these occurrences. Not surprising, for sure.

The fact is, I don't exactly why, but everything Diana was involved in those years seemed to be filled with turbulence: VH1 Divas, the whole Return To Love debacle, the heathrow controversy... how can someone get so much in trouble in so little time?

I wonder if Diana unconsciously didn't like all the trouble, the fist fights... the backstage stories are always the same: a very challenging diva who was always upset, angry or in disagreement with something around her. Too much trouble for just one person!!!!!

Who was it who once said to Diana “why are you always so angry”?. I certainly remember reading it.

[Bluebrock]

Who was it who once said to Diana “why are you always so angry”?. I certainly remember reading it.

I suspect many people have said that to her over the years, or at the very least wanted to say it.
Thankfully she has gradually mellowed with age. I think part of her problem was sheer exhaustion due to a very heavy workload. It is also very true to say she did not eat enough food for many years. Hunger brings anger! I know from personal experience how a lack of food can bring out the worst in us. It was only in the 80's that she was finally comfortable in her own body and she began to eat certain foods she would previously have avoided at all costs to maintain her figure.
Getting married in 1986 played an important role in her search for inner peace and contentment. We all know the marriage turned sour, but for a good few years she was blissfully happy, and it was lovely to see.

[khansperac]

Video link?

[nomis]

I just read in "classic pop " magazine that madonna was furious from how much money nile rodgers made from "like a virgin " album and vowed to co produce her next album which was "true blue "...nile must have had a heavy stake in "working overtime" one could presume

[nomis]

I know who Stephen Bray is and that they worked together. Ain’t No Big Deal was not on the U.S. album. Reggie Lucas is ‘credited’ with Borderline as well as Physical Attraction. Curtis Hudson and Lisa Stevens for Holiday and Madonna for the other 5. They started sharing the credits on the Like a Virgin album. Loved ‘Each Time You Break My Heart’ that they gave to Nick Kamen. Wish that she had recorded it herself.

Yes kamen looked good but he could barely hold a tune lol..the original application to copyright "physical attraction" co credits madonna as a writer it is very similar in chorus to her early demo with bray " crimes of passion " which was discarded coming to light years later with a totally new studio production from bray with her original vocal inserted by this time she sadly no longer collaborated with bray

[Deepdishus2001]

Yes kamen looked good but he could barely hold a tune lol..the original application to copyright "physical attraction" co credits madonna as a writer it is very similar in chorus to her early demo with bray " crimes of passion " which was discarded coming to light years later with a totally new studio production from bray with her original vocal inserted by this time she sadly no longer collaborated with bray

But he actually made some good records, lol Move Until We Fly, Looking Good Diving and Tell Me featuring more background vocals from Madonna.